Politics
2023: CSO Seeks for Adequate Security, Active Youths Participation in Politics
Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ahead of 2023 general elections in Nigeria, the Executive Director, Connected Development, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Mr Hamzat Lawal, on Sunday called on government at all levels to work towards putting in place adequate security for smooth and successful conduct of the polls. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Lawal also stressed the need for active participation of youths across the country in Politics saying that as future leaders, they should be gradually groomed in the art of politicking.
Lawal, an independent observer made this call at the sideline of Kogi Central Senatorial primary election of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okene at the weekend.
According to him, without adequate security, the INEC’s sensitive materials will not be safe, and Nigerians will not come out to cast their ballot thereby leading to voter apathy.
”There is need to ensure adequate security as much as primaries elections are ongoing in Nigeria, but my major concern is the general elections in 2023.
”Today, I am happy that we have adequate security on ground and some of the agents and aspirants are well coordinated.
”We have INEC officials as well as various security agencies to ensure there is peace and the election is free and fair,” he said.
Lawal also urged Nigerian youths to ensure active participation in politics by being a card carrying member of a political party, and be part of the process and structure.
An anti-corruption activist and founder, Follow The Money, stressed that youths participation in political process was key to embracing inclusion, inter-generational equity and dialogue.
He urged the politicians and legislators to put their personal interest aside, and deliver on good governance and services to the people based on their ideals and manifestos.
Lawal, an anti-corruption activist and co-founder, Follow the Money, said the fact that money politics was still playing precedent in Nigeria, signified that the Anti- Corruption Agencies were not doing enough.
“If they do, people with money bags will be scared to use money to entice voters.
”If we must get it right, we must embrace our value system which has eroded,” he said.
Lawal disclosed that the CSO had deployed observers who were documenting the entire process of the parties’ primary elections, adding that the report would be out soon.
He emphasised that Science and Technology should play a big role in the next election to reduce voters apathy and ensure peaceful, free and fair election where politicians would not muzzle the process and the people.
Mr Abubakar Ohere, the former Kogi State Commissioner for Works, won the Kogi Central Senatorial APC primary election with 260 votes.
Ohere defeated two other aspirants, Mr Ramatu Attah and Alh. Dalhatu Sheriff, who polled 13 and 11 votes respectively.
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Politics
ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and Unity
By Gbenga Shaba
In a significant move to boost its regional structure and foster greater coordination, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday inaugurated its Southwest Zonal Working Committee during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kakanfo Inn, Off Ring Road, Ibadan.
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The event brought together key party figures, state chairmen, and additional stakeholders from across the six Southwest states, highlighting the party’s commitment to inclusive representation and grassroots engagement.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by prominent party leaders, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. State chairmen from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo presented comprehensive reports on the party’s structure, penetration, and preparedness in their respective states.
The briefing began with Hon. Ilesanmi Omolayo, the Ekiti State ADC Chairman, and concluded with Hon. Ashiru George from Lagos, collectively delivering reassuring accounts that underscored the ADC’s growing organizational stability and readiness for upcoming political activities.
In his address, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola charged all elected party officials and stakeholders to remain committed to strengthening the ADC in the Southwest and across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and effective coordination as key pillars for building a formidable party capable of offering Nigerians a credible, people-oriented alternative. Aregbesola also stressed the need for continuous engagement with the national leadership to ensure proper harmonization, validation, and accuracy of party officers in all states.
During the meeting, the names of Southwest officers serving at the national level were formally read and inaugurated, reaffirming the zone’s influential role within the party’s hierarchy which includes;
1). Akinbolawale Omole – National Vice Chairman (Ekiti)
2). Captain Tunji Shelle – National Director, Communication and Programmes (Lagos)
3). Professor Bode Ayorinde – Diversity and Inclusion Secretary (Ondo)
4). Fabiyi Oladimeji – Deputy National Financial Secretary (Ogun)
5). Alhaja Khafilat Omolabake Olayiwola – Deputy National Women Leader (Oyo)
6). Olufemi Adeleye – Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora (Ekiti)
7). Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni – Assistant National Organising Secretary (Osun)
Additionally, the newly appointed members of the Southwest Zonal Working Committee were introduced, further enhancing the party’s zonal framework. These zonal appointments include;
8). Assistant National Secretary: Architect Basiru Aremu Lawal
9). Assistant National Woman Leader Zonal: Lady Lydia Omarisola Olafunmiloye (Ondo)
10). Assistant National Youth Leader Zonal: Mrs. Elizabeth Adeola Olusi (Lagos)
Party leaders expressed optimism about the committee’s potential to improve leadership efficiency, promote democratic ideals, and drive regional development initiatives. The ADC remains resolute in its mission to deepen democratic values, strengthen internal structures, and position itself as a viable force for national development.
This inauguration marks a progressive step for the ADC in the Southwest, to enhance a positive collaboration and a unified push toward greater political impact in Nigeria.
ADC…. Arise and Shine!
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Politics
Ajia Pitches Tent with APC, Says Nigeria Must Defeat Insecurity
AbdulRahman Obaje
Alhaji Mohammed Ajia Ibrahim, PhD, the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, has formally announced his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing conscience, patriotism and national duty as the driving forces behind his move.
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In a press statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Monday, Ajia said his decision followed months of deep reflection, wide consultations and a careful examination of Nigeria’s current political and security realities.
He explained that his upbringing from a humble background, where his parents laboured tirelessly to cater for their family, shaped his lifelong commitment to public service and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“I took a firm decision from an early age to do whatever is within my powers to make life more meaningful for as many people as I can. That has remained my guiding principle in life, and it has shaped my involvement in business and politics,” he stated.
Ajia noted that after evaluating various political platforms, he concluded that the APC currently offers the most realistic avenue for him to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s security and survival, particularly at a time the country is grappling with insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
He specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and later as Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as a reassuring signal of the administration’s seriousness in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
According to him, General Musa is a disciplined and professional officer who does not approach issues of insurgency and criminality with sentiment or bias, adding that the appointment strengthened his confidence in the present government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
Drawing from his background and experience, Ajia said his understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges is based on practical engagement rather than theory, noting that years of neglect, manipulation and socio-economic hardship have pushed many young people into violence.
He stressed the need for a holistic approach that combines professionalism at the leadership level with meaningful grassroots engagement, particularly with the youth, as a pathway to ending insecurity in the country.
“I believe strongly that without engaging the younger generation with understanding and compassion, Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity,” he said.
Ajia further clarified that his decision to join the APC is not motivated by any intention to seek elective office or political appointment, disclosing that since his resignation from the Nigeria Police Force in 2017, he has not accepted any government appointment and has continued to serve the nation in his personal capacity.
He reaffirmed his readiness to support ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and insecurity using his knowledge of Nigeria’s security landscape, his professional experience and his grassroots connections.
The APC stalwart expressed optimism that with a combination of professional leadership at the top and community-based understanding at the grassroots, Nigeria can overcome its current security challenges.
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PoliticsFebruary 10, 2026ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and UnityPoliticsFebruary 9, 2026Ajia Pitches Tent with APC, Says Nigeria Must Defeat InsecurityPoliticsFebruary 8, 2026Kogi Progressive Forum Denies Alleged Division In APCHealth and Life StyleFebruary 8, 2026Kogi L-PRES Project Takes Delivery of Vaccines for Transboundary Animal Disease
Politics
Kogi Progressive Forum Denies Alleged Division In APC
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF) has debunked misleading and negative narratives circulating on social media aimed at blackmailing the forum and sowing seeds of discord within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.
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The forum, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Sani Philips, said the narratives were deliberately orchestrated by unscrupulous elements to misinform party members and the general public about the true intentions of its recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Lokoja on February 4, 2026, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was overwhelmingly endorsed for a second term in office.
Although it would ordinarily ignore such claims, the forum said it was compelled to respond in order to protect unsuspecting party members and provide clarity on its position and objectives.
According to the statement, the KPSF is neither a faction nor does it represent any real or imagined faction within the APC in Kogi State, stressing that it is not in contention with the existing leadership structure of the party in the state.
The forum reaffirmed that the APC in Kogi State remains one indivisible entity under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, adding that its activities are fully aligned with the unity and collective interest of the party.
It further stated that the cardinal objective of its Lokoja meeting was the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, citing his outstanding performance in office, while also emphasizing the need for unity, cohesion, inclusion, equity and fairness within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The KPSF noted that its thematic focus is squarely anchored on the re-election of President Tinubu, which it described as a strategic imperative and competitive advantage toward winning all other elections in Kogi State.
The statement clarified that the forum is not an extension of any political tendency or personal ambition, but a collective platform comprising party elders, leaders and grassroots stakeholders committed to the unity and progress of the APC.
It added that the forum consists of eminent personalities drawn from across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State, all of whom are active and loyal members of the APC working to ensure cohesion and a united front toward electoral success.
The forum, therefore, cautioned mischief makers to desist from misrepresenting its activities and warned against actions capable of stoking division within the party.
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PoliticsFebruary 10, 2026ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and UnityPoliticsFebruary 9, 2026Ajia Pitches Tent with APC, Says Nigeria Must Defeat InsecurityPoliticsFebruary 8, 2026Kogi Progressive Forum Denies Alleged Division In APCHealth and Life StyleFebruary 8, 2026Kogi L-PRES Project Takes Delivery of Vaccines for Transboundary Animal Disease