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Plateau witnessed low turn out in the re-run election
Plateau witnessed low turn out in the re-run election
By: Bodunrin Kayode
It was an obviously low turn out of voters in Plateau State for the re-run election which took place in the plateau north senatorial constituency
This was because most of the prospective voters in the senatorial zone learnt about 24 hours before the election that their party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) logo was missing from the ballot paper.
Consequently, most of the residents decided to stay indoors amidst the “no movement” directive by the government rendering the polling units in the northern senatorial zone of Plateau State with abysmally low turn out.
While some of the polling units in the zone got their materials as early as 8am enough for the exercise to start, some of them got theirs quite late but in spite of that, they waited endlessly for the voters pinging their phones because there was nobody to conduct accreditation with in their units.
Some party agents in some wards in Rantia, Jenta, down to new haven were seen calling their people to come out from their apathy and vote because most residents who are supporters of PDP did not come out for the exercise.
Some of the voters complained that they did not see their party PDP on the ballot paper so they opted for some other friendly parties instead of going home like that while those who were supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) queued patiently for their candidates.
A resident who lives in Rantia and who preferred not to be named told this reporter that they were not happy that the political wrestling match between the elders of the PDP which ended in the appeal court recently has robbed them of vital seats in the national assembly and now they had to vote for candidates they never planned for.
“we were frustrated when we heard 24 hours ago that our party the PDP was not on the ballot paper for today’s election so we came out to vote for another party expectedly.
” Since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) excluded the PDP we listened to our elders who advised us to vote for the Action Democratic Party (ADP) which was the only one that will support the interest of the people in the Senate.
” imagine we sent our agents to monitor the off load of the materials at the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) only to find out that the PDP was excluded from the ballot papers they were going to distribute today.
” At first they did not want our agents to see, but when we insisted we must check to avoid mistakes, our agents were mad to see that they were playing on the intelligence of the people all these days knowing that they had dropped off the PDP from the ballot”.
” On a whole, it was a low turn out averagely in the entire metropolis except for a few exceptions. Imagine at the hill station junction where a polling unit is located at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ,) only 25 people voted out of 250 registered. Just 10%, to me that was very low indeed”.
On the status of the election in Barkin Ladi, another source told this reporter that the election was peaceful in the area except that most people especially young people stayed off out of disappointment.
Last minute adoption with the absence of pdp on the ballot
This reporter learnt that not to loose completely, a last minute adoption was made by the elders of the PDP not mentioned in a hurriedly circulated text message to different wards that their teeming supporters should rather vote the ADP instead of going home to lament.
It went thus:” we deeply regret the minor setback that our party, the PDP, and its candidates have experienced leading up to the upcoming re-run election on Saturday.
” However, let us not allow this distraction to deter us as loyal party members. Let us prioritize the welfare of Plateau State above party affiliation.
” If you genuinely care about Plateau State, we urge you to support candidates who will assist Governor Caleb Mutfwang in making our state better. The most suitable candidates, who have undeniably demonstrated their capability in doing so, are PRINCE PAM MWADKON DACHUNGYANG from the ADP FOR THE Senate and
HON. DANIEL ASAMA from the LABOUR PARTY for Jos North/Bassa in the Federal House of Representatives.
“We believe that by electing these candidates, we will be acting in the best interest of Plateau State as a whole.
“Therefore, we kindly request that every one of you come out in large numbers to vote for these candidates on Saturday. Please spread the word so others can act the same. May Plateau Succeed” said the message they kept passing around.
But that was obviously too late for a lot of residents who swore that it is either PDP or nothing at all.
Plateau witnessed low turn out in the re-run election
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.
On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.
He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.
This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.
.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.
Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.
“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.
Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
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