APC received 5000 decampees in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC) has received 5,000 decampees from various political parties across the Yobe South Senatorial District (Zone B).

The All Progressives Congress receives defectors from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC). The decampments are drawn from the Nangere, Fika, Potiskum, and Nangere local government areas.

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, of Yobe State, ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), assured those who shifted their loyalty to APC would be treated equally with the old members, adding that the APC believes in one Nigeria.

He appreciated the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters for their commitment to the growth of the party, which, according to him, enhanced service delivery to the people of the state.

The governor expressed delight at receiving the decampments from the various political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state and Nigeria in general.

The state party chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka (Madakin Gudi), called on the people of the other political parties to join the APC to move Yobe state forward and assured to carry the new members along in all the party activities.

Hajiya Budu Lawan, the APC women’s leader in the state, promised that women in Yobe state would come out in mass to support and vote for the APC in the upcoming general election.

Hon. Musa Gulani, the state youth leader, expressed his appreciation for the youth in Zone B, adding that youth in Yobe state would vote for APC from top to bottom in the 2027 general election.

The APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni (BMW), ably represented by his running mate, Hon. Sale Samanja, said, “If elected in 2027, we would uphold the legacies of Governor Mai Mala Buni. “

Hon. Yakubu Shehu Damagum (alias Yakubu Doctor), State chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said, “I left the party last year due to some circumstances, but I didn’t join the APC officially till today.”

He said, “The reason behind my defection is that I watched the development strides in Yobe state under the APC administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, and there is no need to continue fighting with the ruling party, because a small party in Yobe state has no impact.”

Abba Balube, a former chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the Fune local government area, revealed that he decided to leave the ADC completely because of the bad leadership and because there is no respect in the party.

Ali DPO, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Potiskum local government area, said he joined APC, the ruling party in the state, because of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s transparency, especially the equal sharing of the developmental projects and employment across the state. The event ended up with the presentation of plagues to decampers.

APC received 5000 decampees in Yobe

Borno APC candidate, Gubio attacked by ISWAP as security forces repel deadly ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, came under attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Gubio–Kareto–Damasak road on Thursday evening.

Gubio and members of his entourage were reportedly returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, a border town in northern Borno State, when the convoy encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the highway.

A security source said a CRACK operational armoured vehicle leading the convoy ran over the explosive, resulting in a powerful blast that completely destroyed the vehicle.

The source said there were no casualties among the occupants of the convoy.

Following the explosion, the suspected ISWAP fighters reportedly attempted to exploit the incident by launching an ambush on the convoy.

Security personnel comprising troops of the Nigerian military, the police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) quickly took defensive positions and engaged the attackers.

The security forces successfully repelled the terrorists, preventing them from advancing towards the main convoy or inflicting further damage.

The APC candidate and other members of the entourage were subsequently secured following the engagement.

The incident has heightened concerns over the security situation along the Damasak axis, which has remained vulnerable to attacks by insurgents.

The destroyed armoured vehicle was reportedly left severely damaged at the scene of the explosion, while security forces maintained control of the route.

Borno APC candidate, Gubio attacked by ISWAP as security forces repel deadly ambush

2027: How Borno Commissioner’s recklessness reduces city boys’ movement to finger-butchering boys. 

By: Dr. James Bwala

The recent conduct of Sainna Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, has sparked significant concern and debate. His incendiary remarks threatening those who oppose his political stance—“Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers,” and suggesting that dissenters “will be flogged”—are not only alarming but also deeply problematic for the democratic fabric and political culture in Borno State and Nigeria at large. Such rhetoric is detrimental, undermines democratic principles, damages the All Progressives Congress (APC) image, and threatens political stability ahead of the 2027 elections. Through examining the implications of Buba’s statements, the dangers inherent in inflammatory political language, and the wider context of Borno’s governance under Governor Babagana Zulum, his utterances call for urgent political recalibration and ethical accountability to restore decorum and foster inclusive political engagement not only in Borno State but also in Nigeria’s political landscape as a whole.

First and foremost, the role of a public official, particularly a commissioner, encompasses more than mere political allegiance; it demands leadership marked by responsibility, maturity, and respect for the rule of law. Sainna Buba’s language, which evokes physical violence against political opponents, crosses a line from robust political debate into outright intimidation and incitement. In a professional and democratic context, no politician—especially one holding executive office—should resort to threats that imply physical harm as a method of ensuring compliance or support. Such utterances severely erode public trust in governance and raise legitimate fears about the safety and rights of citizens who hold different political views. The commissioner’s choice of words reflects poor judgment and signals a troubling disregard for democratic norms where freedom of expression and political plurality must be respected.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/why-borno-must-celebrate-governor-zulum/

Sainna Buba’s comments are particularly dangerous given Borno State’s fragile socio-political environment. Having endured prolonged insurgency and communal strife, the state requires leaders who promote unity, healing, and civility rather than exacerbating divisions through reckless rhetoric. By invoking violent imagery, the commissioner risks inflaming tensions among youth and political factions, potentially inciting unrest or even violent clashes. Such a posture is counterproductive to ongoing efforts by Governor Zulum’s administration to rebuild communities, foster peace, and attract investment critical for development. Instead of serving as a catalyst for cohesion, Buba’s remarks threaten to undermine decades of painstaking work to stabilize the state and promote harmonious coexistence.

From a political strategy standpoint, the commissioner’s statements also jeopardize the image of the ruling APC in Borno and nationally. Political parties thrive on credibility, discipline, and positive public engagement. When a prominent member publicly threatens violence, it undermines the party’s dedication to democratic values and good governance. This is particularly sensitive as the APC positions itself for the crucial 2027 presidential elections, where internal cohesion and broad-based appeal are critical. Political commentators and stakeholders are right to question whether such inflammatory rhetoric is an isolated lapse or symptomatic of broader issues within the party’s ranks in Borno. It raises uncomfortable questions about whether the commissioner’s approach aligns with the administration’s vision or if it inadvertently damages the party’s reputation and electoral prospects.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/why-borno-must-celebrate-governor-zulum/

Furthermore, the allegation that Sainna Buba’s speech might be part of a political gambit aimed at either undermining Governor Zulum’s administration or positioning himself against President Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions adds another layer of complexity. If indeed his comments represent factional posturing rather than the official stance of the government, then it exposes fractures within the ruling elite that voters and citizens cannot ignore. Political competition within the same party should ideally be conducted through structured dialogue and policy debate, not through threats and fear-mongering. This intra-party discord risks creating a toxic environment that stifles constructive engagement and dissuades active participation by younger demographics who are critical to the political future of Borno and Nigeria.

Critics might argue that high-stakes political campaigns often involve fiery rhetoric and that politicians sometimes resort to exaggerated statements to galvanize support. While political bravado is not uncommon, there remains an essential boundary between rallying cries and incitements to violence. Effective political leadership entails harnessing passion while maintaining decorum, encouraging debate without sowing fear. The commissioner’s language violates this balance, demonstrating recklessness rather than strategic acumen. Leaders are expected to unify rather than divide, to inspire adherence through ideas and policies, not through threats. This is especially critical in a democracy where political contestation should safely occur within constitutional frameworks and respect for human rights.

READALSO: https://newsng.ng/why-borno-must-celebrate-governor-zulum/

The broader lesson from this episode is the urgent need for political actors, civil society, and the media to insist on ethical standards and accountability in public discourse. Public officials like Sainna Buba We must remind public officials like Sainna Buba that their words carry weight far beyond immediate crowds and social media echo chambers. Training, counseling, and strict regulatory frameworks governing political conduct could help mitigate the risk of such damaging pronouncements. Furthermore, party leadership must act decisively to censure or discipline members who engage in inflammatory behavior to preserve public confidence and safeguard democratic processes.

Sainna Buba’s reckless and violent threats against political opponents are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s political culture at all levels, but particularly in sensitive regions like Borno State. Such conduct undermines democracy, threatens social harmony, tarnishes the ruling party’s image, and risks destabilizing the political landscape as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. It is imperative that political leaders and institutions reaffirm their commitment to peaceful, respectful, and inclusive politics. Only by rejecting intimidation and fostering genuine dialogue can Borno, and Nigeria as a whole, hope to achieve sustainable development and democratic consolidation. The Borno Commissioner must therefore be counseled, held accountable, and guided towards embracing the virtues of responsible leadership that the people deserve.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: How Borno Commissioner’s recklessness reduces city boys’ movement to finger-butchering boys.