Politics
Southern Kaduna now stands with APC – Speaker Abbas
… Says Tinubu shows unmatched commitment to the devt of Kaduna South District
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has said that the Southern part of Kaduna State now stands with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), owing to the exemplary leadership demonstrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in Kafanchan at a rally to receive some high-profile Southern Kaduna politicians formerly of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC on Saturday, Speaker Abbas noted that President Tinubu has prioritized the development of Southern Kaduna by bringing some laudable projects to the area.
Those who defected from the PDP to the APC included the senator representing Kaduna South, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, and the member representing Jamaa/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Amos, along with thousands of their supporters.
Speaker Abbas, who went down memory lane, said, “For all its history since 1999, Southern Kaduna has been considered the stronghold of the PDP. For decades, they claimed ownership of your loyalty, your dreams, and your destiny. But today, that claim has ended. The people have reclaimed their power. The tide has turned. The old walls have fallen. And the people of Southern Kaduna now stand with the All Progressives Congress.”
Describing the defection of the two prominent politicians to the APC as a progressive move, the Speaker said Senator Katung and Hon. Amos “have chosen the path of progress. They have chosen to stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. This is not an ordinary defection. It is a political earthquake. It is a new dawn in the politics of Kaduna South and, indeed, in Nigeria.”
“My brothers and sisters, this defection is a message. It is a message that the era of division is over. It is a message that the people of Southern Kaduna are ready to move forward with Nigeria’s progress. It is a message that the APC is now the home of unity, inclusion, and development.
“President Tinubu has shown an unmatched commitment to the development of Southern Kaduna. He has listened to your long-standing cries for inclusion and responded with action. The Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, established by this administration, is a bold symbol of renewal and progress. It will soon open its doors to students and begin shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and thinkers.
“The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan reflects the government’s deep commitment to the health and well-being of every citizen. It will bring quality healthcare closer to the people and strengthen medical services across Southern Kaduna.
“The creation of the Military Command Centre in Samaru Kataf marks a decisive step towards lasting peace and security. It demonstrates the government’s resolve to protect lives, defend communities, and restore confidence in the region’s safety.
“These are all living proofs of inclusion and justice. They show that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leads not with promises, but with action. He is a leader who keeps his word and delivers development where it matters most.”
The Speaker added that the appointment of sons of Southern Kaduna to strategic national roles was a demonstration of the President’s commitment to develop the area.
“Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. Professor Qurix Williams Barnabas has been appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of the university. These appointments honour Southern Kaduna. They recognise excellence and integrity.”
Speaker Abbas also described Governor Senator Uba Sani as “a strong pillar of support,” saying the governor’s “inclusive governance has opened doors for all. He has built bridges where divisions once stood. He has placed development above politics and unity above partisanship.”
The Speaker said he has always regarded the people of Southern Kaduna as brothers and sisters, noting, “My love for this region is genuine and long-standing. The friendship I have shared with your leaders and communities is built on mutual respect and trust.
“Working with President Tinubu, we ensured the 2025 Budget reflects true inclusion. Southern Kaduna is now a priority for national development. These projects are not just for today. They are investments for the future. They will educate, empower, and connect our people for generations.
“We have secured major projects for your zone in the 2025 budget with the full support of President Tinubu. We made education a top priority. The 2025 Budget places Southern Kaduna at the centre of learning and opportunity. The Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia will raise a new generation of scientists and innovators who will drive the nation’s future. The College of Education in Gidan Waya, Kafanchan, will train teachers who will rebuild the foundations of our schools and shape the minds of our future leaders. The Federal School of Statistics in Manchok will produce data experts to guide government planning and evidence-based decision-making. The College of Nursing in Kafanchan will equip young people with the skills to save lives and strengthen healthcare delivery in our communities.
“Education must reach everyone in Southern Kaduna. That is why we are building Inclusive Education Centres in Jema’a, Kachia, Sanga and Kagarko. These centres will give children with special needs a place to learn, grow, and dream. We are also constructing CBT Centres in Jema’a, Sanga and Zango. They will prepare our young people for the digital economy and help them compete confidently in a fast-changing world.
“Southern Kaduna must not depend on others for progress. That is why we are establishing Skills Acquisition Centres in Sanga and Kachia. These centres will train young men and women in trades, create jobs, and help them become self-reliant. The completed Vocational Training Centre in Jagindi, Jema’a Local Government, is already changing lives. It stands as proof that with the right tools, our youth can succeed anywhere.
“We are renovating primary schools in Jema’a, Sanga, Kaura, Jaba and Kagarko because no child should learn under a broken roof. Every classroom must be a place of pride and hope. We are also constructing a complete secondary school in Kaura to give rural students the chance to continue their education close to home. These efforts will rebuild the education system from the ground up and prepare the next generation for leadership.
“Roads are the lifelines of development. We are constructing major roads in Kauru and Jaba to connect farms to markets, link communities, and open trade routes for businesses. These roads will boost economic activity, reduce isolation, and promote unity across Southern Kaduna.
“These projects are not mere promises; they are tangible investments in the people. They will lift families out of poverty, create jobs, strengthen local economies, and secure the future of this great region. Under the leadership of President Tinubu and with the partnership of the National Assembly, and the Government of Kaduna State, Southern Kaduna now stands not at the margins but at the heart of Nigeria’s progress.”
He called on the people to continue supporting the Tinubu administration and Governor Uba Sani’s government in Kaduna State.
Speaking, Governor Uba Sani said APC is waxing stronger in Kaduna State due to the people-oriented programmes of the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.
He said when he assumed office in May 2023, he made a solemn pledge to run an all-inclusive government, to treat everyone equally, noting that the gale of defections of members of the opposition to the APC in Kaduna State is an indication that the people have embraced his leadership.
He thanked Speaker Abbas for working with him to run an all-inclusive government, saying they have been recording significant successes in the last two and a half years.
By Felix Umande
The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday took his campaign for a new Nigeria to Benue State, combining humanitarian visits with a major town hall engagement in Makurdi.
Supporters described the gathering as an opportunity to engage directly with political leaders they believe can bring about a new Nigeria.
At the town hall, Obi unveiled his five-point agenda, promising jobs for young people, security for farmers, and an end to a system where employment depends on connections.
“We are going to ensure that young people have access to opportunities that will enable them to start their own businesses. We will also ensure that those who want to farm can return to their farms securely.
“We will ensure that when we create jobs, employment will no longer depend on knowing somebody. We must create a society where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
On security, Obi said securing Nigeria would not be difficult, citing the position of the United Nations that the world should not be a means of defence.
He then listed his priorities in order:
“I repeat, we will ensure that we unite Nigeria. Nigeria will be one. We will unite Nigeria. Number two, we will secure Nigeria. Number three, we will fight corruption and stop the stealing of public funds so that public money can be used for the public good. Number four, we will invest in health to ensure proper healthcare. And number five, we will invest in education.”
He closed with his signature pledge: “A new Nigeria is possible! A new Nigeria is possible! We will move Nigeria from consumption to production.”
Before the town hall, Obi visited the palace of the paramount traditional ruler of the Tiv people, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, in Gboko.
The royal father thanked him for the visit, prayed for his protection and for a successful engagement in the state, and called for more prayers for Benue and Nigeria.
Obi told the monarch he was in the state for combined humanitarian and political engagements, and that it was important to visit the palace for blessing and important discussions.
He was accompanied by Bishop William Avenya of Gboko Catholic Diocese, Reverend Tor Ujah, other clergies and party supporters.
From Gboko, Obi proceeded to Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, where 271 people were massacred in June last year by armed invaders.
There, he laid a wreath in honour of the slain victims, in a solemn moment that underscored the humanitarian leg of his visit to the state.
–Promised water, basic edu for orphans
By Felix Umande
Presidential hopeful Peter Obi on Wednesday visited Yelwata community to commiserate with residents affected by recent attacks, pledging borehole water, N10 million for the education of orphaned children, and sustained support for the community.
Obi said he came to feel the pain of the people and to listen to their cries, not to apportion blame over what happened.
“First, I came here to most sincerely commiserate with the people of Yelwata. I came to feel your pain. I came to feel your cries.
“I have listened to Dr. Andrew. Let me assure you that we feel your pain. We understand all that you are going through, and I assure you that, while we are working hard in Nigeria, we must stop mothers from crying for their children and stop children from crying for their parents.”
Obi said his vision was for a secure country where no Nigerian fears living in his or her community and no Nigerian becomes a refugee.
“As long as Yelwata is suffering, Nigeria is suffering. As long as Yelwata is going through pain, Nigeria is going through pain. That is what we want to stop,” he said.
“We are not here in any way to say that we know what happened or who was responsible. We are here to say that what happened in Yelwata should not happen in a Nigeria where we are ready to fight back.”
He called on all men of goodwill to ensure that such an incident does not happen again, and prayed for comfort for mothers who lost their husbands and children who lost their parents.
Responding to issues raised by community leader Dr. Andrew, Obi identified water as the most urgent need and promised to support the provision of a borehole for the community.
“The most important issue Andrew raised today was the need for water. Andrew, I assure you that we will support you. I will support you to ensure that a borehole is provided here,” he said.
He also announced an initial sum of N10 million to support the education of children who became orphans and may no longer be able to go to school, noting his belief in supporting education, especially at the basic level.
Obi added that he would engage other agencies to explore ways of providing healthcare support for the community.
“Today, my purpose is to listen to what has happened. I have listened to your experiences, and I assure you that we will do whatever it takes to support this community and help you overcome these difficulties,” he assured.
“We cannot continue to have a Nigeria like this. We must deal with this situation. We want to unite Nigeria, secure it and lift people out of poverty. I want people to return to their farms.”
Obi assured the community that within two years, Nigerians would have access to primary healthcare, with a plan to build 10,000 primary healthcare centres covering at least one in each of the 8,809 wards in the country.
He said communities were currently without primary healthcare facilities, with schools not functioning and residents not secure.
“We will ensure that we decisively address these security challenges so that Nigerians can go to bed with their eyes closed and return to their farms to earn a living. I assure you that we will do this,” he said.
Obi disclosed that it was his third attempt to visit Yelwata and expressed happiness that he finally made it without any incident. He said he spoke with the Governor the previous day and that Governor Alia welcomed his visit.
“This will not be my last visit. I will come back to Yelwata. I am part of your pain,” he said.
Politics
In Defiance to Shettima’s Call: Benue APC forms ‘Strategic Alliance’ With other Political Parties
By Felix Umande
The Benue APC has formed the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 with other political parties to garner votes for the president and his vice.
With loud silence about the party’s governorship candidate, the situation triggers suspicion of an arrangement to vote for a governorship candidate of their choice, outside the APC.
The constituted comprehensive Joint Campaign Council is to coordinate and oversee its campaign activities across Benue State in support of the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The constitution of the Council is the Alliance’s efforts to establish a coordinated and inclusive campaign structure that brings together its various political parties, stakeholders, political leaders and support groups across the state.
The Alliance has also announced Friday, November 20, 2026, as the date for the official commissioning of its Campaign Secretariat in Makurdi. The date for the formal inauguration of the Joint Campaign Council will be announced in due course.
According to a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Dan-Morgan Ihomun, on November 9, 2026, these events will formally mark the commencement of the Alliance’s structured campaign operations across Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The comprehensive list of members of the Joint Campaign Council is presented below:
1 Sen. Dr. George Akume (CON), Chairman
2 Chief, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Deputy Chairman
3 Prof. Sen. Amb. Ioywuese Hagher, Vice Chairman Zone-A
4 Chief, Laha Dzever Vice Chairman Zone-B
5 Chief Sylvester Ameh (MON), Vice Chairman Zone-C
6 Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, Member
7 Chief, Simon Shango (MFR), Chairman APC Elders Council/Member
8 Chief, Sen. Ameh Ebute, Member
9 Senator Jack Tilley Gyado (CON), Member
10 Dr. Austin Agada (APC State Chairman), Member
11 Chief. Ezekiel Adaji (PDP State Chairman), Member
12 Hon. Timothy Terzungwe Malu (PRP State Chairman), Member
13 Comrade Simon Ogbe (Zenith Labour Party State Chairman), Member
14 Comrade Ogli Joseph (All Progressive Grand Alliance State Chairman), Member
15 Hon. Aba Oche Innocent (NNPP State Chairman), Member
16 Comrade Emmanuel Terver Nyianshima (BOOT State Chairman), Member
17 Comrade Tor Aondofa Paul (NRM State Chairman), Member
18 Comrade Abaya Mike Kahan (YPP State Chairman), Member
19 Hon. Elias Abu Adikwu (ADC Legacy State Chairman), Member
20 Hon. Ogaia Ominyi (ADP State Chairman), Member
21 Hon. Ochigbo Matthew (NDP State Chairman), Member
22 Hon. Samuel Salifu (APP State Chairman), Member
23 Bishop Benson Ijachi (Accord Party Chairman), Member
24 Hon. Ochonu William Okofie (Labour Party State Chairman), Member
25 Chief, Akange Audu, Director General
26 Hon. Joshua Saleh, Deputy Director General
27 Sen. Abba Moro, Member
28 Sen. Memga Emmanuel Udende, Member
29 Sen. Titus Zam, Member
30 H.E. Hon. Chief, Mrs, Regina Akume (Jp), Member
31 Rt. Hon. Dickson Tarkighir , Member
32 Hon. Arch. Asema Achado, Member
33 Hon. Sekav Iortyom, Member
34 Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Member
35 Hon. Sesoor Ikpagher, Member
36 Hon. David Agada Ogewu, Member
37 H.E, Engr. Benson Abounu, Member
38 Chief, Samuel Adaa Maagbe, Member
39 Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Ekedegwa, Member
40 Prof. Barr. Agbo Madaki , Member
41 Hon. Lady Lilian Ogbole, Member
42 Engr. Dr. Mrs Roseline Ada Chenge, Member
43 Chief, Mike Aondoakaa (SAN), Member
44 Dr. Mathias T. Byuan, Member
45 Barr. Ukeyima Pius Akutah, Member
46 Arch. Sunny Echono, Member
47 Barr. Cosmos Akighir, Member
48 Chief, Mike Mku, Member
49 Hon. Jeffery Kuraun, Member
50 Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Member
51 Prof. Francis Aba Uba, Member
52 Dr. Dajoh Ashinya Tyover, Member
53 Dr. James Anbua, Member
54 Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Member
55 Chief, Mrs. Helen Bendega, Member
56 Barr. Mrs Patricia Kupchi, Member
57 Hon. Mrs Rosemary Aule, Member
58 Chief, Agbo Ogah, Member
59 Rt. Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Jime, Member
60 Chief, Elisha Amali, Member
61 Chief, Barr. John Ochoga, Member
62 Hon. Agbo Ameh, Member
63 Amb. Paul Adikwu, Member
64 Hon. Donald Gbuho Amokaha, Secretary
65 Amb. Dr. Philip Eche, Deputy Secretary
The Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 may be another version of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s, Rainbow Coalition, a body Vice President Kashim Shettima recently condemned while on campaigns in Lafia.
At the event, the Vice President had called on APC members to vote, from down to the top, all those contesting elections on the party’s platform.
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