Politics
2023: ECOWAS engages political actors from North West, North East
2023: ECOWAS engages political actors from North West, North East
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission has engaged the leaderships of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and other stakeholders in identifying ways to a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.
The leaders drawn from the Northwest and Northeastern states of Nigeria were taken on training and interactive engagements on dialogue and mediation for national peace held on Tuesday in Kano. The 4-Day program is geared towards violent-free 2023 general elections in Nigeria with the enhancement of participants’ dialogue and mediation skills and platforms for addressing contentious issues, thus contributing to the prevention and mitigation of electoral-related conflicts and violence before, during, and after the polls.
Speaking, the ECOWAS Commission Programme Officer on Mediation, Directorate of Political Affairs, Dr. Brown Odigie, said the commission is concerned with the situation in the country, hence the need to bring stakeholders on board.
“We are committed to a peaceful electoral process in the region and Nigeria being an important and strategic member of ECOWAS, the commission is concerned that with the findings on the happenings in the nation, one of the key recommendations is to ensure that we interact with critical stakeholders and engage them on the need for the prevention of electoral violence by the use of mediation and creating room for dialogue among political actors and stakeholders.
“More importantly also, to address contentious issues around the electoral process and to ensure that we all work together with the hope that the political actors will appreciate the commitment of ECOWAS using mediation in resolving electoral related disputes and conflicts.”
Odigie had also in an earlier statement made available on behalf of the Commission, stressed that the training and interactive exercise are also expected to help create a healthy opportunity for participants to take cognizance of and appreciate the ECOWAS Constitutional Convergence Principles and Frameworks for transparent and peaceful elections, as espoused by the 2001 supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance, as well as the commitments of ECOWAS to the processes of dialogue and mediation in resolving electoral disputes and conflicts.
The statement noted that the stakeholders are also being brought together for a brainstorm, against the backdrop of electoral contestations which have become a major source of conflicts in West Africa, with grave potential for violence, triggered or heightened by the high premium on political power in the political discourse of both politicians and their supporters.
On his part, the National Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani expressed worry over how the democratic system is being driven on the path of sabotage.
“Looking at the democratic space itself and all the institutions, you will discover that the political parties produce all the other organs of governance. The onus is on us to ensure that democracy survives and serves the purpose of the citizens of the country and that cannot happen without peace. Monetization of the process is so obscene that it will ruin the purpose of democracy.
“If you allow money or violence to take over the situation, what you end up with is compromised in a manner that is not anticipated in the principle of democracy in this country.
“Money has been allowed to be used excessively and violence has not been dealt with in the manner that is supposed to because as we speak today, the bill with the Commission for electoral offenses is still in the works and hasn’t been passed into law yet.”
In the same vein, ACP Daniel Amah, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, listed some of the causes of the election conflict in Nigeria including winner-takes-all syndrome, zero-sum approach to gaining political power, and lack of political ideology.
Amah also listed a lack of discipline by political actors, excess monetization of the polity, and too much focus on attacking personalities rather than on issues.
Also speaking, the representative of the United Nations Office in West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) Liaison Office in Nigeria, Dr. James Aji, harped on the importance of Nigeria’s peace and stability not only to the sub-region but the whole African continent.
According to Aji, “this is because Nigeria is like the engine that drives other issues in the region. This is why, he said, UNOWAS is working with other stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in the country.
The workshop which is part of the ECOWAS‘ strategic and operational support for the country’s peaceful 2023 general elections, is a follow-up to a similar one with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and other relevant stakeholders from the Southwest geopolitical zone of the country held in Lagos state in November 2022.
It would be recalled that participants at the Lagos Meeting committed to peaceful general elections by echoing messages of hope, confidence, and trust in the electoral process including upholding the content and spirit of the Peace Accord signed by political parties and presidential candidates on the Prevention of Violence and Promotion of issue-based Campaigns.
The training and interactive workshops are being supported with funding from the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark under the Danish Africa Programme for Peace.
In a related development Pre–the election Fact-Finding Delegation from the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) led by the Former Chairman of the Electoral Commission in Ghana, Mr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan was in Kano.
The high-powered delegation was in the state to assess the level of preparedness and established issues ahead of the 2023 general elections.
2023: ECOWAS engages political actors from North West, North East
Buni wins the Yobe East senatorial seat
By: Yahaya Wakili
The executive governor of Yobe state, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has won the Yobe East senatorial district primary election.
And Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai has won the Yobe South Senatorial seat. While Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON, the longest-serving senator, has won the Yobe North Senatorial seat, respectively.
Senator Musa Mustapha moved a motion for endorsement of His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON as the sole APC senatorial candidate for the Yobe East Senatorial District.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Lawan Shettima Ali in line with the provisions of our laws.
“I am truly grateful to our political leaders and constituents for the opportunity given to me to serve in the Nigerian Senate,” Senator Mustapha said.
He maintained that Governor Mai Mala Buni and I have always agreed on everything that we have to do to make our state better, and he is the one that will take over from me.
“With his track record of performance, the Yobe East senatorial election has already been won by Governor Buni, inshallah, and I don’t think there is anybody today with the political capacity to even come near him in the upcoming elections.
Buni wins the Yobe East senatorial seat
2027: Fintiri wins APC’s senatorial ticket for Adamawa North
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial ticket in the forthcoming 2027 general elections for Adamawa North Senatorial District.
Mr Wilfred William, the returning officer of the APC primary election for Adamawa North senatorial district declared Fintiri the winner and returned him as APC’s candidate at the collation centre in Mubi-North Local Government Area of Adamawa.
He said that the election was conducted across the five LGAs in the zone; Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi-North and Mubi-South.
“The total number of votes for the five LGAs is 292,070, accredited votes 174,514, votes cast 174,514.
“The following are the number of votes scored by each aspirant; Abdulrahaman Kwacham 6,958 votes; Ahmadu Fintiri 160,579 votes and Hamisu Medugu 6,977.
“Having satisfied the requirements, Fintiri scored the highest votes and was hereby declared the winner and returned elected for the Adamawa North Senatorial District,” he said.
2027: Fintiri wins APC’s senatorial ticket for Adamawa North
2027: “VP Shettima is the soul of the Tinubu ticket.”
By: Dr. James Bwala
In the complex and often unpredictable landscape of Nigerian politics, few figures command the nuanced respect and unyielding support that Vice President Kashim Shettima does within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond. As Nigeria approaches the pivotal 2027 elections, political discourse has increasingly focused on the symbiotic relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice president, Shettima—an alliance many analysts and insiders argue forms an inseparable whole. Among those who have championed this narrative for over a decade, I have steadfastly promoted and defended Shettima’s candidacy and political persona in the media, convinced that he is not only indispensable to Tinubu’s ticket but indeed its very soul.
Shettima’s political journey is marked by resilience, versatility, and a deep commitment to Nigeria’s democratic evolution. From his early days as governor of Borno State—where he confronted extremist insurgencies with a combination of diplomacy and firmness—to his current role as vice president, Shettima has consistently demonstrated qualities essential to governance: courage, strategic thinking, and an unshakeable connection to the grassroots. These attributes have earned him a rare kind of political capital, transcending regional and ethnic divides that often constrain Nigerian politicians.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
The past few years have seen me articulate these points repeatedly, emphasizing Shettima’s unique ability to balance the interests of northern Nigeria while aligning with Tinubu’s southwestern base. This duality is critical in a country where political equations are fundamentally intertwined with geography and identity. Shettima’s presence on the ticket effectively broadens the coalition, ensuring that the APC maintains electoral competitiveness across key demographics. His role is not merely symbolic or ceremonial; it is a strategic masterstroke aimed at reflecting the diversity and unity Nigeria aspires to embody.
Yet, despite these clear advantages, skepticism about Shettima’s political heft persists among certain commentators and factions. Some critics assert that he lacks the “political weight” to govern effectively at the national level or that his influence is confined to limited spheres. These critiques often hinge on isolated events or a narrow interpretation of political dynamics. However, such views overlook the broader, more intricate realities of Nigerian politics, where soft power, coalition-building, and consensus-making are just as vital as raw electoral numbers or populist appeal.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
A compelling rejoinder to these doubts was recently offered by my respected colleague, Mr. Abdul Rafiu Lawal, former correspondent for TELL Magazine, whose insights carry considerable weight owing to his extensive experience and analytical rigor. Lawal described Vice President Shettima as the “soul of the Tinubu ticket,” a phrase that encapsulates the essence of Shettima’s indispensability to the ruling coalition. He went further to caution that if President Tinubu were to disregard or sever this alliance, he would be committing a grave political error—a move that would jeopardize the ticket’s viability and electoral success.
Lawal’s commentary crystallizes the argument that Shettima is far more than a mere running mate; he is the linchpin of their collective political destiny. His presence on the ticket provides coherence to the APC’s narrative of inclusiveness and stability amid an often fragmented political landscape. Indeed, Shettima’s extensive networks, especially in the crucial Northern geopolitical region, afford the administration a strategic edge in mobilizing voters and consolidating support in areas that might otherwise remain skeptical of the Tinubu-led platform.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
Beyond electoral calculations, Shettima’s role as the vice president projects a message of reconciliation and forward-looking governance. Nigeria’s history is punctuated by periods of sectional tension and mistrust among its diverse ethnic groups. Having a northeasterner of Shettima’s stature occupying this high office signals a commitment to embracing all corners of the nation, fostering unity and shared purpose. This symbolism resonates with millions who seek assurance that their voices and concerns matter in the corridors of power.
VP Shettima embodies a blend of youthful dynamism and seasoned political acumen that complements Tinubu’s leadership style. Together, they project an image of a government both rooted in experience and responsive to contemporary challenges. This synergy is critical as Nigeria confronts pressing issues—from economic diversification and security threats to social cohesion and infrastructural development.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
Detractors might argue that political alliances in Nigeria are ephemeral, driven by expediency rather than enduring conviction. While this skepticism is not unfounded historically, the Tinubu-Shettima partnership demonstrates notable durability and shared vision. It is a relationship forged not solely on political convenience but also on mutual respect and a convergent understanding of Nigeria’s needs at this juncture. The consistency of Shettima’s public service record, alongside Tinubu’s leadership trajectory, attests to a partnership built on genuine collaboration.
In light of these considerations, the discourse surrounding the “Shettima issue” must be reframed. Rather than questioning his legitimacy or capacity, stakeholders ought to recognize that the vice president’s role transcends individual ambition. He is a critical agent for national consolidation, whose contributions underpin the larger framework of political stability and growth.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-between-president-tinubu-and-vice-president-kashim-shettima/
As the nation moves closer to the 2027 elections, the importance of coherent, inclusive leadership cannot be overstated. The stakes are high, and the electorate is discerning. Political actors who understand and embrace the composite nature of Nigeria’s polity will be better positioned to deliver lasting progress. Herein lies the significance of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s place on the Tinubu ticket—it is the embodiment of unity in diversity, a strategic nod to Nigeria’s pluralistic fabric, and a testament to the power of principled partnership.
The vice president is undeniably the soul of the Tinubu ticket. His political gravitas, regional representation, and commitment to national development enrich the ticket’s appeal and functionality. To undermine or dismiss his role is to risk destabilizing an alliance that offers Nigeria a credible path towards cohesion and prosperity. As articulated by Abdul Rafiu Lawal and evidenced by decades of Shettima’s public engagement, the vice presidency is not a peripheral appointment but a central pillar in the architecture of Nigeria’s evolving democracy. For those invested in the country’s future, embracing Shettima’s indispensability is not just a political calculation—it is a patriotic imperative.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027: “VP Shettima is the soul of the Tinubu ticket.”
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