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2023: Is Kashim Shettima becoming a political rallying point in northeast Nigeria?

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4 years ago

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Kashim Shettima @ 56:  An extraordinary leader forged in the theatre of challenges. 

2023: Is Kashim Shettima becoming a political rallying point in northeast Nigeria?

By: James Bwala, Maiduguri

Indications are that all is set for the tackle and thrilling to take place following approval given by President Muhammadu Buhari of February 2022 for the APC National Convention. This has further explained that members of the party may be on the fast track to drool and be drooling one and another from within the ruling party for the opportunity to gain favour and to be voted. This could be either by simple majority or by appointment as it is always with the new style of winning through the consensus. Certainly a lot is ahead for the all out in 2023 and if this arrangement succeeds, there is no doubt that Borno state is on its way to producing the next Nigeria’s second citizen.

However, interestingly the name Kashim Shettima keeps coming amongst gladiators not only from Borno state but also across the northeast region and by extension the larger part of the country. This was observed by both the politicians, rumour mongers and analysts of unfolding events within the APC. The question one may be tempted to ask as the days unfold is that; Is Kashim Shettima now the political rallying point in northeast Nigeria? Facts have shown that his activism or rather do-gooding across the northeast particularly as explained by politicians within the region puts him (Kashim Shettima) at vantage point for political history making within the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Also Read: NDLEA intercepts N2.7b cocaine at Abuja airport

NEWSng reports that, ahead of the 2023 Presidential Election, the South West Movement for Osinbajo (SOWEMOVE) has urged governors and traditional rulers in the region to prevail on the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the battle for the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC. The group has consequently begun lobbying governors, traditional rulers, business and political elites in Yorubaland to carefully weigh various options and seriously consider backing the Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo.

Presenting a report and copies of several correspondences with Obas and other eminent personalities in the South West to the Director of Operations of The Progressive Project (TPP), Alhaji Aliyu Usman Aliyu in Abuja recently, the group said youths of the region will become arrowheads of efforts towards making Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, successor to President Muhammadu Buhari. Perhaps Tinubu is also considering this option, looking at chances to bring down a political “ROCK” with his name encrypted. If that happens and of course with the crystal clear argument on the horizon; it will be the Osinbajo/Shettima ticket.  This would be perfect as there would be no sentiments around religion as characterized in the past. And indeed if Tinubu considered this and supported Osinbajo/Shettima, he would undeniably be remembered as a pillar that stabilizes democracy in Nigeria. More to this, he will be the first to make such a record in political history in the country by having two of his political students as the President and Vice President of Nigeria and by extension he would also have the National Assembly as the extension of his political empire.

Speaking on this scheming, Usman Rabiu, a political analyst in Abuja observed that “the southwest geopolitical region of Nigeria has former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its political leader. No one has doubted his capacity in building a strong political territory that is working for him today.” He said “As Tinubu ages, he is not diminishing politically given the fact that he has raised political children occupying strategic political positions. This is a fact that makes him leader of the ruling party in Nigeria. Without any argument he has assumed this position and remained a big voice in the polity of this country.

Also Read: PRESENT YOUR EVIDENCE AND SUBSTANTIATE YOUR CLAIM, PANEL…

“One of Tinubu’s students of politics (Kashim Shettima) is making a positive impact by design, destiny and fate. His feathers were spread like the eagle across the northeast region. He was a successful Banker and as commissioner, he served in five ministries drawing experience in education, Agriculture, finance, Health and Local government ministry. He rose from a super Commissioner to become the first Borno intellectually sound governor. He served his eight years term and gave Borno a successor, who is making not only Borno citizens proud but Nigerians as a whole.” He said.

NEWSng observed that Kashim Shettima, a current serving senator of the Federal Republic representing Borno central is a man who loves books. Such however, is not the like of a typical Nigerian politician but Kashim Shettima’s trend, drift, learning, inclination, tendency, movement and development politically has presented a unique, inimitable, distinctive and matchless political figure.

For a long time the northeast has lost a leader figure firmly in place to give voice to the people, to speak to political firmaments and to present an equally coordinated team for the region. But as the 2023 political year draws by, observation across the region is signifying a revival and presenting a history of lifecycles. When NEWSng spoke with a cross section of the people on leading voices in the northeast, it was gathered that Kashim Shettima stood tall following his activities, connections and marketability. A testament to these facts was when he spoke for the people on the floor of the National Assembly; he was not speaking for the eight local government areas of Borno state where he pledged and represented as a constituency. But when he stood to speak, he did for the northeast region where many representatives have lost their voices on issues and matters regarding the safety and well-being of their people. It was a choice to either go down or stand tall. Such sacrifices only go with charismatic leadership, which Shettima has demonstrated.

Speaking to a former deputy governor, who did not want his name on print for some reasons, he said “I can without doubt say that the fingers of the clock stand exactly on the bright side of the day. There are signals that the buildup for VP in 2023 is pointing towards the former Borno state governor as the political rallying point for the northeast region. Fatefully, this was the position he took in 2015 when he demonstrated mastery of the political game by putting Political Czars of Borno permanently on retirement. Kashim Shettima has mastered the act of gathering a crowd and he selects his lieutenants carefully. You can see that everyone on the other side before is now on this side. This speaks more of his forgiving spirit and open mind.

Also Read: Borno Governor gives 300 bicycles to ease transport to…

“Recently, I have traveled across the northeast states. I have met and chatted with grassroots politicians to feel their pulse about 2023. I have deliberately put questions to them during our long discussion on preferred candidates and making some assessment. While gauging on leading politicians I have found it of interest to speak about the former governor, Senator Kashim Shettima with senior politicians. It was about politics and it is about how to get a leader for the northeast region as we go into another round of politics. We have been supporting the Northwest and it is time for them to support us.

“Our people believe that power belongs to God and only He gives power to those he wishes to give to at a particular point in time. Despite the fact that you can find this saying almost on the lips of every Politician particularly, when election time near or comes about you see politicians also falling over themselves seeking favour from wherever it may come. However, when such favours did not come by they quickly forget this and will begin to look elsewhere as the source of their failure. We have been in that situation in the northeast simply because we have no firm leaders and the political voice has always gone to the northwest. Perhaps this is about time to seek for one and interestingly as well as arrangement by divine we are getting back what we have lost.

“2023 is about a time when Nigerians will again begin to see the manifestation of all kinds of politics. Such belief is beginning to come by as politicians begin to find rallying points to further their aspirations toward making better choices. In Borno state and by extension the northeast, these armies of Political office seekers are beginning to align and realign strategists of finding favour and hoping to be picked by political godfathers for the epic battle. In the northeast, many believed Borno remained the boiling pot doctrinally. And by that, who then is the rallying point? Certainly now is Kashim Shettima because we all are going to need his experience, his connections and thinking faculty and capacity to see beyond the rhetoric.” He said

Also Read: A female killed every 11 minutes by someone in their…

Ibrahim Abubakar, a politician from Gombe state also observed that the former Borno state governor has played a key role in reconciling differences among politicians. “If you go through his records as former Chairman of the northern governor’s forum, you will agree with me that he has played a key role in stabilizing the APC when it was hit by crises and almost dividing. He has stepped into many political struggles resulting in misunderstanding between former governors and their successors. He stood in among the senators to calm nerves as well as between members of the National Assembly (Senators/Reps) not only for the extraction from Borno state but also across the country to preach peace. I can go on and on. I think he is a learning political figure worthy of emulation.“

Ba’bunu Wakil also spoke about arrangements and rearrangement within the ruling party ahead of 2023.  He made certain disclosures by examining the political trend and mentioning few names but concluding that Senator Kashim Shettima may have been position to take the place of leading political icons that history spoke well of them like the great Waziri Ibrahim whose theory and practice of politics without bitterness still speak to this day.

According to him, “Take everything from Kashim Shettima but you cannot take his vision for Borno, northeast and Nigeria as a whole. Whenever Kashim Shettima is in town, his house becomes like Mecca. It was always like that since he left the Maiduguri Government House. Even the Nicodemus among politicians were not left out. In their characters, they always find him.”

2023: Is Kashim Shettima becoming a political rallying point in northeast Nigeria?

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2027: Recalibration in Adamawa as Political Gladiators Return to the Drawing Board Over Dr. Namdas’s announcements to join the guber race

Published

3 days ago

on

March 17, 2026

By

Hon. Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas

2027: Recalibration in Adamawa as Political Gladiators Return to the Drawing Board Over Dr. Namdas’s announcements to join the guber race

By: Dr. James Bwala

In the dynamic world of politics, every declaration can spark a cascading effect, reshaping alliances, re-evaluating strategies, and igniting aspirations. This is particularly true in Adamawa State, where the political landscape is undergoing significant recalibration following Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas’s announcement of his intention to run for the governorship in the upcoming 2027 elections. As a seasoned politician, journalist, and public servant, Dr. Namdas has already begun to influence the strategies of fellow political gladiators, causing them to reevaluate their positions and possibly reconsider their ambitions.

Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas is not a newcomer to the political scene; he has embarked on a promising career that has seen him serve as the Northeast representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), develop a deep understanding of governance, and represent the interests of his constituents with gravitas during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives. His previous experience as a spokesperson to former Governor Boni Haruna equips him with unique insights into the workings of Adamawa’s political machinery, making him a formidable candidate in the eyes of many.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

With the backdrop of the Ramadan season, Dr. Namdas’s declaration took place during an iftar gathering—a moment steeped in personal reflection and collective community engagement. This timing was strategic, as it not only allowed him to present his vision for Adamawa amidst a gathering of supporters but also symbolized unity and purpose. However, the implications of his announcement go far beyond mere rhetoric; they resonate through the entire political spectrum of the state, sending shockwaves across various parties and stakeholders.

The immediate reaction among political pundits and analysts has been one of heightened awareness. The development has prompted a sense of urgency among other political figures who had previously thrown their hats into the ring. The prospect of competing against a candidate of Dr. Namdas’s caliber can dissuade even the most determined aspirants, reshaping the trajectory of the gubernatorial race. This recalibration underscores the principle of political gravity—where credible candidates attract attention and resources while simultaneously prompting others to reconsider their strategies or withdraw altogether from the race.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

Dr. Namdas’s existing clout within both state and federal political spheres cannot be understated. His connections with influential politicians and party leaders create a robust support network that enhances his candidacy. This backing places him at an advantage, as other prospective candidates may struggle to match the level of support and recognition he commands. In addition, Namdas’s track record of dedicated public service lends him credibility, which is crucial in a politically diverse environment like Adamawa State. His ability to unite factions within the party and appeal to a broad audience makes him a candidate that not only bolsters his party’s—the All Progressive Congress, APC’s—chances but also elevates the political discourse in the state.

As Dr. Namdas steps into the arena, he brings with him an agenda that resonates with the pressing needs of Adamawa’s citizens. From addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment to enhancing infrastructure and education, his platform is expected to reflect both innovative solutions and a commitment to grassroots participation. Voters are increasingly seeking candidates capable of offering practical policies over mere promises, and Dr. Namdas appears poised to meet these demands head-on.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

The backlash to Dr. Namdas’s announcement has not been uniformly negative toward his competitors; rather, it prompts a recalibration of their own strategies. Candidates who were once confident now find themselves entangled in a competitive landscape marked by uncertainty. Former contenders must either elevate their platforms, broaden their appeal, or risk becoming footnotes in what could become a historic run for governorship. This phenomenon is essential in fostering an energizing political environment, as it can encourage a deeper engagement with constituents—a crucial factor as the campaign progresses.

It is also pertinent to acknowledge the role of social media in amplifying Dr. Namdas’s impact. In today’s political climate, digital platforms serve as battlegrounds for narratives and public opinion. His adept use of these tools allows him to effectively communicate his message, engage with voters in real time, and mobilize grassroots support. Indeed, by harnessing social media, he can galvanize a young electorate hungry for change, aligning their aspirations with his vision for the state.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

While the current political landscape in Adamawa has been shaken, the art of recalibration extends beyond the immediate response to Dr. Namdas’s announcement. Political entities are forced to analyze their long-term strategies meticulously and consider how coalition-building could emerge as a necessity. It may lead to unexpected alliances among those who perceive themselves as potential rivals. Such dynamics may reshape party lines and challenge entrenched power structures, creating opportunities for fresh voices to emerge in the process.

Dr. Namdas has effectively positioned himself as a major contender in a slowly evolving story that is set to unfold dramatically leading up to the 2027 elections. His pedigree as a political gladiator should not be underestimated, as it carries with it a narrative of resilience, leadership, and strategic foresight. The call for recalibration extends beyond mere numbers; it encompasses the very essence of political competitiveness, portraying how the emergence of a strong candidate can topple preconceived notions of who holds the leverage in the electoral process.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

Going forward, the political tides in Adamawa will likely see rival factions reassessing their stakes while also attempting to navigate a rapidly changing landscape fueled by the charisma and reputation of Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas. The question remains: will they be able to adapt effectively, or will they remain stuck in their old paradigms, unable to respond to the new reality defined by a candidate with the potential to unite the state under a common vision?

As spectators, we must watch carefully as this narrative unfolds. Political gladiators on all sides should now grapple with the implications of Dr. Namdas’s entry. For the people of Adamawa, this recalibration signifies a period of hope and possibility—an invitation to engage more deeply with their democratic processes and demand accountability from those vying for public office. It serves as a reminder that in politics, the stakes are exceedingly high, and the landscape is ever-changing, driven by the aspirations of leaders and the will of the people.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

The road to the 2027 governorship in Adamawa State is set to be a rollercoaster of strategic maneuvering, ideological battles, and grassroots mobilization, all sparked by the declaration of intentions from one determined man. Dr. AbdulRazak Namdas stands at the forefront of this pivotal moment, challenging both historical precedents and paving new paths toward a more inclusive and progressive political future for Adamawa State. The unfolding drama promises excitement, developments, and perhaps a transformation in the way politics is perceived and enacted in the region. Indeed, as the adage goes, “politics is war without bloodshed,” and in the case of Adamawa State, the battle lines have been drawn—now, it is up to the gladiators to determine their fate in this ever-evolving saga.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: Recalibration in Adamawa as Political Gladiators Return to the Drawing Board Over Dr. Namdas’s announcements to join the guber race

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Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 3, 2026

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Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the camp of the ruling APC in Gombe State received a boost as over 1, 000 opposition political leaders and members from Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of the state, on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The opposition leaders and members are from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP).

They were received by Mr Inuwa Garba, member representing Yamaltu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in company of Mr Adamu Lambam, APC chairman, Yamaltu Deba LG.

Speaking during the ceremony in Lubo community in Yamaltu Deba LG, Malam Tasiu Isa, the Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the council said joining APC was to strengthen the good governance being delivered by the party.

Isa said that Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and President Bola Tinubu have done well for the people through the execution of live-changing projects.

“We, the executives of the SDP from this LG and all the ward executives are joining the APC today and we are more than 500 officials.
“If we join our supporters and members, then we will be talking of thousands of SDP members; we are convinced that APC is the party to be because the party has good governance as evidence,” he said.

Isa commended Rep member Garba for his people-centric approach to representation, saying that Garba’s leadership style was complementing that of Gov. Yahaya.

For Mohammed Hinna, Labour Party chairman, Yamaltu Deba LG, joining APC remained the best option for any patriotic Nigeria who wants to see a better future for the country.

Hinna said with the efforts of President Tinubu and Gov. Yahaya, it would be difficult to remain in opposition, “if you truly a political leader that has the love of the people at heart.”

Mr Adamu Lambam, the APC chairman for Yamaltu Deba said more opposition leaders and members have been joining the APC at the council because of the good governance being delivered by Yahaya in their LG.

Lambam said that the party would continue to welcome anyone who wants to join the APC, adding that “APC is the people’s party because of the developmental strides of Tinubu, Inuwa and Garba.”

Reps member Garba said with the defection, the structure of opposition parties in the council has been weakened and “this is good for APC ahead of 2027.”

Garba said that the performance of Tinubu and Yahaya would make campaigning for APC ahead of 2027 election easier for them when the ban on campaign is lifted in August.

He appealed to members of the APC to remain united while mobilising more members at the grassroots by informing them of the many good things that Mr President and Yahaya have done.

Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC

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Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

Published

3 weeks ago

on

February 26, 2026

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Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri's Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

Faults Akpe’s Nomination, Says Governance Now A Family Enterprise

A chieftain and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Barr. David Perebo has expressed deep dissatisfaction over Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri segregational, sidelining mode of conduct of the party ward and local government congresses.

Condemning in strong terms of the segregational mode of conduct of the APC ward and local government congresses across the state, the chieftain described the congresses as witch-hunt of a selected group of stakeholders, leaders in the party.

The APC member condemned the governor deliberate segregation of key stakeholders in various wards and local government areas are geared towards generating division.

Pursuant to the marginalized mode of conduct of the congresses, ward and local government executives of APC in Sagbama addressing the press, expressed dissatisfaction over non-inclusion of critical stakeholders who stood firmly as an opposition in building the party in Bayelsa state.

The party executives said Senator Diri inability to conduct all inclusive congresses in various wards, local governments across the state, has proven beyond shadow of doubt of the governor incapability to manage affairs of the party in Bayelsa state.

Governor Diri who couldn’t manage insignificant affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leading to Mr George Turnah factional leadership in Bayelsa, has transferred the same attitude from the PDP to the APC barely four months of defection.

The statesmen said the governor has deceptively taken total control of the APC leadership structure in various wards and local government areas across the state, by installing his followers who defected to the APC from the PDP, while excluding old APC members who built the party.

Diri who preach all-inclusiveness in leadership, has deceptively taken over the leadership structures of Brass, Nembe, Yenagoa, Sagbama, Kolokuma-Opokuma, while allowing Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and David Lyon to nominate the Chairmen of Ekeremor, Ogbia and Southern-Ijaw as compensation.

Furthermore, the governor whose intentions failed woefully to use his relative, Mr Gesiye Isowo as at then Bayelsa PDP Secretary, as Bayelsa APC Caretaker Chairman before any official defection to the APC, has perfected preparations to use him as Chairman of APC in Bayelsa State.

Senator Douye Diri has perfected preparations to produce the Bayelsa APC Chairman, Secretary, including other relevant positions to take total control of the party structure in the state, as deliberate steps towards producing a governorship candidate in the next gubernatorial election.

Unknown to Lokpobiri, Ogbuku who are rumoured to have governorship ambitions in 2027, Governor Douye Diri will never support any of them as successor, rather he is nurturing a relative from Nembe extraction whose father is from Sampou to succeed him as Bayelsa Governor.

In the same vein, the APC chieftain has condemned the decision of the Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri over nomination of his maternal relative from Ayamasa town, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe as Deputy Governor with motives to revolve the government as a family enterprise.

The chieftain who that stands for justice, fairness, and transparency in governance, has expressed intense dissatisfaction over Governor Douye Diri’s nomination of his relative as deputy governor against Bayelsans.

The sudden passing of the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo whose cause of sudden death still uncertain, created room for timely replacement of the office of the deputy governor according to Section 191 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the governor has privatized governance of Bayelsa as a family enterprise with Akpe nomination as deputy when expected to choose from other competent Bayelsans.

Senator Diri has virtually privatized governance of Bayelsa by appointing only relatives in sensitive positions: Chief of Staff now Deputy Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Domestic, Director of Transport, and other government house appointees.

The aggrieved party stakeholder said successive administrations since 1999 has credibly and transparently distributed political appointments across the three senatorial district, but the reverse has been the record in Senator Douye Diri administration.

The governor take decisions without putting into consideration of those who consciously built his political reputation. He defected to the APC without considering the feelings of leaders working closely with him.

Bayelsans has witnessed that the governor has no conscience and empathy, enveloped with greed and ingratitude against those who helped in building his political career and reputation; such as former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dr. Timi Alaibe, Senator Seriake Dickson.

Senator Diri political trajectory has been driven by pettiness, rumours, propaganda, capitalizing on illiteracy, poverty and stomach infrastructure syndrome of some Bayelsans, while privatizing and managing resources of the state as a family enterprise.

In self-delusional, deceptive pretense of building peace, unity, he brought in opposition members to replace those who fought (some lost their lives) for his emergence, instead of acknowledging, and compensating them for their support and sacrifices.

Douye was very selfish to abandon Jonathan, Alaibe in PDP, especially Dickson who believed and trusted him as successor. Yet, he embraced the people who fought against those who worked for him in the election.

The way and manner the governor had shown ingratitude to Jonathan, Dickson, Alaibe, and others, same thing he will do to Lokpobiri, Ogbuku, Lyon, and other leaders in the APC.

Douye doesn’t understand that those who are praising him, are doing so for political patronage (monetary terms), and desert him after office.

Signed:

Barr. David Perebo
APC Chieftain Writes From Yenagoa

Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman

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