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
News
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
By: Michael Mike
In a move that underscores early political positioning ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027.
The endorsement, announced during a high-level gathering at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri on Saturday, signals a consolidation of political support in one of the APC’s strongest northern bases. Party leaders, government officials, and influential grassroots mobilizers unanimously pledged to rally voters across the state to ensure the continuity of the Tinubu administration.
Addressing the stakeholders, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the endorsement as both a vote of confidence in the current administration and a strategic commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima leadership had demonstrated resolve in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.
According to Zulum, Borno State—long at the epicenter of insurgency—has witnessed renewed federal attention in security coordination, humanitarian interventions, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that continuity in leadership would be critical to consolidating these gains, particularly in the North-East where recovery from years of conflict remains fragile.
“The support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is rooted in performance and trust,” Zulum said. “Borno has seen firsthand the impact of leadership that understands our realities and is committed to long-term stability.”
Borno’s Strategic Role in APC Politics
Borno State holds significant political weight within the APC, not only as a consistent electoral stronghold but also as the political base of Vice President Shettima, a former governor of the state. Since the party’s formation in 2013 and its landmark victory in the 2015 elections, Borno has remained central to APC’s dominance in the North-East.
The state’s political influence is further amplified by its frontline status in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have shaped national security policies and elevated Borno’s importance in federal decision-making. As a result, endorsements from the state often carry symbolic and strategic significance for national campaigns.
Political analysts view the early endorsement as part of a broader effort by APC stakeholders to stabilize internal party structures and project unity well ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend of pre-election alignments aimed at discouraging intra-party rivalries and consolidating incumbency advantages.
Momentum Builds Toward 2027
Saturday’s declaration comes amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, security challenges, and governance priorities under the Tinubu administration. While opposition parties are expected to intensify criticism in the coming years, the APC appears to be laying the groundwork for a coordinated re-election campaign.
Stakeholders at the Maiduguri meeting pledged to embark on extensive grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and party strengthening initiatives across all local government areas in Borno. They also called on other APC-controlled states to replicate similar endorsements to build a nationwide consensus.
As Nigeria moves deeper into its current electoral cycle, the Borno endorsement highlights how regional political blocs are already shaping the contours of the 2027 race—long before official campaigns begin.
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Politics
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Abdulrahaman Kwancham, Adamawa Northern Senatorial zone aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the party leadership in the zone to be fair towards ensuring victory for the party in 2027 General Elections.
Kwancham made the call during a courtesy visit to the party leadership in Mubi-North Local Government Area.
He said fairness and justice would help the party members to remain united and succeed beyond politics.
“We should please remain peaceful and united in APC for the seek of God as well as to shun anti party for the victory of our party”, he said.
He explained that some people were in the party spreading rumours to cause problem between him and Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri because of the seat despite Fintiri is yet to officially declare his intentions to contest.
According to him, he is not desperate in his pursuit of the senatorial seat, despite the several groups coming to urge him to contest.
“If Gov. Fintiri comes out, I am ready to step down considering his outstanding performance in the state.
“Even if you don’t like Fintiri, you know that he has worked for the state and I am not fighting him “, he said.
In his remarks, the party Chairman appreciated the aspirant for the visit and assured a level playing grounds for all.
He assured their readiness to work in accordance with the party guideline for the success of the party.
Kwancham earlier paid homage on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu who conferred on Kwancham the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani Mubi.
The Emir described the honour as well-deserved, citing Kwancham’s character, leadership qualities, and commitment to humanitarian activities.
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Politics
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Yobe state chapter, has promised to deliver 3.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the 2027 presidential election.
The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON, disclosed to newsmen in a communique issued after a meeting of all APC stakeholders, Yobe State chapter, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Damaturu.
He said in the last presidential election, Yobe state had the highest percentage performance in Nigeria, and we intend to repeat the same but with even bigger results, noting that we have, as a small state, produced election results that compete favorably against results from bigger states because of our unity and understanding shown for each other.
The communique further stated that the Yobe State APC chapter has resolved to adopt consensus as a mode of elections to produce its candidates for the governorship, national assembly membership, and state assembly membership that is out of the two modes specified in the electorate act, consensus and direct; the APC has fixed consensus.
“And from our previous experience, consensus has always worked for us in this state in APC, and a candidate that emerges in any position will receive the support of all in this party, including, of course, aspirants who would have wished that were fixed. We support our candidates whenever they emerge.
He said the national members from Yobe State have always worked very closely and harmoniously with the state government, which has always been in APC in the last few years, especially during the Geidam era and, of course, presently with the Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni administration, and therefore this will continue because we have always seen the benefit of understanding and supporting each other.
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
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