Politics
Atikus Borno Attack: Views From Another Side
Atikus Borno Attack: Views From Another Side
By: Inuwa Bwala
It is a common sight during political rallies, to see young men dangerously hanging on moving vehicles: often displaying dangerous weapons while assaulting passers by and onlookers, who fail to cheer them on or respond to their party chants.
They are known to beat protocols and force themselves on people, often clinging to vehicles without any form of invitation.
They are intolerant of any form of opposition chants and loath any form of orderly conduct by others from their own group.
They are not peculiar to any particular political party and they are often available for hiring: if only to checkmate rival political thugs from disturbing VIPs during rallies.
Reports from the reported attack on the convoy of the presidential standard bearer of the opposition Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar had it that, such people
were not in short supply during the PDP rally in Maiduguri last Wednesday.
The first question I asked when the news of the attack on the convoy of
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar broke out, was, whether the reporters witnessed the violence or were informed.
When they informed me that they quoted Dino Melaye, Spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, doubts started creeping into my mind, as to the accuracy of the reports.
Curiously, all reports ignored the fact of the presence of armed thugs on the convoy of the visiting PDP, rather everybody looked in the direction of the Government and the ruling APC as the culprit.
Knowing the character of Dino Melaye and his capacity to dramatize issues out of proportion, I decided to look beyond Melaye’s claims and I discovered that there was actually a clash between rival thugs, on the convoy of the visiting party and others stationed in their traditional shade, along the airport road.
By implications, what transpired was a clash between two groups and not a premeditated attack on Atimu, as we were initially made to believe.
Police confirmed to me that they had their personnel spread out along the highway from the airport to the Shehu of Borno’s palace and the Ramat Square, venue of the PDP rally; who witnessed all that transpired.
According to the police, some youths holding brooms and APC flags, instead of that of the PDP, seemed to have caught the attention of the PDP boys, who in turn started pouring invectives on the state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and the APC.
The APC boys responded by throwing their brooms at the PDP supporters, while the PDP supporters also threw objects at their APC counterparts, leading to a pandemonium.
The speed with which Melaye, churned out figures of the wounded and vehicles vandalized, even when the rally was still ongoing, and the immediacy with which it went viral, was in itself suspicious, yet most reporters chose to flow with the tide, to avoid queries from their eager editors.
On my part, I have always been of the belief that, there are always two sides to a story, and something did not seem to have fallen in place properly,
READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/10/29/frsc-hails-borno-gov-zulum-for-supporting-command/
In blaming the Government and the APC in the state without proper briefing, Dino Melaye seemed to have pulled the wool over the public eyes by quickly creating a narrative, which gained currency and acceptance: thereby shutting out any likely counter narrative on the true genesis of the incident.
Our correspondent had reported long before Atiku Abubakar’s arrival in Maiduguri, that people were being ferried out of town, ostensibly to depopulate the city center.
When I enquired from a state Government official, why people were being taken away, he explained that Governor Babagana Zulum had charged them to ensure a hitch free PDP campaign, and that, out of fears of the likelihood of what transpired on the airport road, they decided to reduce the population of their own supporters by taking them away from the city center.
According to him, the Governor had to go to Abuja on official duty and had left instructions that Borno must live up to its name as the center of peace, by allowing a hitch free rally by Atiku, even as an opposition figure.
While exonerating the Government and the APC from any form of complicity in the incident, the state official who prefers anonymity told me that, it was actually Atiku’s supporters: apparently ovetehelmed by events during the visit, that provoked APC supporters standing by the side of the road.
Even without the benefits of the emerging facts about the incident, I would still not have believed that, Professor Zulum, whom most Nigerians hold in reverence could descend so low as to disturb the peace or prevent a rival rally for whatever gains.
It is obvious that, the State Government has maintained the studied silence, so as not to lend credence to the skewed narrative over the incident.
Atikus Borno Attack: Views From Another Side
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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