Author: user user

Cuba wins UN vote against US embargo

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a new resolution calling for an end to the US embargo against Cuba, although support for the communist-ruled island fell to its lowest level in three decades.

Nearly every year since 1992 similar resolutions have been put to a vote and passed, but support for the measure this year was markedly lower.

The resolution, which has called for lifting the economic, trade and financial embargo against the island, received 130 votes in favor, with 17 against and 25 abstentions. It was the lowest level of support since 1995.

This year’s Cuban resolution included a reference to the impact of restrictions on fuel supplies to the island imposed by the United States since January.

In recent weeks, Havana accused Washington of mounting a diplomatic offensive to pressure countries into withdrawing their support for the Cuban resolution.

‘The world has once again spoken out overwhelmingly against the blockade, even despite the most blatant pressure and blackmail from the US to change the course of this vote,’ Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a celebratory post on X Wednesday, later adding that the US engages in ‘gangster-like coercion.’

Speaking in New York, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused Washington of seeking to ‘determine the nation’s destiny’ and ‘seize’ its wealth.

In the minutes before the vote, US ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz denied that Cuba was under a blockade and said ‘The plight of the Cuban people is exclusively the fault of this corrupt communist regime.’

‘The reality is, today as we speak, there is no ring of US Navy warships around Cuba. Their ports are open. In recent months, data shows that shipments have arrived,’ from around the world, he added.

The vote came a day after a dramatic shouting match on the floor of the UN General Assembly that at one point saw Rodriguez approach Waltz and shout, ‘You are a liar!’ as Waltz shouted for him to back away.

Amid the interruptions, the chair briefly suspended the session and instructed both countries’ representatives to return to their places.

In his speech arguing against the resolution on Tuesday, Waltz held up pictures of Cuban leaders past and present, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches, prompting the Cuban delegation to repeatedly smack their desk in protest and interrupt.

Waltz later held up satellite images and detailed luxury estates, boats and vacations that he claimed the Castro family and Cuban officials enjoy.

‘The regime can never find enough fuel for Cuban ambulances. They can never find enough fuel for Cuban buses. But when the Castro family, the elites that are sitting at that table, want to go yachting, suddenly, it’s no problem.’ Waltz said.

Jetour Dashing: A car that listens to your commands

With voice commands, pop-out door handles and a 360-degree camera, the Shs144m Jetour Dashing packs in modern technology. But how do its features, fuel economy and performance measure up on Kampala’s busy roads and muddy stretches?

From a distance, you may mistake the Jetour Dashing for a Toyota Harrier, particularly models manufactured after 2014, or some generations of the Subaru Forester. Its front-end styling also bears similarities to the Jaguar F-Pace.

Beyond its sporty exterior, the 2026 Jetour Dashing distinguishes itself with pop-out door handles, voice commands and a 360-degree camera system. Over two days, I drove it through Kampala traffic, on the Entebbe Expressway and over rough and muddy roads to see what this compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) offers motorists seeking contemporary styling and convenience.

Technology that stands out

One of the first things I noticed was the keyless entry system. The key resembles an AirPods case, and as you approach, carrying it in your pocket, bag or hand, the flush door handles pop out while the side mirrors unfold. There is no need to manually use the key to unlock the doors.

Like many contemporary vehicles, it also has parking sensors and cameras to assist with manoeuvring. When reversing, the sensors sound an alarm as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, while the camera system displays the car’s surroundings on the central screen. For motorists navigating Kampala’s crowded parking spaces, these are useful aids, though they remain just that, not substitutes for checking one’s surroundings.

The lighting system includes LED daytime running lights and adjustable headlights, which provide illumination at night, although their effectiveness in different weather conditions would require further testing.

An intelligent interior

Inside, the Dashing combines a leather-trimmed dashboard, leather-covered seats and a digital display. The steering wheel has controls for answering phone calls, adjusting radio stations and volume, and operating driving functions.

The feature I enjoyed most was the voice-recognition system, which lets the driver operate certain functions using spoken commands. Driving from Entebbe to Kyanja via Munyonyo and the Entebbe Expressway at night, I wanted to open the sunroof for fresh air without switching off the air conditioning or lowering the windows. Instead of reaching for a button, I said, ‘Hello Jetour.’ The car responded, ‘I am here. How can I help you?’

I asked it to open the sunroof, and it did. The exchange felt more like a conversation with the vehicle than a button-operated function, though it responds only to the designated wake phrase, and its usefulness depends on how reliably it recognises commands in everyday driving.

The dashboard displays driving speed, fuel level and the selected driving mode. The vehicle has normal and eco modes, the latter intended to prioritise efficiency; establishing the difference in fuel consumption between the two would require a controlled comparison.

One limitation I noticed; the fuel gauge shows only the fuel remaining in the tank, with no distance-to-empty estimate, which is useful when planning longer journeys.

Passengers also get four USB ports and wireless phone charging, convenient for motorists who rely on their phones for navigation and communication.

Engine performance

Most Dashing models have a 1,500cc turbocharged petrol engine producing 230Nm of torque. Published specifications for comparable Dashing versions list maximum power of 115kW, about 154hp, although the exact output should be confirmed for the Ugandan-market variant. The engine is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission in the version listed by Jetour Uganda.

A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to drive a turbine that forces more air into the engine, allowing a relatively small-capacity unit to deliver useful performance.

I collected the Dashing from the Jetour showroom in Namanve with the fuel tank half full. Over the two days, I averaged about 12km per litre in Kampala traffic and approximately 17km per litre on faster roads, including the Entebbe Expressway and the Northern Bypass. These were my observations, not independently verified long-term fuel-economy figures; consumption varies with traffic, driving style, vehicle load, tyre pressure and road conditions.

For context, a published specification for a Dashing version in South Africa gives combined consumption of 7.8 litres per 100km, about 12.8km per litre, a manufacturer-listed figure for that market’s version, not directly comparable with my road-test results.

The gap between town and highway consumption matters most for motorists who spend their days in Kampala’s stop-start traffic, which generally demands more fuel than a steady speed on an open road.

How it handles rough roads

To assess the Dashing beyond paved roads, I drove through sections of Namanve Industrial Park, Bweyogerere Industrial Area, Kiira and Kibiri village in Busabala, among other places, some with potholes, uneven surfaces and sections under construction.

The Dashing’s SUV design and ground clearance, a published minimum of 160mm, allowed me to negotiate the rough sections without the underside scraping the road. That said, clearance alone does not determine a vehicle’s suitability for rough terrain; tyres, suspension, drivetrain configuration and driving technique all influence performance.

The rainy season provided another test. Some marrum roads were muddy and slippery, and at certain points the vehicle seemed to struggle to maintain progress. With gentle acceleration, the wheels kept turning and it moved forward, a reminder to avoid sudden acceleration when tyres begin to lose grip. A turbocharged engine provides power, but it does not improve traction; grip depends on the tyres’ contact with the road, the drivetrain and any traction-control systems fitted.

My test did not establish how the Dashing would perform on more demanding off-road terrain. Motorists who regularly use rural roads should confirm the drivetrain configuration, ground clearance and tyre specifications of the particular version they intend to buy.

What it costs

Richard Bamujje, the sales manager at Jetour, says the 2026 Dashing is available at a promotional price of $32,799, approximately Shs144m including taxes, for specified models. Other versions cost about $35,000, or roughly Shs154m, according to the dealer.

The package includes one year of comprehensive insurance, a five-year warranty, two years of free servicing and Shs1m worth of fuel. Prospective buyers should confirm which variants qualify for the offer, the warranty’s mileage limit and exclusions, and what the free servicing covers.

Jetour Uganda identifies Al-Mamoun East Africa as the brand’s authorised distributor and advertises a sales, service and spare-parts facility in Namanve. Access to genuine parts and qualified technicians will be important considerations for buyers assessing long-term ownership costs.

A feature-rich SUV with questions still to answer

The Jetour Dashing makes a strong first impression with its sporty styling, pop-out door handles, voice commands, sunroof and camera system. Its fuel consumption was better on faster roads than in Kampala traffic, and its ground clearance proved useful on uneven surfaces. However, the two-day test was not enough to establish long-term fuel economy, reliability or its capability on demanding off-road terrain.

Buyers should verify the exact model’s specifications, warranty conditions and servicing costs before committing.

Best suited to: Motorists seeking a modern, technology-focused compact SUV for predominantly urban driving, with occasional journeys on rough roads.

Man arrested for allegedly defiling minor in Benue

The Police in Benue State have arrested a 60-year-old man over the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl in Igumale district, Ado Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The incident was reported to the police on October 13, 2026, while the victim was taken for medical examination and necessary treatment.

State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, told journalists in Makurdi during a press conference that the case was ongoing as he assured that the suspect would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He also pledged to protect the privacy and welfare of the victim throughout the investigation.

Nwadiogbu said that the arrest was among the operational achievements recorded by the command during the month of October under review.

He also explained that the command arrested 14 suspects, recovered seven locally fabricated firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, and neutralised one suspected bandit.

The police commissioner attributed the successes to intelligence-led operations, prompt response to distress calls, sustained patrols and collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

Nwadiogbu therefore urged members of the public to promptly report cases of violence, abuse and other criminal activities to enable timely intervention.

Barau FC GM, Iorfa, clears air on technical bench presence

The General Manager of Barau FC, Dominic Iorfa, has attributed his recent presence on the technical bench to logistical hurdles rather than an encroachment on coaching duties.

In a candid interview session, the former Nigerian international addressed the talking points surrounding his matchday positioning, and his relationship with the technical crew.

According to Iorfa, the decision to sit on the bench was born out of sheer necessity after being locked out of dressing rooms during crucial away fixtures.

‘When I initially took charge of Barau FC, I usually watched matches from the stands before proceeding to the dressing room at half-time to interact with the players,’ Iorfa explained.

‘However, I was denied access to the dressing room on several occasions, particularly during away matches in Jos, Maiduguri, Aba and Owerri.’

He emphasised the tactical importance of half-time communication, noting that observations made from the stands often require immediate relay to the squad.

‘Sometimes, while watching a game, you observe certain things that you believe should be communicated to the coach at half-time. You may want to encourage the players, share observations or motivate them to ensure they approach the second half in high spirits. Unfortunately, I was prevented from doing so on several occasions,’ he said.

To bypass these restrictions, Iorfa said he took a pragmatic administrative step: ‘Since then, I have decided to be among the seven registered officials on matchdays. That way, nobody can deny me access to the dressing room when I need to speak with the players.’

Addressing whispers of friction between him and the technical crew, he said he only took charge of the team’s training while the head coach was attending a coaching course in Abuja.

‘There is no reason to suggest that there is a rift between us. The speculation may have arisen following reports that I took charge of the team’s training session after our encounter against Rangers International,’ Iorfa clarified.

‘The truth is that Coach Eugene Agagbe was away attending his CAF A Licence course, and I had to oversee the team’s fitness training in his absence. As General Manager, I believe in doing whatever is necessary to ensure that the team remains in good shape and continues to make progress,’ Iorfa noted.

The former Chairman of Lobi Stars of Makurdi said that the extra effort paid off with an encouraging performance against Rivers United where the ‘Maliya Boys’ forced their hosts to a goalless draw.

98% of pre-trial detainees’ households lose income – report

Nearly 98 per cent of households whose members are held in pre-trial detention suffer income disruptions, with many forced to borrow money or sell assets to survive, a new report has revealed.

The report, titled “Beyond the Cell: The Hidden Socio-Economic Costs of Pre-Trial Detention in Uganda”, highlights the economic and social consequences of detaining suspects before their cases are concluded in court.

It shows that prolonged detention not only affects the suspects but also exposes their families to financial hardship, indebtedness and the loss of productive assets, even in cases where the accused may eventually be released without conviction.

‘Before arrest, many respondents depended on agricultural farming, small businesses, and casual labour and transport-related activities requiring regular personal participation. Among affected households, 98 per cent reported income disruption, 64 per cent resorted to borrowing and 27 per cent sold assets,’ the report released in Kampala on Wednesday states in part.

‘These findings demonstrate how detention-related income loss can translate into indebtedness, depletion of productive resources and difficulties recovering after release. The consequences may continue even where detention ultimately ends without a conviction,’ it adds.

The study was conducted by Avocats Sans Frontières and the Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET) across 10 districts: Kampala, Wakiso, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Hoima, Kiryandongo, Masindi, Arua and Yumbe. It drew on 428 participants.

Beyond the financial implications, the report highlights the impact of prolonged detention on children and other household members, particularly where the detained person is the family’s breadwinner.

It indicates that 91 per cent of households with children reported adverse effects on them, including emotional distress, stigma, school absenteeism, the risk of dropping out of school and instances of child labour.

‘Community respondents described emotional distress, stigma, school absenteeism, risks of school dropout and instances of child labour,’ the report states.

The findings raise concerns about the wider social costs of holding suspects in custody for extended periods before their cases are concluded.

Some suspects reportedly spend years in detention awaiting the conclusion of their cases, with the consequences extending beyond the individual to families that depend on them for their livelihoods.

Before their arrest, farming was the most commonly reported occupation, accounting for 23 per cent of respondents, followed by self-employment or business at 21.3 per cent. Casual labour accounted for 5.2 per cent, while domestic or care work represented 1.1 per cent.

The alleged offences varied, with theft accounting for the largest share at 33 per cent, followed by sexual offences at 17 per cent, murder at 13 per cent, robbery at 12 per cent and assault at seven per cent.

Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, who officially launched the report, said its findings should inform policy decisions, institutional practices and resource allocation aimed at strengthening accountability across the justice chain.

He emphasised the need to ensure that pre-trial detention complies with constitutional safeguards, including the protection of personal liberty, the right to a fair and speedy hearing, and the presumption of innocence.

‘Our starting point must be in the Constitution of Uganda. Protect personal liberty, guarantee a fair and speedy hearing and the presumption of innocence. These guarantees require that detention before trial and the full proceedings be concluded without undue delay,’ Justice Kazibwe said.

He said the constitutional protections require justice institutions to ensure that criminal proceedings are concluded without unnecessary delays.

Speaking at the same event, Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, the head of the Austrian Embassy’s Development Cooperation, said whenever pre-trial detention is used, it must be lawful, necessary, proportionate and consistent with Uganda’s Constitution.

‘We are aware that Uganda has clearly established legal procedures governing arrest, detention and the treatment of pre-trial detainees. In our understanding, this is the very essence of the rule of law; that public authorities act within the framework established by law and the citizens can rely on legal certainty and equal treatment,’ Dr Kerschbaumer said.

Some of the recommendations in the report are to shift legal aid upstream, prioritising police stations, police custody and first court appearances rather than waiting until an accused person is already sent on remand.

Bread prices rise as bakers cite skyrocketing wheat, fuel costs

Bread manufacturers across Uganda, operating under the Uganda Bakers Association, have made an urgent appeal to the government to intervene and curb the escalating cost of production, specifically highlighting the soaring prices of wheat and diesel.

The manufacturers have also called on consumers to bear with them following a decision to increase bread prices nationwide.

Addressing journalists at a press conference hosted at Ntake Bakery in Nalukolongo, industry leaders explained that the price of crucial raw materials, particularly wheat flour, alongside diesel required for machinery and distribution fleets, has surged dramatically in recent months.

The association’s leadership noted that these rising operational expenses left them with no alternative but to adjust wholesale and retail bread rates to keep their businesses viable.

Canon Dr Gaster Lule Ntake, the chairperson of the Uganda Bakers Association, stated that manufacturers had absorbed the surging costs for as long as possible to cushion ordinary Ugandans from additional financial strain. He noted that despite their efforts to hold rates steady, the pressure on production margins eventually became unsustainable, forcing a modest upward adjustment across standard loaf sizes.

Under the updated pricing structure, a one-kilogram loaf of bread previously sold to retailers at Shs 5,000 at the factory level has increased to Shs 5,500. Consequently, end consumers purchasing the one-kilogram loaf from retail shops are now expected to pay between Shs 6,000 and Shs 6,500. A half-kilogram loaf, which previously left the factory floor at Shs 2,500, now costs Shs 3,000 wholesale, with retail prices projected to range between Shs 3,300 and Shs 3,500.

In light of these adjustments, Dr Ntake urged retailers and shop owners across the country not to exploit the situational rate changes by imposing excessive profit mark-ups on everyday consumers. He emphasized that the baking sector relies heavily on diesel fuel both to power heavy bakery equipment and to transport finished goods to retail outlets nationwide, making fuel price surges particularly damaging to the supply chain.

Adding to the sector’s grievances, Isaac Njoroge of Jonisa Bakers Limited, a member of the association, highlighted the industry’s deep reliance on global markets. He explained that roughly 80 percent of all raw materials used in commercial bread production in Uganda are imported, leaving local bakers highly exposed to international supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange volatility. He pointed out that the strength of the US dollar against the local currency has drastically increased the cost of importing essential inputs like wheat flour and baking additives.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing prices downward as soon as global wheat prices stabilize, exchange rates calm, and local fuel costs subside. In the interim, the bakers continue to petition relevant government ministries to consider targeted tax relief or policy interventions on key agricultural inputs and energy to protect both local manufacturing and consumer purchasing power.

Court sacks Uzodimma as APC senatorial candidate

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the name of Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the Senatorial candidate for Imo West.

The court specifically asked the electoral umpire to replace Uzodinma as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the name of former governor Rochas Okorocha.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order after holding that Uzodimma did not win the May 18 primary election conducted by the APC and monitored by INEC.

Daily Trust reports that the INEC had slated Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives elections for January 16, 2027.

Delivering his judgment, the judge held that evidence presented before the court proved that Okorocha actually won the majority of the votes cast at the poll and should be published as the winner of the election.

Egwuatu subsequently ordered the APC to forward Okorocha’s name as candidate of the APC in the 2027 general elections for Imo West Senatorial election.

The court also restrained Uzodimma from parading himself as the APC senatorial candidate for the January 16, 2027 election, holding that he did not win the party’s May 18, 2026 primary.

The judge, while declaring that Okorocha emerged as the lawful winner of the primary, held that the nomination of Uzodimma breached Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act and failed to comply with the APC’s guidelines for conducting primary elections.

He consequently declared that it was unlawful and fraudulent for the party to have forwarded Uzodimma’s name to INEC as the winner of a primary election he did not win.

The judge held, ‘That the publication of Hope Uzodimma’s name by INEC as the winner of the primary election is wrongful and unlawful.’

He further ruled, ‘That the INEC publication of the name of Hope Uzodimma on August 1 as APC Senatorial candidate for Imo West is hereby set aside and in its place, INEC is ordered to restore the name of Rochas Okorocha.’

Justice Egwuatu also faulted INEC for accepting Uzodimma’s nomination despite what he described as overwhelming documentary evidence showing that the governor was not the lawful winner of the primary.

He declared, ‘Rochas Okorocha is the lawful winner and is entitled to have his name submitted to INEC.’

The judge held that INEC was bound by the report of its own officials, which, according to him, clearly established that Okorocha won the May 18 primary.

In reviewing the evidence presented before the court, Justice Egwuatu questioned the authenticity and consistency of documents submitted by the APC to justify Uzodimma’s nomination.

He said, ‘Majority of the documents tendered by APC to support the purported nomination of Uzodimma (3rd respondent) contradicts each other indicating that they were clearly fabricated for the unlawful purpose of nominating the 3rd respondent as candidate.

‘In view of the doubt cast on the authenticity of the documents, the court cannot ascribe probative value to the purported documents.’

The judge said documents signed, certified and released to Okorocha following a formal request showed that the former governor secured the majority of lawful votes cast in the primary across the 10 local government areas that make up the senatorial district.

He identified discrepancies in the accounts given by different APC officials regarding how the primary was conducted.

According to the judge, one document submitted by the party indicated that Option A4 was used for the exercise, while another document from a member of the party’s National Working Committee claimed that a consensus arrangement produced Uzodimma as the candidate.

Justice Egwuatu said another document from a different NWC member, however, claimed that a direct primary was conducted for the same election.

He described the conflicting accounts as significant, particularly because votes were reportedly allocated to the aspirants despite the claim that Uzodimma emerged through consensus.

The judge subsequently ordered the APC to forward Okorocha’s name to INEC and directed the commission to replace Uzodimma’s name with that of the former governor.

The dispute arose from conflicting claims over the outcome of the APC primary for the Imo West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okorocha challenged Uzodimma’s recognition as the party’s candidate, arguing that the outcome announced in favour of the incumbent governor did not reflect the result of the primary monitored by INEC.

Uzodimma was declared the winner of the primary and recognised by the INEC, which maintained that the official results showed that the governor polled 230,464 votes, while Okorocha received 1,098 votes.

However, a separate document subsequently circulated, purporting to show that Okorocha won the primary with 150,780 votes.

Okorocha filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, challenging the outcome of the primary and INEC’s recognition of Uzodimma as the party’s candidate.

The former governor asked the court to determine whether the commission was right to recognise Uzodimma as the winner, relying on the disputed primary results and other issues raised in his suit.

The suit also raised questions about Uzodimma’s eligibility to contest the 2027 senatorial election while serving as governor, with Okorocha asking the court to consider the relevant constitutional provisions.

Court to hear Makerere convocation dispute hours before scheduled polls

The High Court in Kampala has scheduled Friday, October 30, to hear an urgent application challenging the Makerere University Convocation election process, setting up a critical legal confrontation just 24 hours before the university’s planned voting exercise.

The hearing notice issued on Thursday lists Miscellaneous Application No. HCT-00-CV-MA-0945-2026, filed by Margaret Nattabi against the Makerere University Council, for hearing at 9:00 a.m. or soon thereafter. The notice, signed by court official Kintu Simon Zirintusa and dated October 29, explicitly directs both Nattabi and the university council to attend the proceedings.

“Take note that the hearing of this case has been fixed for 30 Oct 2026 at 9:00 AM,” the court notice reads in part.

The court fixture arrives at a tense moment for the institution, as the Makerere University Council firmly maintains that the Convocation Annual General Meeting and elections will proceed on Saturday, October 31, at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe despite the unresolved court proceedings.

The current legal tussle stems from a comprehensive petition filed in September by five prominent alumni-Ruth Kitamirike, Raymond Ssenteza, Margaret Nattabi, Joshua Muhwezi, and Sylus Oluka-who have questioned the legality, transparency, and overall integrity of the planned election process. The petitioners have repeatedly urged the university administration to halt the polls until outstanding legal and administrative grievances are resolved, maintaining that their intervention is aimed at safeguarding electoral standards rather than frustrating the vote.

“We are not opposed to elections taking place, but we are insisting on a transparent, legal, and fair process that respects the rights of all alumni,” one of the petitioners noted during the filing of the petition. “Proceeding with an election under contentious and unguided procedures undermines the credibility of the entire Convocation.”

At the heart of the dispute is the alleged absence of a formally adopted and published Convocation Statute to govern the body’s day-to-day operations and conduct during elections. The petitioners argue that conducting an election without a clear statutory framework creates confusion over fundamental aspects such as membership qualifications, voting rights, and overall electoral management.

Beyond the governing framework, the alumni have raised strong objections regarding the integrity of the voter register. They contend that the procedures for verifying eligible voters, handling register omissions, managing nominations, regulating proxy voting, and resolving election disputes remain heavily flawed and uncoordinated.

The petitioners are also challenging the unilateral increase of the Convocation membership fee from Shs10,000 to Shs50,000, asserting that such a financial change legally required the approval of the General Assembly rather than an administrative directive.

Accessibility and safety concerns have further heightened the stakes.

The petitioners have highlighted the suitability of the Entebbe venue regarding access for persons with disabilities, alongside lingering grievances over the chaotic December 2022 Convocation election, which was marred by widespread violence and voting irregularities. The group continues to demand an independent review of the 2022 polls, full disclosure of financial records, and a transparent audit of membership fee collections before any new executive is chosen.

“The unresolved issues from the 2022 election continue to cast a shadow over this process,” a petitioner stated. “The university council must address these underlying grievances and ensure the electoral venue is accessible and safe for every alumnus before rushing into another vote.”

The petitioners have formally requested the university council to withdraw the October 31 election notice and address all pending concerns well ahead of December 2026, when the current Convocation executive’s term officially expires.

As of Thursday evening, the court notice does not indicate that an interim injunction or stay order has been issued to halt the Saturday exercise. With the hearing fixed for Friday morning-just hours before delegates are expected to gather in Entebbe-it remains unclear whether the court will issue orders affecting the university’s planned schedule or allow the poll to proceed as advertised.

Nasarawa North: Gov Sule, Maku battle 10 candidates

The 2027 Nasarawa North Senatorial election which is featuring Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and 10 other candidates is attracting more attention than the two other senatorial districts of South and West in the state, due to the involvement of the state governor in the race.

Governor Sule, having secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket is set to slug it out with eleven other candidates in the 583 polling units of the three local government areas that constitute the Nasarawa North Senatorial District: Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba.

The contest has become a political barometer for the APC in Nasarawa State, given that the governor is personally on the ballot, and for the opposition, which sees the zone as its traditional stronghold to prove its resurgence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the array of candidates as finally listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, apart from Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress, are former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku of the Labour Party, Madaki Banbella Anthony of the Peoples Democratic Party, Innocent Daniel Lagi of the Allied Peoples Movement, Duba Ishaya Dodo of the Social Democratic Party, Mohammed Steve Alaku of the African Democratic Congress and Yusuf Awuya of the Action Democratic Party.

Others are Victor Affiku Tsaku of the Action Alliance, Amos Jugbo Yusuf of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Johnson Bulus of the National Rescue Movement, Danladi Njehntegazoka James of the National Democratic Congress and Paul Isaac Audu of the Young Progressives Party.

A political analyst, Lazarus Salaki of the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group, said the 2027 Nasarawa North Senatorial election will be very competitive and won by a slim margin.

Describing the zone as dicey and complicated, Salaki said elections there are highly localized, with a history of sharing positions between Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon.

He said the power of incumbency will play out for Governor Sule, followed by Maku and Barrister Lagi, with votes shared among the 12 contenders.

Salaki noted that resources will be decisive, adding that Maku will leverage his regional acceptability. He attributed APC’s victory in the 2026 bye-election, a departure from history where ruling parties lost in the zone, to massive deployment of resources to replace late Senator Akwashiki.

He said Maku came distant second due to lack of resources to match government influence, but stressed that politics is dynamic.

On religion and ethnicity, Salaki said they will not play major roles, as families in the zone have both Christians and Muslims and vote across faith lines. He added that Nasarawa Eggon results usually come first, while rural votes from Farin Ruwa and Mada Station often determine the winner.

A zone known for upsets

Our correspondent recalls thar since 1999, both the ruling and opposition parties have won the seat at different times depending on the political alignment of the people of the senatorial district, where they have a gentleman agreement to rotate the Senate seat among the three local government areas.

Late Patrick Aga won on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, platform in 1999 and John Danboyi won in 2003 on the same platform. Patricia Akwashiki won in 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, banner as opposition. Yusuf Musa Nagogo won under the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, banner in 2011 as opposition but his victory was upturned by the Court and the late Solomon Ewuga was declared the winner of that election.

Philip Aruwa Gyunka won with the PDP ticket in 2015 as opposition. The Godiya Akwashiki won with the APC ticket in 2019 as ruling party and in 2023 as opposition under the SDP but passed on before he could complete the term. Few months ago, Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza won the bye-election of 2026 for the ruling APC and replaced the late Akwashiki who died in December last year.

A look at the political history of the zone shows that it does not vote on party leanings alone, but on personality, ethnic balancing, religious sensitivity and the political mood of the time.

The 2027 calculations

Some of the 2027 senatorial candidates like Maku of Labour Party, Alaku of ADC and Dodo of SDP participated in the 2026 senatorial bye-election and were defeated by Envulu-Anza who is now not in the race with them, but they are contesting against the incumbent Governor Sule who is from the same APC with Envulu-Anza. Even though they have rejected the outcome of that bye-election alleging irregularities in the process, the bye-election has given them grassroots exposure that they intend to leverage upon.

Analysts say as the zone is constituted of different ethnic and religious groups with candidates from both faiths banking on different influences in the area to give them an edge, it is not easy to conclude who will carry the day.

Nasarawa North is predominantly Eggon, Mada, Rindre and other smaller groups.

If the influence of the candidates is to be reckoned with, Sule is expected to showcase his project distribution across the senatorial district, political appointments in his government and those he influenced at the federal level, civil servants recruited from the area, as well as his relationship with traditional institutions and stakeholders in the area.

Also, the nomination of the APC governorship running mate Emmanuel Ombugadu from the largest ethnic group of the zone, the Eggon, may also influence the chances of Governor Sule, as it is expected to deliver large votes from Eggon land if properly managed.

Governor Sule’s biggest asset is incumbency. As sitting governor, he controls the state machinery and also facilitated federal appointments for sons and daughters of the zone. His supporters argue that electing him as Senator will give the zone a ranking voice in the National Assembly, given his experience as governor.

However, his biggest liability is also incumbency. In a zone known for anti-establishment voting, there is a sentiment that the governor should have allowed power to rotate freely, especially after the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. Some stakeholders in Wamba and Akwanga feel the senatorial ticket should remain in their axis for equity.

Labaran Maku of the Labour Party remains Governor Sule’s most formidable opponent. Maku was a Commissioner, Deputy Governor of the state and later Minister of Information. Holding these positions attracted people to him which also gives him popularity in the state particularly from the senatorial district where he hails from.

Like Governor Sule, Maku facilitated employment of hundreds of youths from the state many of whom are from the Senatorial district. This made him a household name and many people believe it has also given him popularity which can help to boost his chances in the election. Maku contested in 2015 and 2019 for governorship and in 2026 for senatorial seat bye election, building a resilient political structure. His strength does not only lie in Nasarawa Eggon where he is seen as a son of the soil but across the senatorial district and his national visibility as former Information Minister gives him leverage.

Another candidate is Duba Ishaya Dodo of the SDP, an architect, philanthropist, and politician. He is a prominent grassroots mobilizer and his influence in the upcoming election is relying on scholarship programmes that provided educational funding and support to hundreds of underprivileged students across Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas. He has also provided financial grants to support orphans in local schools.

Dodo has funded several community infrastructure repairs. Notably, he personally sponsored the restoration of a solar-powered grid in the Ningo Sambe community after a devastating two-year blackout. As a young politician, his challenge is how acceptable he is to the old stakeholders even if he has the support of youths and women that he is assisting. His youth appeal could split the votes that would have gone to Sule and Maku.

Another candidate, Barrister Innocent Daniel Lagi of the APM, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician. He is best known for serving as the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State under the administration of Governor Umaru Al-Makura. He represented Wamba Constituency as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2008 and 2011.

As a rights crusader, Barrister Lagi is said to have provided pro-bono legal representation for over 300 unjustly dismissed workers and union members from various federal and state parastatals. He has collaborated extensively with legal and electoral reform civil societies, including Access to Justice and the Network of University Legal Aid Institutions.

But his performance in the upcoming election, analysts believe, can be determined by the level at which he reaches out to the electorate. Lagi is respected among the educated elite and in Wamba, his home base, which is considered a swing local government.

The ADC candidate, Mohammed Steve Alaku, is a seasoned Nigerian technocrat, community leader, and politician. Alaku was in the Public Service and served for over 34 years at the Department of Petroleum Resources where he rose to the position of Deputy Director and Head of Downstream Monitoring and Regulations.

Outside of formal governance, Alaku is widely recognized in his local community as a philanthropist. His notable community interventions include funding local water projects, boosting youth education, upgrading rural healthcare access, and personally facilitating the installation of electricity poles and wiring in parts of Mada Station.

What will decide the contest

Analysts point at different factors. The zone for instance has difficult terrains and riverine settlements that were recently affected by flooding. Ability to mobilize voters on election day will be key.

Many believe that if Eggon votes split between Sule’s APC, Maku’s Labour Party, and Dodo’s SDP, Wamba and Akwanga could decide the winner. In other words, ‘whoever gets the buy-in of traditional rulers in Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon will have an upper hand,’ said an analyst. With 12 candidates in the race, vote splitting is inevitable.

Why we’re strengthening support for sexual violence survivors in Benue – Foundation

The Samuel Ioron Foundation (SIF) has launched Whistleblower Nigeria: Reporting Sexual Violence in Displacement Settings, an initiative designed to help survivors in Benue State report sexual violence safely and access essential support services.

Speaking at the launch, the Foundation’s Executive and Project Director, Ngunan Ioron Aloho, said the initiative would strengthen community reporting channels and improve coordination among key service providers, including healthcare facilities, legal aid organisations, the police and social welfare agencies.

‘The aim is to ensure that when someone reports abuse, they can get practical help, with their safety and confidentiality protected,’ Aloho said.

She explained that knowing where to report abuse was only one part of the challenge facing survivors, adding that access to medical care, counselling, legal assistance and protection after a report was equally important.

According to her, the Foundation would work directly with communities and service providers to strengthen referral systems and support survivors through the process while respecting their choices and protecting their confidentiality.

The initiative follows SIF’s participation in Nigeria’s National Preparatory Session on Ending Violence Against Children, held ahead of the Global Ministerial Conference in Manila, Philippines.

At the session, the Foundation shared experiences from communities in Benue to contribute to discussions on translating national child protection commitments into accessible and timely support for children and families.

The Foundation noted that children living in displacement camps and host communities could face violence in different settings, including homes, communities and temporary settlements.

It added that children’s experiences and concerns needed to be reflected in policy discussions and decisions concerning their protection and welfare.

‘Policies can promise protection, but for children living in displaced or humanitarian contexts, the real question is often much simpler: Who can I tell when something happens to me, and will anyone actually help?’ Aloho said.

She said the Whistleblower Nigeria initiative seeks to address this concern by helping community members recognise and safely report sexual violence, connecting survivors with appropriate support services and following up on referrals.

Aloho added that the Foundation’s work in Benue had provided insights into the challenges children and families faced when seeking assistance, as well as areas where reporting channels and support services required improvement.

She called for sustained funding, stronger coordination among service providers and the meaningful involvement of children, survivors and communities in decisions affecting their safety and welfare.

According to her, the initiative’s success would ultimately depend on whether people seeking help could access appropriate support safely and promptly.

The Foundation is inviting companies, civil society organisations and service providers to partner with it on the initiative.

Potential partners can contribute funding, technology, professional expertise and referral services to strengthen safe reporting channels and improve survivors’ access to healthcare, protection and legal assistance across Benue State.