Politics
2023: Why Governor Buni Must Be Visible In Tinubu, Shettima Campaign Train
2023: Why Governor Buni Must Be Visible In Tinubu, Shettima Campaign Train
By: James Bwala
Yobe state residents and party stakeholders claimed that governor Mai Mala Buni, through his numerous accomplishments, has conquered Yobe state. As a result, they said, the party at the national level needs a strong individual who has turned around the party’s fortunes while serving as its caretaker chairman Extra-Ordinary.
NEWSng reports that the party’s constituents and stakeholders are urging the Tinubu and Shetima campaign team to make the most of governor Buni’s influence and advantages during their outings.
“Because of the successes he achieved while serving as the party’s leader, we think governor Buni represents hope. In order to guarantee the party’s complete triumph in the subsequent election in 2023, we thus want to see him more actively participating in the Tinubu, Kashim Shettima team.” Yobe resident and party supporter Mohammed Karasuwa told NEWSng in Damaturu.
According to many who have followed governor Mai Mala Buni’s actions while serving as the All-Progressive Congress, APC, Caretakers Extra-Ordinary Chairman prior to the election that brought about the current management of the party, the Yobe state governor has done a fantastic job of keeping the party together and winning over many disgruntled members through his strong negotiating abilities.
‘Many people believed that Governor Buni should be visible everywhere on the Tinubu-Shettima train, and the questions were causing discussion in political circles.’ Mohammed said.
Another APC supporter, who goes by the name John Atiyaye, told NEWSng that while they are conscious of the weighty obligations governor Buni bears, they also think that his presence on campaign platforms is crucial since he serves as a think tank for the Tinubu, Shettima campaign team.
NEWSng however reports that governor Buni has been present constantly since he left the party secretariat, despite the fact that he was also busy advancing the campaign from Yobe state’s front lines. Aswaj Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, invited the governor to his presidential campaign council as an adviser on party integration and reconciliation.
While the tide was in favor of the APC, many locals believed that the governor of Yobe state needed to be on the national front right now as part of the campaign train to guarantee the party’s victory. They believe that by having governor Buni’s face on the APC Presidential campaign team, the campaign will take a dramatic turn because many people who haven’t seen much of him won’t be able to comprehend the strategy he was pursuing to win the party’s support in the upcoming general elections in 2023.
Numerous people who spoke with NEWSng claimed that Buni has a wealth of negotiation and bargaining skills and is well-liked in all 36 states due to his effective performance as party chairman. They believed that his inclusion in the campaign team would benefit the party much in its effort to demonstrate the power of its cohesion.
“We think Yobe state is already under Mai Mala Buni’s control. We believe he doesn’t need to run for office because Yobe State is already a one-party state, and that party is the APC. As a result, his focus should be on being visible as the campaign team works to promote Tinubu and Shettima’s candidacy in order to assure their success.” said Umar Umar, a member of the APC campaign team.
According to him, governor Mai Mala Buni’s experience should be applied to the campaign fronts, which is one of the numerous justifications for the governor’s inclusion throughout the Tinubu and Shettima campaign train.
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“I understand that to be appointed adviser is to give room for strategic planning and Buni’s experience is quite noted by the APC Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu even as he (Tinubu) said, ‘the choice of Buni as adviser was necessitated by his impressive political achievement and exemplary leadership as governor and party member”” Umar added
Recall that the former APC National Leader’s letter, dated August 8, 2022, contained information about Buni’s appointment, “This letter is to officially announce your appointment as the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council’s adviser on party integration and reconciliation. Given your tremendous political accomplishments and the excellent leadership you have displayed in your roles as governor of your state and as a party member, this appointment is acceptable and fitting.
“We are pleased that you have joined our campaign team,” it continued. We run a successful, message-driven campaign, which will help us win the 2023 presidential election because we are confident that you will give your all to this new responsibility. By leveraging the successes of our party and the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari(rtd), we can not only assure our party’s win in the elections of February 2023, but we can also advance Nigeria toward greatness as a nation.” The letter reads in part.
Ali Idi Ahmadu, an analyst, said that under governor Buni’s leadership of the APC, there was a collective zeal of recovering, repositioning, and rejuvenating the party to have a strong, stable, and united APC. The analyst was speaking on the achievements of the governor at the party level and why he may be a secret weapon for the Tinubu, Shettima Campaign Train.
As we go closer to the general election in 2023, he declared, “This is a vital time. A successful general election would be greatly aided by the presence of governor Buni. We are proud of Buni for the outstanding accomplishments the party has made under his leadership in bridging the divides amongst our stakeholders in Gombe, Ogun, Kwara, and many other states.”
He claims that governor Buni has diligently been to states where APC is having difficulties and addressed those issues head-on. “Therefore, it is crucial for the party’s success to always see Governor Buni’s face on the campaign train in order to promote the unity and strength of the party.” The party currently proudly claims over 41 million members, making APC Africa’s largest political party and Nigeria’s leading party,’ he continued, “it was under Buni that a successful membership registration and revalidation process was achieved.
“APC continued to be the party that can confidently win elections with a landslide victory in all of the national elections thanks to its numerical strength. Despite all the successes the party has recorded under his leadership and the high-profile defections into the party, we haven’t seen much of him in the current campaigns. However, in order to have a unified, stable, and successful political party, it was imperative that the party promote the ideas of unity of purpose, pursuing national interests over personal interests, and a functional system of internal democracy.” He said.
2023: Why Governor Buni Must Be Visible In Tinubu, Shettima Campaign Train
Fubara Declares Support for Tinubu, Chinda, Says Rivers Political War Is Over
By: Michael Mike
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition and the governorship aspiration of Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, saying political differences in the state have been resolved and that the time for confrontation is over.
Fubara made the declaration on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Riven Medical Industries Project in Port Harcourt, where he said previously opposing political camps in Rivers had reached an understanding to work together for peace and development.
The governor said he had aligned with the “Rainbow Coalition,” a political movement associated with former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and urged his supporters across the state to support candidates under the platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have made peace in the state and I am supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our president, and is the one we are supporting. OK Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting and anybody who believes in me will support him and every other candidate that is under the Rainbow Coalition,” Fubara said.
He added that he had returned to the political family, insisting that Rivers State must move beyond past disagreements.
“I’ve gone back to our family. So, please, whoever you are, give your total support to the Rainbow Coalition. We need to move forward. The time of war is over. It is time for peace and this peace is taking us to another level,” he said.
Fubara urged his supporters not to claim allegiance to him alone but to support the broader political arrangement, stressing that he was committed to unity and stability in the state.
“I’m not party to anything that will bring any form of disunity in this state. I’ve done what I need to do and we are moving forward,” he stated.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight the significance of the Riven Medical Industries Project, describing it as a major step towards industrialisation, healthcare development, and economic expansion in Rivers State.
However, he warned investors against abandoning commitments after receiving government support, recalling past experiences where agreements with investors resulted in disputes and legal battles.
According to him, the state government approved the project because of confidence in the investors’ ability to revive the facility, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth.
He tasked the investors to adhere strictly to project timelines, particularly ensuring the completion of the first phase within three months, while appealing to host communities and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area leadership to provide an enabling environment for the project.
The Riven Medical Industries Project is a Public-Private Partnership between the Rivers State Government and Enbay Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, aimed at transforming the former Integrated Medical Industries (IMI) into a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
When completed, the facility is expected to produce pharmaceutical formulations, gelatine capsules, intravenous infusions, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), boosting local drug production capacity and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines.
The project is also projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, promote technology transfer, attract investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare supply chain.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with alliances and realignments expected to shape contests across states.
Fubara Declares Support for Tinubu, Chinda, Says Rivers Political War Is Over
Remain neutral during elections, Senate aspirant Bembella urges Nasarawa North elders
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The People’s Democratic Party PDP candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial zone, Madaki Bembella has appealed to the consciences of the elders in the zone to be neutral towards the up coming general election in the country.
Bembella, who is also the Waziri of Mada kingdom said it was in the interest of known elders to speak the truth at all times and maintaining their dignity when it comes to Mada kingdom and beyond adding that it is only then that the elders can easily be imitated by the younger ones.
The Mada chieftain in an exclusive interview with this reporter recently called on the elders to always speak in one voice regretting that there are some elders who should be sitting on their respected seats in line with their traditions with neutrality to guide the younger generation but sadly are still fixated at contesting for partisan politics.
“In my opinion, they should not be involved in politics again. They should rather sit down and direct the younger ones but the same people have relegated that position living a big gap sometimes with no one credible enough to fill.
“To my surprise also, elders are still participating in politics while some are still taking sides on sensitive issues where they are supposed to be neutral.” Said Bembella.
Bembella who is a household name in the Mada kingdom of Akwanga said that both the elders and younger generation should trust him in the elections because he has been tested in his service to humanity and has a shiny pedigree to show for it.
Why residents should trust him as their their next senator
On why residents of the zone should trust him with the office, he went on: “they should trust me by reason of my pedigree and also my track record as I contribute to humanity.
“We have good testimony of what we have been able to do both here in the headquarters of the zone and around the other areas.
” I have lived with people around here for the past 30 years and have not been found wanting. I have been tested to serve where I retired and gave a good account of myself.
“I have always had interests in politics especially the PDP since 1999. But I have used it to support politicians and party activities, it started around 2013 till date.
“That was when we started supporting individuals who have stakes in elections. But for full participation, I would say that started in 2024.and it will continue by God’s grace till I get to the Senate.”
As a traditional chieftain, he is also the Waziri of the Mada kingdom which is an influential position to hold in any kingdom and he actually plans to utilize his influence in the kingdom to account regularly on his achievements which he feels will bring the constituency up to speed with his actions.
On his message to the 35 electoral wards in the zone, he noted that he will work towards creating an assembly of the people in the three council areas of Wamba, Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon so that the quality of representation will increase.
Akwanga he noted was supposed to have about 14 electoral wards but it has been brought down to eleven which the contestants have to contend with.
To the young people of the zone, Bembella advised them not to mortgage their future for pittance that desperate politicians share on elections day.
He urged them to avoid vote buying and progress beyond the anti partisan politicians who come with such freebies to compromise their lives and the entire electoral system.
Bembella is a fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria who has paid his dues in his service to humanity.
Remain neutral during elections, Senate aspirant Bembella urges Nasarawa North elders
2027 VP Certificate of Return: The Triumphant Shettima
By: Dr James Bwala
The formal presentation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential nomination certificate to Vice President Kashim Shettima by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. This event is not merely ceremonial; it signifies the consolidation of a strategic political partnership and underscores the indispensable role of the vice presidency in national governance and electoral calculations. The critics who have underestimated the political significance of the vice-presidential office, relegating it to a position of symbolic presence confined to social functions, must now reconsider their stance. Vice President Kashim Shettima emerges not only as a formidable political figure but also as a master in governance, diplomacy, and relationship building, making him the ideal running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The fallacy that Shettima serves only as a figurehead or mere attendee at weddings and funerals fails to appreciate the sophisticated political dynamics underlying such social engagements. In the complex web of Nigerian politics, public appearances at community events are far from trivial. They represent critical opportunities for leaders like Shettima to forge bonds, nurture trust, and demonstrate empathy with various constituencies. This aspect of grassroots engagement is very important for political sustainability and electoral success, especially in a nation as ethnically and regionally diverse as Nigeria.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
Vice President Shettima’s approach over the past three years under President Tinubu’s administration exemplifies a transformative model of vice-presidential leadership. Unlike his predecessors, who often remained distant or disengaged from the public beyond official duties, Shettima has established himself as the most sociable and accessible vice president in Nigeria’s recent history. His consistent presence across the six geopolitical zones—attending significant social, religious, and cultural events—reflects a profound understanding of Nigeria’s sociopolitical fabric. This strategy has enabled him to cultivate a broad base of support that transcends ethnic and regional divides, an asset invaluable to any national campaign.
The ability to emotionally connect with people through shared experiences at weddings, funerals, and other communal gatherings creates a lasting impact that goes beyond superficial visibility. It stirs a deeper level of connection, fostering loyalty and goodwill towards the leadership. Shettima’s sensitivity to these moments has rendered him not just a political figurehead but a trusted representative of the people, fulfilling the crucial role of bridging government and citizenry. Such engagement is fundamental to democratic governance and a testament to his political acumen.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
The lessons gleaned from Shettima’s network-building efforts reveal a nuanced grasp of power and influence unique for effective leadership. Politics, especially in a federal system like Nigeria’s, requires more than policy expertise; it demands strategic alliances and interpersonal relationships. Shettima’s success in cultivating friendships and collaborations among diverse political actors has strengthened both his profile and the APC’s reach. This extensive networking capacity reinforces his suitability as a vice-presidential candidate who can unite various factions and present a cohesive front in the 2027 elections.
The significance of Shettima’s receipt of the certificate of return extends beyond personal triumph; it symbolises the resilience of democratic processes within the APC and the broader Nigerian polity. Despite detractors and so-called “wishy-washers” who sought to undermine his candidature, the vice president’s nomination confirms the party’s confidence in his leadership qualities and electoral appeal. It sends a clear message that the vice-presidency is a vital component of executive power and electoral strategy—a partnership essential for steering Nigeria towards stability and progress.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
In addition, Shettima’s persona as the “people’s vice president” and “Jagoran Arewa” (Leader of the North) impact deeply with the northern electorate and beyond. His background and proven track record furnish him with the legitimacy and moral authority to address regional concerns while maintaining national unity. This dual appeal is critical in a country where ethnic and regional identities profoundly shape political allegiances. His ability to balance these identities within the framework of national integration positions him as a unifying figure capable of advancing inclusive governance.
Critics who diminish the vice-presidential role overlook the institutional and constitutional responsibilities that the office entails. The vice president is not merely a standby official but an active participant in policymaking, governance, and representation. Shettima’s tenure has demonstrated commitment to these responsibilities, often spearheading initiatives and representing the presidency on critical domestic and international platforms. This proactive stance challenges outdated perceptions and elevates the office’s relevance in contemporary Nigerian politics.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presentation of the APC vice-presidential nomination certificate is a landmark achievement that validates his political stature and strategic importance. His journey from perceived marginalisation to political prominence showcases the power of relationship-building, empathy, and visionary leadership.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential elections, Shettima stands as a testament to the evolving nature of the vice presidency—one characterised by active governance, broad-based support, and commitment to the nation’s unity and progress. The triumph of Shettima is not just a personal victory; it is a collective affirmation that strong, socially engaged leadership at all levels of government is indispensable for Nigeria’s democratic future. Congratulations to the people’s vice president and Jagoran Arewa on this well-deserved milestone.
*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027 VP Certificate of Return: The Triumphant Shettima
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