Political Landscape Shifts as Yobe South Mobilizes for 2027 Elections Amid Marginalization Concerns

By: Michael Mike

As the 2027 general elections approach, political activities in Yobe South Senatorial District—comprising Potiskum, Fika, Nangere, and Fune Local Government Areas—are gaining momentum. The developments reflect growing concerns about resilience, inclusion, and longstanding marginalization within the region.

Renowned as the food basket of Yobe State, Yobe South is home to a predominantly agrarian population known for its hard work, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, many residents have diversified beyond agriculture, pursuing business opportunities across Nigeria rather than relying solely on government employment.

A concerned citizen of the district, Musa Abdullahi Mai Biredi, noted that despite these contributions and a relatively strong educational base, Yobe South has experienced persistent political marginalization since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. According to him, political dominance has largely remained within Yobe East Senatorial Zone, often associated with a single dominant ethnic group, thereby sidelining other communities within the state.

“This persistent imbalance raises serious concerns about equity and representation, as the interests of diverse communities continue to receive limited attention,” he stated.

Attention is now turning to Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, whose potential candidacy is being viewed by many as a symbol of hope for more inclusive representation. His emergence is seen as a challenge to the entrenched political structure, though not without reported resistance. Allegations of intimidation by certain political actors have surfaced, raising concerns about the fairness of the democratic process and the ability of candidates from Yobe South to compete on equal footing.

Meanwhile, there are indications that many constituents in Yobe South are aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a desire for change and stronger political inclusion. Variations in voting patterns across the state further reflect underlying dissatisfaction, which could drive a significant political shift if voters organize effectively and support candidates who genuinely represent their interests.

As Yobe State moves closer to the 2027 elections, the issues of equity, justice, and inclusive governance will remain central to political discourse. Addressing the concerns of marginalization in Yobe South is critical to ensuring balanced representation and strengthening democratic values across the state.

Ultimately, the resolve of the electorate to rally behind credible and people-focused leadership will play a decisive role in shaping the future political landscape of Yobe State.

Political Landscape Shifts as Yobe South Mobilizes for 2027 Elections Amid Marginalization Concerns

FG Directs MDAs to Halt New Policies Pending Full RIA Compliance

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction and rollout of new policies, regulations, or major regulatory changes until full compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Framework is achieved.

The directive, issued by the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, is part of efforts to strengthen regulatory quality, ensure policy coherence, and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

According to the statement, the RIA Framework, which was formally implemented in January 2025, requires that all new policies or amendments introduced after the date must undergo review and approval in line with its provisions.

She noted that the framework has already been circulated to MDAs by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is also accessible on the PEBEC website. MDAs are therefore expected to familiarize themselves with the framework and align their policy development processes accordingly.

Audu emphasized that while the government remains committed to working collaboratively with regulatory institutions, no new reform or policy would be allowed to proceed without being backed by clear and verifiable evidence.

She explained that the directive aims to prevent policy shocks that could negatively affect businesses, investors and citizens, eliminate inconsistencies and frequent policy reversals, and institutionalize evidence-based policymaking across government.

The directive also seeks to enhance transparency, improve predictability, and boost stakeholder confidence in public policies, while ensuring adequate engagement to minimize resistance prior to implementation.

Consequently, all MDAs have been instructed to suspend any planned policy rollouts that have not yet been implemented, ensure that new policy proposals are supported by comprehensive RIA and necessary approvals, and integrate the RIA process into their internal policy formulation procedures.

They are also required to undertake structured and inclusive stakeholder engagement as part of policy development to improve acceptance and implementation outcomes.

The PEBEC boss added that MDAs can access the RIA Framework through its website or seek technical support from the council’s secretariat.

She, however, noted that exceptions would only be granted in cases of urgent national interest, subject to appropriate approval.

Audu stressed that cooperation from all MDAs is crucial to building a stable, consistent and business-friendly regulatory environment capable of driving sustainable economic growth and boosting investor confidence.

FG Directs MDAs to Halt New Policies Pending Full RIA Compliance

Yobe: teenage fight at wedding turns deadly in Potiskum

By: Zagazola Makama

A 17-year-old boy, Ishaku Idriss, has died following a violent clash among youths during a marriage ceremony in Garaganya village, Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Police sources said the incident occurred on March 31, 2026, at about 10:00 p.m. during a wedding ceremony, when youths from Dagare and Yabel villages engaged in a physical confrontation.

According to sources , the altercation escalated after Adamu Suleh, 16, of Dagare village, allegedly assaulted Ishaku Idriss, 17, of Yabel village, with a stick following an instigation involving one Shuaibu Yusuf, 27, also of Yabel village.

The victim was later said to have retaliated by attacking Usman Inusa, 14, of Dagare village, who struck him on the head with a stick, causing him to collapse.

He was initially rushed to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, before being transferred to Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, where he was confirmed dead on April 4, 2026, at about 4:00 a.m.

Police authorities said the case was reported by the village head of Jumma’a Bogocho, Ahmadu Yusuf, who brought the matter to the Potiskum Police Division.

The suspects have been arrested, while investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Yobe: teenage fight at wedding turns deadly in Potiskum