Politics
Senate President Calls on Political Leaders to Imbibe Tenets of Democracy, Give Attention to Issues of Security in West Africa
Senate President Calls on Political Leaders to Imbibe Tenets of Democracy, Give Attention to Issues of Security in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan has said elected representatives must be focused and grow the collective ability of imbibing the tenets of democracy, calling for more attention on issues of security in the sub-region in order for development.
Speaking at the Opening of the 2023 First Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament in Abuja, Lawan said the gathering was yet another “milestone in our strive for collaboration for economic integration, the deepening of democracy and the emancipation of our people from lack.”
He added that: “We have been consistent as leaders in driving these initiatives far beyond the statutory requirement for sessions like this, to include our individual national efforts at ensuring the realization of our goals.
“These goals are no doubt noble, but also essential for us as legislators saddled with the responsibility of deliberations before implementations are embarked upon.
The questions of trans-border crime, human trafficking, threats to democracy, conflicts and insurgencies, unemployment and underemployment and the general well-being of the people are still significant matters that need our continuous attention.”
Lawan explained that: “The essence of making our conversations ongoing is not that we are not discussing them correctly, or that we are not formulating the right policies, but because new realities continue to emerge around the subjects.”
He said: “While we are probably making progress in some regards, we are additionally challenged by the need to sustain our reviews, so as to strengthen our action plans, in view of changing dynamics.
“Our role as parliamentarians is always to extract the details involved and provide a clearer picture and understanding, for an appropriate government response.
“Coming together as participants from different nations is more opportunity to harness the experiences of our different jurisdictions, towards reaching a suitably overarching conclusion.
“As representatives of the people, it is trite to argue that we are more in touch with a wider scope of citizens, especially those at the grassroots. This puts us in the vantage position of reflecting realities as they affect the mass of our people.
From that standpoint, our resolutions are often people-oriented and the reason we are central is not just for the search for solutions, but for ongoing consultations in the course of executing plans.”
He revealed that: “We have no doubt being committed to them, but the task before us is to keep the focus and grow our collective ability to imbibe them.”
He noted that elected representatives must ensure freedom of expression, respect for human rights, inclusion and representation, in addition to fostering peace, growth and development, he stressed that: “Not a few successes have been made in ensuring the realization of these principles of democracy. Regardless, our task is to discourage reversals, by consolidating on our endurances, and growing democratic tenets.
“Included in these tenets are freedom of expression, human rights, security of life and property, in the general interest of happiness and progress.
“We have no doubt being committed to them, but the task before us is to keep the focus and grow our collective ability to imbibe them.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has said that the situation in the ECOWAS sub-region is worrisome.
Touray made the statement against the backdrop of the political instability, insecurity and humanitarian crisis bedevilling the ECOWAS region.
Touray while recalling that the meeting was taking place in a context characterized by upheavals in the international environment, said: “The situation in our region remains worrisome. Nonetheless, we are deploying all resources to ensure stability, security, and resilience in our member states.”
Touray added that the ECOWAS Commission continued to support member states in transition, particularly Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, for a return to normal constitutional order.
He said: “We have also been mobilising international support for Burkina Faso and Mali to fight terrorism and address humanitarian crises. We also continue to support elections in our member states, both as a conflict prevention measure and a support to our democratization process.”
He disclosed that the ECOWAS is deploying the necessary electoral assistance to member states going for elections soon such as the legislative elections in Guinea Bissau and the Presidential elections in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
On the economic situation in the region, Touray explained that despite inflationary pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the economies of the region are resilient and continue to post growth rates (3.1 percent according to the World Bank) with good prospects in general.
He however said the commission is seriously concerned about the security situation prevailing in the region, with the persistence and resurgence of terrorist acts in the countries of the three-border line: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and north-eastern Nigeria.
He lamented that: “These acts have resulted in targeted attacks against both military personnel and civilians, resulting in numerous casualties, material damage and displacement. The novelty of these attacks is that they are spreading to coastal countries (Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire). Therefore, our region must adopt a multifaceted, and coordinated approach and pool our resources to eradicate this scourge.”
In his welcome speech, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis, said the Parliament remained very concerned over the pace at which the transitional processes are unfolding in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
Tunis however said the Parliament is equally worried about the proliferation of terrorist activities in the Sahel, which has resulted into the killings of innocent lives.
Tunis presented solutions to securing a better region for present and future generations of ECOWAS citizens.
He said: “First, we have a responsibility to foster peace in our region which can only be possible by supporting the structures and respecting the policies and protocols we already have.
“Second, collective and immediate actions are needed to tackle the challenges we have, including poverty, inequality, climate change and a host of others.
“And third, we owe to one another, mutual accountability in our pursuit of solutions to our looming challenges. The application of these principles is critical to the advancement of humanity. I hope we can find these very useful and work in concert for the good of our region and the world.”
Senate President Calls on Political Leaders to Imbibe Tenets of Democracy, Give Attention to Issues of Security in West Africa
News
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
By: Michael Mike
In a move that underscores early political positioning ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027.
The endorsement, announced during a high-level gathering at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri on Saturday, signals a consolidation of political support in one of the APC’s strongest northern bases. Party leaders, government officials, and influential grassroots mobilizers unanimously pledged to rally voters across the state to ensure the continuity of the Tinubu administration.
Addressing the stakeholders, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the endorsement as both a vote of confidence in the current administration and a strategic commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms. He emphasized that the Tinubu-Shettima leadership had demonstrated resolve in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and economic challenges.
According to Zulum, Borno State—long at the epicenter of insurgency—has witnessed renewed federal attention in security coordination, humanitarian interventions, and reconstruction efforts. He noted that continuity in leadership would be critical to consolidating these gains, particularly in the North-East where recovery from years of conflict remains fragile.
“The support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is rooted in performance and trust,” Zulum said. “Borno has seen firsthand the impact of leadership that understands our realities and is committed to long-term stability.”
Borno’s Strategic Role in APC Politics
Borno State holds significant political weight within the APC, not only as a consistent electoral stronghold but also as the political base of Vice President Shettima, a former governor of the state. Since the party’s formation in 2013 and its landmark victory in the 2015 elections, Borno has remained central to APC’s dominance in the North-East.
The state’s political influence is further amplified by its frontline status in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Years of conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have shaped national security policies and elevated Borno’s importance in federal decision-making. As a result, endorsements from the state often carry symbolic and strategic significance for national campaigns.
Political analysts view the early endorsement as part of a broader effort by APC stakeholders to stabilize internal party structures and project unity well ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reflects a growing trend of pre-election alignments aimed at discouraging intra-party rivalries and consolidating incumbency advantages.
Momentum Builds Toward 2027
Saturday’s declaration comes amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, security challenges, and governance priorities under the Tinubu administration. While opposition parties are expected to intensify criticism in the coming years, the APC appears to be laying the groundwork for a coordinated re-election campaign.
Stakeholders at the Maiduguri meeting pledged to embark on extensive grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, and party strengthening initiatives across all local government areas in Borno. They also called on other APC-controlled states to replicate similar endorsements to build a nationwide consensus.
As Nigeria moves deeper into its current electoral cycle, the Borno endorsement highlights how regional political blocs are already shaping the contours of the 2027 race—long before official campaigns begin.
Borno APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Signal Early Political Realignment
Politics
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Abdulrahaman Kwancham, Adamawa Northern Senatorial zone aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the party leadership in the zone to be fair towards ensuring victory for the party in 2027 General Elections.
Kwancham made the call during a courtesy visit to the party leadership in Mubi-North Local Government Area.
He said fairness and justice would help the party members to remain united and succeed beyond politics.
“We should please remain peaceful and united in APC for the seek of God as well as to shun anti party for the victory of our party”, he said.
He explained that some people were in the party spreading rumours to cause problem between him and Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri because of the seat despite Fintiri is yet to officially declare his intentions to contest.
According to him, he is not desperate in his pursuit of the senatorial seat, despite the several groups coming to urge him to contest.
“If Gov. Fintiri comes out, I am ready to step down considering his outstanding performance in the state.
“Even if you don’t like Fintiri, you know that he has worked for the state and I am not fighting him “, he said.
In his remarks, the party Chairman appreciated the aspirant for the visit and assured a level playing grounds for all.
He assured their readiness to work in accordance with the party guideline for the success of the party.
Kwancham earlier paid homage on the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu who conferred on Kwancham the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani Mubi.
The Emir described the honour as well-deserved, citing Kwancham’s character, leadership qualities, and commitment to humanitarian activities.
Fairness, unity key to victory in 2027, Chieftain tells APC leadership in Adamawa
Politics
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Yobe state chapter, has promised to deliver 3.5 million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the 2027 presidential election.
The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON, disclosed to newsmen in a communique issued after a meeting of all APC stakeholders, Yobe State chapter, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Damaturu.
He said in the last presidential election, Yobe state had the highest percentage performance in Nigeria, and we intend to repeat the same but with even bigger results, noting that we have, as a small state, produced election results that compete favorably against results from bigger states because of our unity and understanding shown for each other.
The communique further stated that the Yobe State APC chapter has resolved to adopt consensus as a mode of elections to produce its candidates for the governorship, national assembly membership, and state assembly membership that is out of the two modes specified in the electorate act, consensus and direct; the APC has fixed consensus.
“And from our previous experience, consensus has always worked for us in this state in APC, and a candidate that emerges in any position will receive the support of all in this party, including, of course, aspirants who would have wished that were fixed. We support our candidates whenever they emerge.
He said the national members from Yobe State have always worked very closely and harmoniously with the state government, which has always been in APC in the last few years, especially during the Geidam era and, of course, presently with the Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni administration, and therefore this will continue because we have always seen the benefit of understanding and supporting each other.
2027: APC promises 3.5 million votes for TINUBU in Yobe
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