Southern Borno Youths Rally Behind Ndume with N38.5m War Chest for 2027 Senate Bid

By: Michael Mike

In a powerful demonstration of political loyalty and grassroots mobilisation, thousands of youths from Southern Borno Senatorial District on Saturday pooled N38.5 million to back the fifth-term ambition of Muhammadu Ali Ndume ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The fundraising event, held at Forshams Hall in Maiduguri, attracted more than 2,000 participants drawn from all nine local government areas of the district. The contributors, largely youth groups and community associations, said their financial commitment was a deliberate move to retain what they described as a “fearless and people-driven legislator” in the Senate.

Leading the initiative, youth coordinator Alhaji Babandi Shehu said the intervention was not merely symbolic but a calculated political statement at a time when, according to him, Nigeria needs courageous voices in governance.

“Senator Ndume has distinguished himself as one of the few leaders who consistently speaks truth to power,” Shehu declared. “This is not just about funding forms; it is about safeguarding representation that prioritises the people and holds the executive accountable.”

The atmosphere at the venue reflected a rare level of political consensus, with chants of solidarity and pledges of continued support echoing throughout the gathering. Participants insisted that Ndume’s track record in both legislation and constituency development justifies their early and collective endorsement.

Reinforcing this position, Ndume’s Senior Legislative Aide, Junaid Jibril Maiva, outlined what he described as a legacy of impactful service spanning over a decade. He noted that the senator has sponsored more than 70 bills focused on national development while also facilitating landmark federal institutions in Southern Borno and the wider North-East.

Among these, he listed the Nigerian Army University, Biu, the North East Development Commission, and the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, as well as ongoing efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kwaya-Kusar and a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani.

Maiva further highlighted Ndume’s role in humanitarian interventions, particularly in communities devastated by insurgency. “Beyond legislation, he has directly supported resettlement efforts, including the construction of 200 housing units in Gwoza and 80 in Damboa for displaced families,” he said.

A breakdown of the funds raised showed a broad-based contribution pattern across the district. Biu, Kwaya-Kusar, Hawul, Bayo, and Shani collectively donated N8 million, Askira-Uba contributed N5 million, while Damboa added N2 million. Additional support came from trade and transport groups, including the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers and the Baga Road Timber Sellers Association, each donating N1 million.

Political observers say the scale and timing of the mobilisation point to a well-entrenched support base and a strategic effort to secure early momentum ahead of the 2027 race. The move also reflects a broader trend of pre-election alignment within the All Progressives Congress, as key actors position themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral cycle.

A Career Shaped by Advocacy and Controversy

Since his election to the Senate in 2011, Ndume has remained one of the most outspoken members of the National Assembly of Nigeria. Representing a region at the heart of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, he has consistently pushed for stronger federal intervention in security, reconstruction, and humanitarian response.

His tenure has been marked by a willingness to challenge authority—even within his own party—earning him both admiration and criticism. Supporters view him as a principled advocate for accountability, while critics argue that his confrontational style sometimes stirs political tension.

Nonetheless, Saturday’s event suggests that within Southern Borno, his influence remains firmly intact.

Early Signals for 2027

With the 2027 elections still over a year away, the fundraising initiative underscores how political structures are already taking shape across Nigeria. For Ndume’s supporters, the message is clear: continuity, experience, and assertive representation are non-negotiable.

As the crowd dispersed in Maiduguri, one sentiment stood out—this was more than a fundraiser. It was an early declaration of intent, a grassroots-powered endorsement that could set the tone for the political battles ahead.

Southern Borno Youths Rally Behind Ndume with N38.5m War Chest for 2027 Senate Bid

Constituents Across Southern Borno Constituency Endorse Betara, Cite Impactful Representation

By: Michael Mike

A wave of political support has emerged across Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar and Shani Federal Constituency, where constituents have rallied behind Muktar Betara Aliyu, endorsing his continued leadership in what observers describe as a significant show of grassroots confidence.

The endorsement, announced on April 21, reflects growing political consolidation within the constituency, with community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations aligning in support of the lawmaker’s track record in the House of Representatives Nigeria.

Across the four local government areas, stakeholders pointed to a range of constituency projects and interventions as the basis for their decision. These include infrastructure development, education support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and youth empowerment schemes—areas they say have seen measurable improvements under Betara’s representation.

Residents and local leaders described the lawmaker’s approach as “people-centred,” noting that his accessibility and responsiveness have strengthened trust between the electorate and their representative. According to several community voices, this relationship has translated into projects that directly address local needs, particularly in underserved rural areas.

What stands out in the endorsement is its cross-political dimension. Groups and associations with varying political leanings have reportedly set aside partisan differences to back Betara, a development analysts say reflects a broader shift toward performance-based support in parts of the North-East.

“This is not just about politics; it is about continuity of development,” a community stakeholder said, echoing sentiments shared by multiple groups across the constituency. “When leadership delivers, the people respond.”

Strategic Constituency in Borno Politics

The Biu/Bayo/Kwaya Kusar/Shani Federal Constituency remains one of the politically active blocs in Borno State, a region that has faced years of security challenges but continues to play a key role in the state’s political landscape.

Representation at the federal level has often been closely tied to development outcomes, as communities look to lawmakers not only for legislation but also for constituency projects that bridge gaps in infrastructure and social services.

Betara, a long-serving member of the House of Representatives, has built a reputation within this framework, leveraging his legislative experience to attract federal attention and resources to the constituency.

Momentum Ahead of Future Elections

Although no formal election timeline has been activated, the endorsement is widely seen as an early signal of political alignment ahead of the next electoral cycle. Analysts suggest that such unified backing could strengthen Betara’s position within the All Progressives Congress and beyond, particularly in a competitive political environment where grassroots support remains decisive.

For many constituents, however, the message goes beyond electoral calculations. The endorsement is being framed as a reaffirmation of trust—an insistence that development gains recorded in recent years should not be disrupted.

As voices of support continue to grow across the constituency, the emerging consensus points to a familiar theme in Nigerian politics: performance, when visible and sustained, can become the strongest campaign message long before ballots are cast.

Constituents Across Southern Borno Constituency Endorse Betara, Cite Impactful Representation

NCA, Barnabas Aid UK Reach 1,000 Displaced Households in Borno with Relief Support

By: Michael Mike

The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), covering 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has provided humanitarian relief to 1,000 displaced households in Borno State, in a renewed effort to support victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The intervention, funded by Barnabas Aid UK, targeted vulnerable families currently taking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities in Maiduguri. Beneficiaries received essential food items including 25kg bags of rice, garri, maize, and beans, alongside vegetable oil, palm oil, seasoning, and salt.

The distribution exercise, which formed part of a wider humanitarian outreach implemented across Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Ondo States, is aimed at cushioning the impact of prolonged displacement and insecurity affecting communities across northern Nigeria.

Flagging off the distribution at the Pentecostal Believers Covenant Church (PBCC), Gomari Airport, Maiduguri, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, described the intervention as a lifeline for families grappling with the harsh realities of displacement.

He said the initiative reflects a sustained commitment that began in December last year, noting that Borno State remains one of the most affected by insurgency, with thousands of families still struggling to rebuild their lives.

“We are here not just to distribute food items, but to remind you that you are not forgotten,” Reverend Hayab said. “This gesture is a demonstration of faith translated into action—compassion that responds directly to human suffering.”

He expressed gratitude to Barnabas Aid UK for what he described as consistent humanitarian support, stressing that reaching 1,000 households in conflict-affected communities represents a significant intervention at a critical time.

According to him, the resilience of displaced persons remains a source of encouragement to the Christian community across Northern Nigeria.

Reverend Hayab also called for sustained peace and unity in Borno State and across the country, urging citizens to embrace tolerance and reject violence in all its forms.

“No faith promotes hatred or destruction. We must continue to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” he said, adding that collective healing and rebuilding depend on unity and mutual respect.

He further encouraged beneficiaries to extend compassion within their communities, stressing that solidarity among displaced persons and host communities is vital for long-term recovery.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of Northern CAN and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North East Zone, Bishop Mohammed Naga, commended Barnabas Aid UK for its continued support to displaced families, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

He assured that the relief materials would be distributed fairly and transparently to achieve their intended purpose, while praising beneficiaries for their calm and orderly conduct during the exercise.

In their separate remarks, representatives of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Andrawus Bzalava, Mr. John Dogo, and a widow and survivor of Boko Haram attacks, Mrs. Naomi Daniel, expressed appreciation to Barnabas Aid UK and Northern CAN for the support.

They described the intervention as a source of relief amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity, while praying for lasting peace in Borno State and across Nigeria.

NCA, Barnabas Aid UK Reach 1,000 Displaced Households in Borno with Relief Support