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
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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