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By Hafsat Ukissa, Kaduna

A condolence visit by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr LA, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, turned tense along Zaria Road in Kaduna after a group of youths reportedly confronted him over allegations of poor representation and prolonged absence from the constituency.

The Senator was said to be visiting the family of the late Councillor, Hon. Ado Dankula, to condole with them over the death of their relative when the incident occurred.

According to eyewitnesses, the youths, who were angered by what they described as neglect, accused the lawmaker of abandoning his constituents for more than three years after his election to the National Assembly.

One of the youths, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, alleged that since relocating to Abuja after the 2023 general elections, Senator Adamu had become largely inaccessible and rarely visited Kaduna Central or attended community engagements.

He claimed that the alleged absence had created resentment among constituents who had expected greater visibility and active participation in local issues from their elected representative.

He further alleged that the Senator had shown limited commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of the people, leading to growing frustration among the youths.

The situation reportedly became rowdy, prompting the swift intervention of security personnel who dispersed the crowd and escorted the Senator away from the scene.

The youth also alleged that Senator Adamu had only recently increased his visits to the constituency because of his reported interest in contesting for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

“We say no to leaders who seek public office for personal gains and interests. We are ready to come out en masse and vote him out,” he said.

He explained that the confrontation was intended to express their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as inadequate representation, though he admitted that physically confronting the lawmaker was not appropriate.

The incident comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as elected officials and aspirants intensify engagement with constituents across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by Senator Lawal Adamu or his media team regarding the alleged confrontation or the allegations raised by the youths.

Kaduna

A condolence visit by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr LA, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, turned tense along Zaria Road in Kaduna after a group of youths reportedly confronted him over allegations of poor representation and prolonged absence from the constituency.

The Senator was said to be visiting the family of the late Councillor, Hon. Ado Dankula, to condole with them over the death of their relative when the incident occurred.

According to eyewitnesses, the youths, who were angered by what they described as neglect, accused the lawmaker of abandoning his constituents for more than three years after his election to the National Assembly.

One of the youths, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, alleged that since relocating to Abuja after the 2023 general elections, Senator Adamu had become largely inaccessible and rarely visited Kaduna Central or attended community engagements.

He claimed that the alleged absence had created resentment among constituents who had expected greater visibility and active participation in local issues from their elected representative.

He further alleged that the Senator had shown limited commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of the people, leading to growing frustration among the youths.

The situation reportedly became rowdy, prompting the swift intervention of security personnel who dispersed the crowd and escorted the Senator away from the scene.

The youth also alleged that Senator Adamu had only recently increased his visits to the constituency because of his reported interest in contesting for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

“We say no to leaders who seek public office for personal gains and interests. We are ready to come out en masse and vote him out,” he said.

He explained that the confrontation was intended to express their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as inadequate representation, though he admitted that physically confronting the lawmaker was not appropriate.

The incident comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as elected officials and aspirants intensify engagement with constituents across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by Senator Lawal Adamu or his media team regarding the alleged confrontation or the allegations raised by the youths.

The National Action for Democracy (NAD) has declared that the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, represents the voice of the people in his position on emerging political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, in a statement made available to journalists and signed by Garbadeen Mohammed, also blasted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his recent attacks on Governor Uzodinma.

NAD said Uzodinma was acting within his responsibilities as chairman of the forum of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and in defence of democratic institutions and party cohesion.

The statement comes amid the ongoing political disagreement involving Wike and some APC governors over the minister’s proposed “Rainbow Coalition”, a cross-party political arrangement which Wike has presented as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

NAD maintained that Uzodinma’s position should not be construed as opposition to President Tinubu, noting that the PGF chairman had reaffirmed the commitment of APC governors to the President’s re-election and the success of the party’s candidates at other levels of government.

The organisation therefore faulted Wike’s criticism of Uzodinma, urging political actors to resolve disagreements through dialogue, consultation and democratic engagement rather than personal attacks.

Wike had accused Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of working against his political activities, while maintaining that his support for Tinubu was principally directed at the President’s re-election and did not necessarily translate into support for every APC candidate.

The FCT minister also alleged that some APC governors are opposed to the proposed Rainbow Coalition because of concerns over possible attempts to influence the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.

NAD, however, said Uzodinma’s position was consistent with his responsibilities as an APC governor and chairman of the PGF, particularly as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the organisation, the disagreement has highlighted a broader political debate over the relationship between support for a presidential candidate and loyalty to political parties and their candidates contesting governorship and legislative elections.

The group urged political actors to shift attention towards issues affecting Nigerians, including governance, economic development, security and democratic accountability, rather than allowing personal disagreements to dominate political discourse.

NAD said political differences were a normal feature of democratic practice, but stressed that such differences should be managed in a manner that protects the integrity of political institutions and respects the electorate.

The organisation called on Nigerians to carefully examine the positions, records, programmes and commitments of political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections and make their own informed decisions.

NAD also commended Uzodinma for what it described as his defence of the institutional interests of the APC and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, while urging all political stakeholders to uphold democratic dialogue, tolerance and respect for divergent views.

A group identified as the North-East Forum has expressed support for the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, Senator Hope Uzodinma, describing his role in the affairs of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as important to the party’s mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum, in a statement made available to journalists, said Uzodinma had demonstrated commitment to strengthening cooperation among APC stakeholders and promoting the party’s programmes across the country.

In the statement signed by Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Mala Suleiman, the development comes amid renewed political activities ahead of the 2027 elections and recent exchanges involving Uzodinma and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike recently accused Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of working against him politically. Wike said he had differences with the two governors over political developments and his efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

The North-East Forum, however, said its support for Uzodinma was based on what it described as his contribution to political engagement, party cohesion and the mobilisation of stakeholders.

Uzodinma currently chairs the PGF, the platform through which APC governors coordinate on issues affecting the party and governance. The forum’s leadership status was reaffirmed earlier this year after reports circulated claiming that he had been removed. The PGF subsequently described the report as false and stated that Uzodinma remained its chairman.

The Imo governor has also assumed a prominent role in the APC’s 2027 mobilisation structure. In August, the APC Presidential Campaign Council announced former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General, with Uzodinma named Secretary of the council.

The North-East Forum said Uzodinma’s involvement in national political coordination demonstrated the importance of building bridges across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

It urged APC stakeholders in the North-East to remain focused on issues of development, security, economic opportunities and political stability rather than allowing disagreements among individual politicians to distract from broader national objectives.

The forum also called for constructive political engagement among leaders, saying disagreements were part of democratic politics but should not undermine national cohesion.

Uzodinma has in recent months participated in several APC mobilisation activities. At a South-South Strategic Communications and Mobilisation Summit in Asaba, he called for unity of purpose, a common message and coordinated grassroots mobilisation. He argued that government policies and reforms needed to be communicated effectively to citizens at the grassroots.

The governor has also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign-exchange reforms, arguing that the measures were intended to address longstanding structural problems in the Nigerian economy.

While the forum’s intervention comes against the backdrop of political disagreements within and around the APC, it said its position should be viewed as an expression of support for Uzodinma’s political engagement and not as a call for confrontation with any individual or group.

It appealed to political leaders across the country to prioritise dialogue and issue-based engagement as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has reaffirmed its support for the leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, while criticising recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group’s position followed the September 15 declaration by APC governors that they would not participate in or endorse any political alliance capable of weakening the All Progressives Congress (APC) or adversely affecting the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.

Uzodimma, who announced the position after an APC governors’ meeting in Abuja, said the governors’ campaign commitment was to APC candidates at all levels.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, the AYPC urged APC governors and other stakeholders to prioritise unity, inclusiveness and collective responsibility as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.

The group expressed concern over criticism of the governors’ position, particularly comments attributed to supporters of the Rainbow Coalition associated with Wike.

It said the PGF was within its political remit to insist that APC governors support candidates produced through the party’s official structures.

According to the group, the governors’ declaration should not be interpreted as opposition to support for President Bola Tinubu, but rather as an assertion of the APC’s organisational structure and its candidates.

Wike, however, has maintained that the Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party platform established to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election and has no formal affiliation with the APC.

He has also argued that members of the coalition can support Tinubu for president while backing candidates from other parties in state and legislative elections.

However, the AYPC which vehemently criticised Wike’s attacks on the APC governors, insisted that the FCT Minister should concentrate on his responsibilities in Abuja and allow the ruling party to manage its internal political affairs.

“Wike should be cautioned and told to know his boundaries as a member of an opposition party given the privilege to serve in the Tinubu-led APC government,” the group stated.

The organisation nevertheless acknowledged that support platforms outside the APC could contribute to the mobilisation of votes for President Tinubu, provided their activities did not undermine the party’s candidates or create competing structures.

The AYPC therefore called for restraint among political stakeholders and urged APC leaders, governors and support groups to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the President’s support base.

It said supporters of the administration should pursue cooperation and political stability while respecting the rights of Nigerians to make their choices at the 2027 elections.

The group maintained that the focus should remain on peaceful political engagement, internal party cohesion and democratic participation as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.

Abari Dickson

… Says Security Reforms, Military Welfare, Rural Electrification Strengthen President’s Chances

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna 

The political temperature ahead of the 2027 presidential election received a fresh jolt yesterday as the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys a broadening support base in Northern Nigeria and will face no serious opposition from the region.

The group, in a strongly worded political statement issued in Abuja, said Northern youths had resolved to support Tinubu’s bid for a second term, citing what it described as the administration’s interventions in security, military welfare, pensions, rural electrification and grassroots economic development.

AYAGL, which said it speaks for millions of young Nigerians, socio-political groups and grassroots movements across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, said its position followed consultations with traditional leaders, political analysts, youth coalitions, agrarian unions and civil society actors.

Its verdict was unequivocal: Tinubu will be returned by the North in 2027.

The group said its position was not based on political expediency, but on what it described as “verifiable indicators of patriotic governance, equitable distribution of federal patronage and strategic elevation of outstanding Northern administrators into national leadership.”

In the statement signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, AYAGL argued that the Tinubu administration had demonstrated a willingness to give Northerners meaningful responsibility within the federal government while simultaneously pursuing programmes it said were directly impacting communities across the region.

Security featured prominently in the group’s assessment of the administration.

AYAGL commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for what it described as stronger inter-service coordination and intensified military operations against terrorists, bandits and insurgents.

The group said the Defence Ministry had recorded significant progress in the fight against violent criminal groups operating across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.

It also linked improved military morale to the administration’s review of salaries, allowances and hazard benefits for members of the armed forces.

According to the group, the welfare measures demonstrated that the government recognised the sacrifices of soldiers deployed in the nation’s most difficult security theatres.

“Under the direct vision of President Tinubu, Gen. Musa championed the historic upward review of salaries, operational allowances and hazard benefits for our gallant armed forces,” AYAGL stated.

The organisation said the measures had “rejuvenated frontline morale” and sent a strong message that the sacrifices of military personnel were being recognised by government.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also came under the spotlight as the Northern youth body praised his role in coordinating the country’s intelligence and internal security architecture.

AYAGL credited Ribadu with strengthening intelligence-sharing and supporting operations against violent non-state actors, oil thieves and bandit networks.

The group described the NSA’s leadership style as “non-nonsense” and integrity-driven, maintaining that his coordination had brought greater cohesion to the national security establishment.

The organisation also praised the leadership of the Military Pensions Board, saying reforms in pension administration had improved the welfare of retired military personnel.

It said the adoption of technology and stronger financial controls had helped address longstanding administrative challenges and improve the speed and reliability of pension payments.

For Northern communities struggling with inadequate electricity supply, AYAGL said the activities of the Rural Electrification Agency had provided another major reason for its support for the administration.

The group singled out REA Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu, crediting the agency with expanding solar mini-grids and other off-grid electricity projects in rural communities.

According to AYAGL, improved electricity access is already supporting small businesses, agricultural activities and cold-chain infrastructure while creating employment opportunities for young people.

The organisation argued that the electrification programme could also help reduce the pressure driving young people from rural communities into already congested urban centres.

But beyond its assessment of government programmes, the statement contained a clear political message to Northern politicians contemplating presidential or alternative political ambitions ahead of 2027.

AYAGL urged such politicians to reconsider their positions and align with what it called the emerging consensus in the region.

“Political figures nursing sectional or divisive ambitions within the region for 2027” should align with the prevailing position of the people, the group said.

It added that Northern youths would not allow themselves to become instruments of political fragmentation.

“Northern youths will not lend their strength to political speculation or fragmentation,” the group declared.

The organisation maintained that the North was “resolute, organised and united” in its determination to support Tinubu’s re-election.

The declaration comes as political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential election intensify, with political actors and interest groups increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the contest.

For AYAGL, however, the argument is already settled.

The group said the administration’s performance should be judged by outcomes rather than political rhetoric, pointing to security, economic integration, human-capital development and infrastructure as areas where it believes the North has benefited.

“Leadership is measured by results, empathy and institutional performance,” the group said.

It argued that the North remained central to the Tinubu administration’s governing agenda and that the region’s youths would support continuity rather than political experimentation.

The declaration effectively places AYAGL at the forefront of the pro-Tinubu mobilisation in the North and signals an attempt to shape the region’s political conversation well ahead of the 2027 polls.

For the group, the message to Northern politicians and voters is clear: continuity, not fragmentation; consolidation, not political uncertainty.

And with 2027 approaching, AYAGL insists that the North has already made its choice.

ENDS

The Minister of State for Defence and immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, has reassured the people of Zamfara State and other communities affected by banditry of the Federal Government’s continued determination to eradicate banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.

Dr. Matawalle gave the assurance in Kaduna on Saturday during an interactive meeting with former members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, former cabinet members, Special Advisers and other political associates who served under his administration between 2019 and 2023.

The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to deliberate on a number of important issues, with security taking centre stage, alongside political movements and issues bordering on the development of Zamfara State.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister said the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any serious government, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has doubled efforts in building a bridge of peace, unity and political cohesion in the country.

He said President Tinubu will never overlook issues of insecurity, economic development, peace and unity of the nation, despite political activities and challenges.

“Security of lives and property is the major concern of every serious government in any country. That is why the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has focused strongly on securing the nation,” Matawalle maintained.

Matawalle noted that the President’s commitment to national security was evident in his frequent engagements and consultations on security matters, both within and outside the country.

He urged the gathering to mobilise support for the Tinubu Again Movement, charging them to reach out to communities across Zamfara State and beyond to galvanise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Earlier, leaders of the various groups represented at the meeting commended Dr. Matawalle for maintaining what they described as a formidable political structure since his tenure as Executive Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.

They noted that despite his current national assignment as a member of the Federal Executive Council, Matawalle has continued to command the loyalty and support of a significant number of people across Zamfara State.

The leaders pledged their total support and loyalty for the success of President Tinubu’s renewed efforts, saying that the success of the President would also translate into their own success.

They further expressed their readiness to market President Tinubu and showcase Matawalle’s leadership, describing him as a leader who has demonstrated concern for the welfare and aspirations of his supporters.

The immediate past Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, has reassured the people of Zamfara State and other communities affected by banditry of the Federal Government’s continued determination to eradicate banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.

Dr. Matawalle gave the assurance in Kaduna on Saturday during an interactive meeting with former members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, former cabinet members and Special Advisers, other political associates, particularly who served under his administration between 2019 – 2023

The meeting provided an opportunity for the participants to deliberate on a number of important issues, with security taking centre stage, political movement and issues with the development of Zamfara state.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister said the protection of lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of any serious government. Hence President Tinubu doubled efforts in building a bridge of peace, unity and political cohesion in the country.

He said, President Tinubu will never overlooked issues of insecurity, economic development, peace and unity of the nation, despite political activities and challenges.

“Security of lives and property is the major concern of every serious government in any country. That is why the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has focused strongly on securing the nation”. Matawalle maintained.

Matawalle noted that the President’s commitment to national security was evident in his frequent engagements and consultations on security matters, both within and outside the country.

He urged the gathering to mobilise support for the Tinubu Again Movement, charging them to reach out to communities across Zamfara State and beyond to galvanise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Earlier, leaders of the various groups represented at the meeting commended Mohammed Bello Matawalle for maintaining what they described as a formidable political structure since his tenure as Executive Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.

They noted that despite his current national assignment as a member of the Federal Executive Council, Matawalle had continued to command the loyalty and support of a significant number of people across Zamfara State.

The leaders pledged their total support and loyalty for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed efforts; saying that the success of the President would also translate into their own success.

They further expressed their readiness in marketing President Tinubu and show casing Matawalle’s leadership and described him as a leader who had demonstrated concern for the welfare and aspirations of his supporters.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, has commended Governor Uba Sani for approving enhanced remuneration for traditional rulers across the state.

The association said the approval covers paramount rulers, including Emirs and Chiefs, as well as district and village heads, describing the decision as a boost to the traditional institution and its role in promoting peace, security and grassroots development.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Sheikh Jamilu Abubakar Albani, said traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in governance and served as a vital link between government and the people.

The association said the improved remuneration would further motivate traditional leaders and strengthen their capacity to support intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence and community mobilisation.

ALGON said improved welfare for traditional rulers would also contribute to efforts to address security challenges and promote peace and harmony across the 23 local government areas of the state.

It commended Sani for his efforts to strengthen the relevance of traditional institutions as partners in the administration’s peace-building and development agenda.

The association, on behalf of the 23 local government councils, pledged continued collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders towards consolidating peace, security, good governance and sustainable grassroots development.

ALGON also urged traditional rulers to reciprocate the gesture by strengthening their collaboration with local government councils and other relevant agencies in promoting peaceful coexistence, security and the overall development of the state.

…Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Late Veteran Actor in Kaduna

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid tribute to the late veteran Hausa actor, Mohammed Sani, popularly known as Tumbuleke, describing him as one of the pioneers whose remarkable contributions helped shape Hausa comedy and television entertainment in Nigeria.

Musawa made the remarks in Kaduna on Thursday when she visited the family of the late actor at his residence on Adamawa Road to condole with them over his death.

Tumbuleke, aged 86, died on August 11, 2026, after an illness. He rose to prominence through Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) productions in the 1980s and became widely recognised for his distinctive contributions to Hausa comedy and indigenous television entertainment.

Speaking with journalists after the condolence visit, Musawa said the government was concerned about ensuring that the contributions of pioneers of Nigeria’s creative industry were not lost with their passing.

She said the Federal Government would engage with the late actor’s family on ways of documenting his life, works and contributions to the creative industry for the benefit of future generations.

“We are here to share in the grief of the family and condole with them, as well as see how we can preserve his legacies and document them for the future,” the minister said.

According to her, preserving the works and memories of cultural icons such as Tumbuleke was important to ensuring that future generations understood the contributions made by pioneers of the entertainment industry.

Musawa explained that she had intended to have a detailed discussion with members of the family during the visit on how the late actor’s legacy could be documented, but was unable to conclude the discussion.

“I had to sit with the family to discuss how we can document his legacies. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. However, I will meet with the family to ensure that his enduring legacies are preserved,” she said.

The minister also prayed for the repose of Tumbuleke’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The death of Tumbuleke has been widely regarded as a loss to Hausa entertainment, particularly given his contribution to the development of comedy and television productions in the 1980s.

He is survived by his wife and children.