Author: Nouman Ali

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the claim by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ?1 billion to bandits.

El-Rufai made the allegation during a Channels Television interview, but the government described it as baseless and intended to undermine the state’s ongoing security progress.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said the claim was ‘a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,’ accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public.

The government criticised El-Rufai for ‘recklessly weaponising sensitive security matters for political grandstanding,’ saying such conduct is unbecoming of a former leader.

Shu’aibu stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid ransom to any criminal group.

‘Not one naira. Not one kobo,’ he stated, noting that the Governor has repeatedly clarified this in media engagements and stakeholder meetings.

The statement referenced the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with national security protocols. ONSA has maintained that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.

Outlining its security strategy, the government said it is pursuing a community-focused model anchored on enhanced military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

‘The State engages communities, not bandits,’ the statement emphasised.

Grassroots organisations, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, also rejected El-Rufai’s claim, describing it as misleading and untrue. The group faced some of the state’s toughest security challenges during his tenure.

The government further pointed to past allegations raised by senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration suggesting he used public funds to appease certain groups, calling his current accusations ‘deeply paradoxical.’

Since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising affected communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust across ethnic and religious divides.

The statement challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence-such as bank records, memos, or security correspondence-if he has any. It added that a similar allegation he made in September 2025 ‘collapsed under scrutiny’ after no proof was provided.

The government demanded that El-Rufai withdraw the claim and issue an unreserved public apology within one week, warning that failure to do so may compel the State to pursue legal action ‘to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.’

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by ‘politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.’

A major relief came the way of the 2024/2025 victims of the inferno incidents in Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas of Delta State, as the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Chiedu Ebie, on behalf of the Commission presented financial support and palliatives to them recently.

Organised by the Commission in collaboration with the UsFirst Charity Foundation, the presentation took place at the Vienna Arena Event Centre, Boji Boji Agbor.

Speaking at the event, Ebie stressed that the NDDC Board is pro-people as such would continue to actualise its mandate to the people.

According to him, the Commission’s gesture was part of its renewed drive to respond to the needs of people affected by natural or man-made disasters in the Niger Delta region.

Ebie pointed out that the new leadership and management of NDDC remain committed to serving the greater good of the greater number of Niger Deltans.

‘We are here today to say to the victims, ‘sorry for your loss, wipe your tears.’ This token is our way of identifying with you and easing the pain of your losses. ‘The new NDDC is about people, compassion and accountability,’ he assured.

WhyteCleon Limited, a leading HR consulting and outsourcing firm, yesterday staged the Cleon Health Walk 2025, a major fitness and medical awareness campaign aimed at tackling the rising cases of diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) among Nigerians.

The event featured free medical tests, a health lecture, aerobics sessions, and a community fitness walk that recorded an impressive turnout.

Speaking at the event, the company’s General Manager (Operations), Mr. Yakubu Wuyep, said the initiative was designed not only to promote healthy living but also to strengthen unity, encourage employee engagement, and raise public consciousness about preventable health challenges.

‘We aim to achieve a plethora of things with just this one event,’ Wuyep said. ‘We want to promote unity, networking, and most importantly, bring to public awareness the prevailing health issues. This year, from the medical records of our staff, diabetes and high blood pressure have emerged as common ailments. We want people to consciously live healthy lives so these ailments don’t take them by surprise.’

He explained that diabetes and hypertension were specifically selected for the campaign due to their growing frequency among the company’s workforce.

‘Many of our people have been visiting hospitals, and the results kept pointing to these two conditions. So we felt the need to create awareness, asking people to watch what they eat and be intentional about healthy living,’ he said.

More than 2,000 participants-including staff, partners, and friends of the company-took part in the awareness event.

On arrival, participants received free blood pressure and blood glucose checks before engaging in the fitness activities. The programme also featured a health talk by medical practitioner Dr. Kolade Faleke, who stressed the dangers of inactivity and the increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Nigeria.

‘Hypertension is highly prevalent in Nigeria,’ Dr. Faleke explained. ‘One major cause is inactivity. Many of us spend long hours at work with little physical exercise. Scientific studies have shown that exercise helps curb and manage both hypertension and diabetes. This walk is a good start, but the key is to make exercise a continuous lifestyle.’

The health walk commenced at 10:29 a.m. from Bendel Close, moving through Bishop Aboyade Street to Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Akin Adesola Street, Muri Okunola Park, Adeola Hopewell Street, Akinogun Savage Street, and back to Adetokunbo Ademola to finish at Bendel Close at 11:42 a.m.

Security was fully coordinated, with support from LASTMA and the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring crowd control, orderly movement, and safety throughout the walk.

Cleon Health Walk is a biannual initiative, and according to Wuyep, this year marks its third edition in the current biannual cycle. Whyte Cleon has hosted the event since 2015, further cementing the company’s commitment to corporate wellness and employee engagement.

‘We want people to network, bond, and realize that the company truly cares for them,’ Wuyep added. ‘This is also an employee engagement activity. After today, we hope people become more conscious about healthy diets, regular exercise, and general well-being.’

Wuyep also encouraged staff members who could not attend to make a strong effort to participate in future editions.

‘There will always be a few who can’t make it, but our advice is that they join next time to benefit from the essence of the programme.’

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has confirmed that 50 pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, have escaped from their abductors and reunited with their parents.

Reverend Yohanna, who is the Proprietor of the school, disclosed that the students escaped between Friday and Saturday but were unable to return to the school.

The development came to light when some parents informed the school of their children’s safe return, while school staff discovered others during visits to families.

Providing an update on the school’s population, Yohanna said the primary section has 430 pupils, including 377 boarders and 53 non-boarders.

The total number of secondary students is still being verified, as many records were destroyed during the abduction.

‘Currently, aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and returned home, 141 pupils were not taken. As it stands, 236 pupils remain in captivity, along with three children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 members of staff,’ Yohanna stated.

It was previously reported by the Principal, Rev. Sr. Felicia Gyang, that the bandits initially targeted the primary school dormitory. To protect other students, the principal and fellow sisters guided secondary school pupils into nearby bushes to evade the abductors.

Yohanna, who also serves as Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for prayers for the safe and speedy release of the remaining abducted children and adults.

‘As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims. I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.’

However, in a related development, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the incident as more of a scare and of missing people rather than a kidnapping, stressing that it was quick to conclude that it was a case of abduction and for any figures to have been revealed.

‘Yes, there was a scare, sporadic gunshots, and the children ran because they were targeted. And from the Google imagery, there was no mass movement of people, but people running up and down’, he said.

He, however, confirmed that some of the children have been found and reunited with their families, adding that efforts are being intensified to find the rest soon.

Speaking on TVC News Live at 10 pm on Saturday, the Governor sought calm from all residents of the state over the incident, assuring that security agencies are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure the children are rescued unhurt.

He also stressed that the incident was avoidable, stating that it is not the time for a blame game but to correct all mistakes, get the children back, reunite them with their families, and forge ahead.

He again applauded the federal government for tremendous support, especially in terms of personnel and equipment to aid in surveillance and rescue operations.

There is a need for unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa to foster cultural preservation, economic empowerment, social cohesion and national integration, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, has said.

Adams explained that such unity would also help with economic and political empowerment, as a united Yoruba community in South Africa can better advocate for its interests, access resources, and participate effectively in socio-political and economic activities both locally and in relation to Nigeria.

Adams made the call while speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), South African chapter.

He stressed that unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa will help safeguard and promote Yoruba cultural practices, language, festivals, and traditions in the diaspora.

Such collective effort, he noted, will ensure that Yoruba heritage remained vibrant and is passed down to future generations despite being away from the homeland.

‘Unity fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among Yoruba people in South Africa. It facilitates mutual support, cooperation, and collective action in addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by the diaspora community,’ Adams said.

Speaking on the essence of teaching children of Nigerians in the diaspora their indigenous language, Adams said the importance was multifaceted and deeply significant culturally and educationally. He encouraged the Yoruba communities in South Africa not to fail in this parental responsibility.

‘Teaching Yoruba to children of Nigerians abroad helps preserve their cultural identity and heritage. It connects them to their roots, traditions, values, and history, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in their Nigerian and Yoruba ancestry,’ he added.

In his address, the host and National Coordinator, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) South Africa, Chief Kayode Orenisi, said the 10th year anniversary celebration of OPU South Africa was a celebration of a decade of impact, unity, and progress.

‘This is a celebration of 10 years of carrying the torch of Yoruba heritage, 10 years of promoting our values, and 10 years of standing together as one big family in the diaspora.

‘When we began this journey, our goal was simple but powerful: to preserve our culture, uplift one another, and represent the Yoruba nation with dignity and pride anywhere we find ourselves. Today, by God’s grace, we can proudly say we have stayed true to that vision,’ he added.

The Southwest Arewa Community for Asiwaju 2027 has pledged 600,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seeks re-election in 2027.

The group made this promise during South-West Stakeholders’ Summit. held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, hailed the community for supporting President Tinubu’s bid to turn around the country.

Masari praised the South-West Arewa initiative for its loyalty and its strategic efforts towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The venue brimmed as thousands of enthusiastic Arewa residents from across the Southwest, showcasing an impressive display of unity, commitment and renewed loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, ‘Your presence reflects our collective commitment to unity, development and constructive engagement across our communities.

‘Today’s gathering brings together representatives from government, traditional institutions, market leadership and the Arewa community across the South-West. This diversity shows our strength and shared dedication to regional cooperation. We also acknowledge the ongoing national reforms and recent achievements under President Tinubu. Many here consider this summit as part of a continued partnership built on appreciation for his longstanding contributions to Nigeria and his support for communities across borders. Our structure has engaged deeply with grassroots networks, youth groups and community clusters, contributing significantly to civic awareness-reaching over 600,000 individuals across the South-West.

‘As we begin this programme, I encourage active participation, open dialogue and a united spirit. Thank you for being part of this important even.’

Represented by Alhaji Kabiru Magaji Gozaki, the Acting Chairman of Kafur Local Government in Katsina State, Masari commended the group for strengthening the long-standing bond between Arewa residents and their Yoruba hosts. He described their pledge to deliver over 600,000 committed votes for Tinubu in 2027 as a testament to trust, harmony and shared political vision.

One of the leaders of the group, Alhaji Shehu Usman ‘Sampam’, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to peaceful coexistence, civic participation and political continuity. He emphasised that the Arewa community remains an integral part of the political development of Lagos and the broader South-West.

In a powerful display of faith and unity, over 65 million members of PFN have continued to bask in celebration as PFN celebrates 40years of existence with thanksgiving celebration and veterans award as well as dinner to thank God for His faithfulness, positive significant impacts, humanitarian services by the PFN leaders ,churches and members, as well as transformation upon countless lives, achieved by the PFN members in Nigeria and beyond .

This is just as The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife Pastor Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, governors across the country, All progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, National and State Assembly members and other dignitaries commended the PFN for persistent prayers which is keeping the nation, united, strong and one.

Both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the dinner by his Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Dr. Daniel Bwala, and the President ‘s wife Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the wife the Chief of Staff to President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, both described the PFN as a light and voice of hope, a force for unity and source of moral and spiritual strength for the nation.

They maintained that the PFN is contributing positively to nation building as well as raising and developing godly leaders that are transforming the country.

The duo appreciated the PFN and its members for their continuous prayers, faith and support for the administration.

They praised the PFN for its enduring role in nation-building, dialogue, and moral leadership.

Their words, ‘We appreciate PFN and their members for their continuous prayers for their unwavering faith and support to this administration. PFN has remained a light pointing the nation towards truth, integrity and love and the PFN leaders and its members have contributed to Nation building. We thank God for the progress of the PFN and its positive contributions in all ramifications. It is a great thing to celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness , it is a testimony to dedication, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the power of God to transform lives, the nation and communities .

‘Over the years, the PFN has been more than an organisation, it has been a voice of hope , a force for unity, and source of moral and spiritual strength for our nation. Your prayers, your compassion and your examples have encouraged millions and helped to shape a more peaceful and God-fearing society. We acknowledged the vision and sacrifice of founding fathers and steadfast leadership that has carried the legacy forward.

‘The PFN has remained a light pointing nation towards truth, integrity and love. This celebration is not about looking back with gratitude only, it’s also about renewed purpose, let us continue to work together , the church, the community and government to build a Nigeria guided by faith, unity and hope for the next generation ‘

‘President Tinubu, however, admits that there are communities in Nigeria who because of their faith are subjected to one form of problem or the other.

He stressed that there are challenges in the country in which Christians have been victims, and expressed regret for loss of lives in the country.’

In the same vein, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima who was represented at the event by Rev. Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite, Secretary, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, (NCPC) said Nigeria is existing because of prayers of the saints, the righteous, commends PFN, describe the PFN as children of promise and fulfilment.

His words ‘ Nigeria exists because of prayers of the righteous. The PFN is a child of promise and fulfilment, and the promise of God will be fulfilled in the PFN.The PFN will move forward.’

On his part, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of governors, who are PFN members, said the PFN plays a pivotal role in deepening unity in the country, commended the PFN for its role especially in the place of prayers.

Also speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda stressed that steadfast prayers of the saints has led to progress in the country, he opined that God is answering Prayers by keeping the country stable.

Yilwatda, said the PFN had been a moral, spiritual compass for the nation.

He commended the PFN for its remarkable contributions to national unity, moral development, and community transformation over the past four decades, demonstrating his unwavering support for faith-based initiatives that promote societal growth.

His words’ We must thank PFN, its leaders and members across the country for their prayers which God is answering in several dimensions. The PFN has been a moral, spiritual compass for the nation. We have seen stability in several forms through your prayers , we are seeing changes and improvements through your prayers, keep praying for this nation in belief and faith because this country has a bright future and guided by moral compass this nation will not be misled in any form.’

In his welcome address, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said the PFN, a spiritual Tsunami birthed 40 years ago after a foremost, iconic evangelist, late Rev (Dr.) Uma Ukpai conducted a mass crusade in the city of Lagos tagged ‘Greater Lagos Crusade,’, where thousands of souls were won for Jesus Christ, with diverse Miracles and wonders.

He said PFN began as a band of twelve men of God.

Oke explained that the PFN had, since its inception in 1985, been blessed by God, noting that the vision of the founding fathers in bringing the Pentecostal believers together in unity under one umbrella was being fulfilled from generation to generation.

Oke, said the PFN which had over 65 million members across the country, has impacted positively on the country through consistent, persistent prayers of its members.

Oke, however lamented that there are targeted, ‘killing, raping and displacement’ of Christians across the country, insisting that there’s an ongoing ‘Christian genocide’ in the country,

Oke said the body would no longer remain silent in the face of persistent attacks on Christian communities. He called on the Government to do everything to stop the killings.

His words ‘ Our members in million all over are praying for this nation every single day as a matter of duty, we do it in our homes, assemblies, services, we fast and pray for Nigeria. That Nigeria is at peace today, that Nigeria is not at open war is due to prayers of the righteous.

‘A lot of our members’ primary job is to go round every nook and cranny of this country leading in prayer and fasting so that the nation will be at peace and we give glory to God. Positive impacts of the PFN in this country and beyond are immeasurable.’

The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against turning the nation’s security challenges, particularly the recurring school kidnappings, into tools for political attacks.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hon. Nnana Igbokwe, the Forum expressed disappointment over recent remarks credited to the PDP on the federal government’s handling of abductions in parts of the country.

The NFFL said such comments were insensitive to the trauma of victims, their families, and the collective anxiety shared by Nigerians grappling with rising insecurity.

According to the Forum, moments of national grief should inspire unity and constructive engagement, not ‘opportunistic attempts to weaponise tragedy for political gains.’

‘Unfortunately, the PDP could turn an issue as sensitive as kidnapping into a political tool of attack just to score cheap political points,’ the statement read. ‘What is expected of any conscious reasoning citizen or responsible organisation is to proffer advice or meaningful solutions on how this cankerworm can be tamed.’

The NFFL accused the opposition party of exploiting national distress, warning that such rhetoric risks escalating tensions and undermining ongoing efforts to tackle criminality. It urged the PDP to demonstrate restraint and patriotism by avoiding actions that ‘toy with the emotions of Nigerians’ at a time when many families remain traumatised.

Beyond cautioning the PDP, the Forum criticised what it described as the party’s refusal to put its own house in order. ‘Rather than abide by their party constitution and obey court pronouncements, they prefer to waste their energy seeking undue public attention and sympathy by raising misleading claims,’ it said.

The former lawmakers called for unity of purpose in confronting insecurity, insisting that political parties should support-not sabotage-efforts aimed at restoring public safety. They urged security agencies to intensify investigations into suspected politically sponsored criminal activities allegedly designed to discredit the government.

‘At this crucial moment, Nigerians deserve responsible leadership, not divisive politics,’ the Forum stressed. ‘Political actors must rise above partisan calculations and support every effort aimed at restoring peace, protecting our children, and ensuring national stability.’

The NFFL reaffirmed its readiness to back initiatives that strengthen security institutions, promote peace, and safeguard lives nationwide.

It also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent rescue of 38 kidnapped persons in Eruku community, Kwara State, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to citizens’ safety.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, has responded to the warning issued to him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, stating that his recent statements were made within his democratic rights, without intention of causing friction within the party.

The Kano chapter of the APC had in a letter, signed by the party’s state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, accused Atah of ‘acting as the mouthpiece of the party and making remarks capable of causing disaffection among members.’

The letter added: ‘The party observed that you (minister) are in the habit of making such uncomplimentary and derogatory public pronouncement and therefore has no alternative than to warn you to restrain from such behavior, failure in which the party may be compelled to take disciplinary action against you.’

The letter was copied to President Bola Tinubu and the national secretariat of the APC.

But in a statement by his publicity aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the minister said he was issuing a formal response for clarity purpose, public education, and restating his unwavering loyalty to the party and Mr. President.

Atah cautioned against dragging internal party matters to national spotlight at a time when the country is grappling with urgent security concerns.

The statement said: ‘The Honourable Minister views the decision to draft and circulate such a letter-especially one copied to the president-at a time when Nigeria faces a declared national security emergency, as an unnecessary distraction.

‘With the President suspending his international engagements, including the G-20 Summit in South Africa and a planned AU meeting in Angola, in order to attend to urgent state security matters, the priority of every patriotic leader should be unity, focus, and unwavering support for the Commander-in-Chief.

‘The minister wishes to reaffirm that, beyond being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a proud member of the APC in Kano State, he is first and foremost a citizen of Nigeria with constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and opinion.

‘The minister’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the APC is unquestionable and has been demonstrated consistently through sacrifice and commitment to the party’s ideals.

‘Therefore, any suggestion that his recent public comments amount to ‘disaffection’ or an attempt to arrogate party leadership to himself is not only unfounded but reflects a narrow and erroneous understanding of democratic rights and internal party dynamics.

Atah also addressed concerns following his recent endorsement of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau’s 2027 governorship ambition, which party members said prompted the warning from the Kano APC.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the minister’s recent comments on the suitability of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, as the most viable gubernatorial candidate for the APC in 2027, were personal and patriotic assessments-not official party declarations.

‘Senator Barau represents, in the minister’s view, the strongest and most unifying choice for the APC to reclaim Government House Kano at the 2027 general election.’

Akwa Ibom state governor Umo Eno, secretary to the state government, Enobong Uwah, and state chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Uwemedimo Udo, have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

They made the pledge at the weekend during the maiden edition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Homegoing, which was held across all the units and wards in the 31 local government areas of the state.

Eno, who presided over the APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ikot Edison, Nsit Ubium local government area, harped on the need to support Tinubu for a second term to help the state actualize the Ibom Deep seaport project.

‘We will very soon start the Ibom Deep-Sea Port. It is a long process. Documentation takes much time. Processes of canvassing for suitable and competent investors are ongoing.

‘The federal government is ready, and we are working on the talk. Let our people be patient and rest assured that the project will soon be a delightful reality for our common good,’ he said.

Speaking in Uyo, the SSG and ALGON also reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty and support to the second-term aspirations of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno.

Uwah, who is the Political Leader of Uyo, noted that the residents would continue to support their administrations in acknowledgment of their fairness, inclusiveness, and commitment to development.

The SSG urged APC members to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘I bring you warm greetings from His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, who asked me to sincerely thank you for your continuous support for his administration.

‘As you know, the very first appointment announced by the Governor was that of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). With such recognition, why wouldn’t Uyo stand firmly behind his administration?’ He said.

Also speaking at the event, State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Uyo Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, described the Homegoing Weekend as a strategic engagement designed to strengthen the party’s structure and reaffirm its relevance in the State’s political landscape.

Udo commended the SSG for his guidance and the consistent support shown to the people across all the wards in Uyo LGA, while also highlighting the Governor’s commendable record in projects and contracts.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Uyo APC Chapter Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Ikpe, applauded stakeholders and members for their commitment to the party.

He reiterated, ‘There is only one political party-APC-in Akwa Ibom State,’ expressing confidence that the party would record a resounding victory in the 2027 elections.

On his part, Lawmaker representing Uyo State Constituency in the State Assembly, Mr Uwemedimo Asuquo, emphasised that Uyo has no justification to stand outside the APC fold, noting that the Governor has appointed SSG, ALGON Chairman, UCCDA Chairman, and several other key officials from the area.

He maintained that with such representation, there is no reason for the people to assume an opposition stance and expressed confidence that the APC would be delivered in the forthcoming election.