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Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home
Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Governor Babagana Zulum has voted in today’s council election which took place in the 27 council areas of the state.
The Governor who voted at Ajari two polling unit 006 in Mafa central Ward, headquarters of Mafa council area cast his vote at about 12.23pm this afternoon.
Professor Zulum, cast his vote at this years Council election held across the 27 Local Government Areas and 312 political wards in Borno State today Saturday.
The election was contested by six political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Speaking after casting his vote, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the turnout in the council election which should produce new chairmen before the next general election in 2027.
“You have seen the turnout, you know this is my hometown. So, my general assessment of the process is good. It is expected that the 2027 election will also be well.
“This is a litmus test, and Insha Allah, in 2027, APC will win from the President down to each member of the state Assembly. Borno is the home of APC, more so, I am a son of this town,” Zulum stated.
Meanwhile Senator representing Borno Central senatorial district, Kaka Shehu described the Borno State local council election as credible.
He described the election as transparently clean and rancour-free adding that: “I must commend the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a well-organized election, and the security agencies for enduring security, peace and order at all the polling units and across my senatorial district,”
Senator Lawal, while assessing the conduct of the poll after casting his vote at his Lawan Asheik Alhaji Sadiq polling unit, Shehuri South Ward, Maiduguri metropolis told newsmen that he was impressed with the conduct of the election.
“I’m also impressed with the voter turnout, in spite of the hard times, which shows that the electorate are committed to genuine democratic governance in Borno State and Nigeria adding that “for me, the election is credible.”
Reps member, Abdulkadir Rahis, who voted at his Wakil Hassan polling unit, Gwange one ward, Maiduguri metropolis, told newsmen that he was impressed about the rancour-freeness of the election coupled with the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which prevailed across his constituency.
Both NASS members expressed confidence that the pending 2027 general elections would also credible and rancour-free.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) North of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Ali Dalori expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the elections.
He described the exercise as a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroot inclusivity.
The APC Chieftain commended the orderly conduct of voters across the state and praised their commitment to peaceful participation.
He told reporters soon after he casted his vote at the Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga council area of the state that he was excited at the defiance of people across the state against existing security threats by insurgents.
Dalori said that, although his office in Abuja was preoccupied with a lot of schedule duties, but as a grassroot politician, he had to move to the state, to exercise his franchise at his polling unit by electing credible leaders who would continue to complement efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities.
His words: ” Let me use this medium to express satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the Borno State local government elections. It is a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.
“In my polling unit, the massive participation reflects citizens’ growing confidence in democratic governance. I wish all contestants success.
” I commend Members of the State Electoral Body, security agencies and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment which led to the orderly conduct of voters across the state.
He however expressed optimism that his party, the APC will come out victorious in all elective positions such as the Chairmanship and Councillorship across the 27 local government areas, considering the numerous people- oriented projects executed by the present administration.
This reporter recalls that, the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pulled out from the exercise claiming that their efforts were fruitless as the state is already a one party state.
Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home
News
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
News
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
News
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
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