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Plateau witnessed low turn out in the re-run election

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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

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National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

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National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu's Second Tenure

National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.

The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.

“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”

The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.

National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

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Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

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Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Zulum’s agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.

Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.”

He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits build upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”

He stated, “The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration.”

At the commissioning of the newly constructed high Islamic school, Zulum noted, “the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.”

“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired.”

In his remarks, the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, underscores Governor Zulum’s giant strides, stating, “this institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency,”

“The state has constructed One Hundred and Four (104) Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled One Thousand and Eighty-Seven (1,087) classrooms, executed major works in forty (40) additional schools, restored thirty (30) flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.”

“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000). Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.

Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

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Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

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Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have thwarted a coordinated multi-pronged terrorist assault on positions in Kukawa after a prolonged overnight battle supported by air strikes.

Military sources said the attackers, mounted on gun trucks, motorcycles and on foot, launched the assault from multiple directions late on Feb. 20.

Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties.

Air strikes later destroyed one gun truck and several motorcycles carrying fleeing fighters, neutralising additional terrorists.

During follow-up exploitation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios, and other items believed to have been used by the attackers, as well as evidence of casualties evacuated by the group.

One soldier was killed during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.

Military authorities said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained pressure on insurgent elements and continued efforts to degrade their combat capability across the theatre.

Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

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