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2027: Pray for us, don’t castigate us – Umahi tells South-East CAN

Umahi made the appeal on Monday in Abakaliki during a town hall meeting with South-East CAN, Hausa and Yoruba communities, as well as other non-indigenes in Ebonyi State.

The meeting, organised by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the APC PCC, saw the South-East CAN, Hausa and Yoruba communities endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 general election.

The minister said the Tinubu administration needed the prayers of the church to succeed, stressing that criticism would not build the nation.

He urged the church to set aside sentiments and support the President’s re-election bid in 2027, noting that the South-East stood to benefit more by supporting Tinubu to complete eight years in office.

‘What we the people of South East want is eight years presidency and not four years. The person that is saying that he will rule for four years as a President ruled for eight years as Governor. If four years was enough, why did he govern for eight years as Governor?

‘Four years is introduction. So, our position as leaders of South East is that Igbo needs complete eight years presidency when it is our turn. We must support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu so that we can rule for eight years when our time comes,’ Umahi said.

Earlier, the President of the Christian Fellowship of Nigeria (CFN), South-East zone, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, said the zone would show appreciation to the President and Umahi for infrastructure development in the region by supporting Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

‘We are owing our leader the President and Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. David Umahi, appreciation, and the only way we can show appreciation is to support the President in the 2027 general election,’ Nwali said.

The former President of the association’s Women Wing, Mrs. Uche Charity Ujunwa, and the Youth Wing leader, Peter Onyeabor, assured that women and youths in the zone would mobilise support for Tinubu.

Similarly, leaders of the Yoruba and Hausa communities in Ebonyi, Kazeem Bankole and Alhaji Danjuma Gambo, respectively, pledged to mobilise their members to support Tinubu, Governor Francis Nwifuru and other APC candidates in the 2027 general election.

Tinubu’s historic moment inside the Kaaba: A rare spiritual privilege and prayers for Nigeria

Entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah is one of the rarest experiences a Muslim can have. For millions of Muslims who travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform Umrah or Hajj the Kaaba remains the spiritual centre of their pilgrimage a sacred structure towards which they turn in prayer five times daily. Yet while pilgrims can circumambulate it touch its walls and offer prayers around it access to its interior remains restricted.

For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu however his current Umrah pilgrimage brought an extraordinary spiritual experience: the opportunity to enter the Kaaba and pray inside the revered structure alongside members of his Nigerian delegation.

The moment was not merely another highlight of his official visit to Saudi Arabia. It was a deeply personal religious experience one that carries considerable significance in Islamic tradition and as the President said strengthened his resolve to serve Nigeria.

A sacred place beyond ordinary access

The Kaaba situated at the centre of Masjid al-Haram is Islam’s most sacred structure. It is the Qiblah the direction Muslims worldwide face during their daily prayers. Its significance transcends geographical boundaries bringing together more than a billion Muslims in a common act of worship regardless of nationality race language or social standing.

For Muslims the Kaaba is a profound symbol of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah) obedience to His commandments and the spiritual unity of the Ummah. Its significance is firmly established in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Allah says: ‘Indeed the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah) – blessed and a guidance for the worlds’ (Qur’an 3:96).

The Qur’an also describes it as a sanctuary and a place of security for humanity (Qur’an 2:125). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further affirmed its sanctity saying: ‘Indeed Allah has made this city sacred on the day He created the heavens and the earth’ (Sahih al-Bukhari 3189; Sahih Muslim 1353). Allah describes the Sacred House as a place of worship and a sanctuary for humanity.

Entering the Kaaba is therefore regarded as a special spiritual experience. Although Islam does not require a Muslim to enter its interior to complete Hajj or Umrah the opportunity to pray within the structure is considered an extraordinary honour.

The interior is not open to everyone because the Kaaba is not operated as a public visitor attraction. Saudi authorities in collaboration with its traditional custodians carefully regulate access; they safeguard the structure control its opening and oversee its cleaning.

According to Saudipedia the Saudi government’s official encyclopaedia the senior member of the Bani Shaibah family holds the key to the Kaaba a custodianship that dates to the time of Prophet Muhammad. The custodians traditionally known as the Sadanah open and close the door and participate in cleaning arrangements.

Historically the Kaaba was opened to visitors on designated days with separate access for men and women. However general access was discontinued as the number of pilgrims increased making unrestricted entry difficult to manage. These restrictions also help prevent overcrowding and protect the sacred structure.

Today entry is granted on special occasions and to selected individuals including custodians officials and invited guests subject to approval by Saudi authorities. Such access is an administrative decision rather than a religious entitlement that comes automatically with performing Umrah or Hajj.

This explains why Tinubu’s experience attracted considerable attention. While thousands of Nigerians and millions of other Muslims travel to Makkah every year to perform Umrah only a limited number are granted the rare privilege of entering the Kaaba.

Tinubu’s joy and gratitude over the rare privilege

For President Tinubu the opportunity was particularly meaningful as it combined his personal devotion with his responsibility as Nigeria’s President.

The Nigerian leader expressed profound gratitude to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure.

He described the experience as historic acknowledging the hospitality and recognition extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.

‘I want to say a big thank you for the faith for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green which reminds us of the Nigerian identity’ he said.

The President was visibly excited by the gesture particularly the Nigerian national colours displayed around the Kaaba ahead of the visit. The green-white-green arrangement added a national dimension to an already memorable religious experience.

He also expressed appreciation for the Saudi leadership and administrators of the holy sites saying:

‘I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.’

He also reflected on the challenges facing Nigeria and the importance of faith in overcoming them.

‘We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the Royal Crown Prince. It is an honour that I enjoyed and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter the Ka’abah. This is history’ Tinubu said.

Prayers for wisdom peace and Nigeria’s prosperity

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Tinubu’s experience was not merely gaining access to the interior of the Kaaba but what he said he asked Allah for during that rare opportunity.

Rather than focusing on personal wealth political survival or the privileges of office the President said his prayers centred on seeking wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

‘Well I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted’ he declared.

He recalled that before the 2023 presidential election he had also performed Umrah and asked Allah for His blessings. Having become President he said he had promised to return to Makkah to express gratitude.

The President also prayed for Nigeria’s diversity to become a source of strength and prosperity rather than division. In a country grappling with insecurity economic hardship religious differences and political tensions his prayer carries an important message about the need for national unity and peaceful coexistence.

During his earlier reflection on the Umrah pilgrimage Tinubu said:

‘I believe this Umrah is very significant for the love of our people commitment to the job and our country Nigeria; commitment to the will of Allah that His words must prevail and that there’s no other God but Him and He’s the only one that makes a human being what he can be and what he would be in life.’

He also prayed for sustainable peace national unity harmony and stability asking Allah to guide the country’s leaders and to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Nigerians.

The President’s reflections went beyond his immediate religious experience to the responsibilities of leadership. Drawing inspiration from Surah Aal-Imran verse 26 which affirms Allah’s absolute sovereignty and authority to grant and withdraw power he acknowledged that political authority is ultimately a trust from God.

He emphasised that anyone entrusted with power must exercise it responsibly with humility and in the people’s interests.

‘I have faith in that and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being’ he said.

He further declared that the spiritual experience had strengthened his commitment to Nigeria.

‘My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people.’

He added ‘It is important to put Allah first then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to greatness.’

A privilege that should inspire greater responsibility

Tinubu’s entry into the Kaaba is undoubtedly a remarkable moment particularly for Nigerian Muslims who regard the President’s experience as a source of spiritual pride and national recognition.

For a leader an experience like this should reinforce humility justice compassion accountability and service to humanity. These are qualities Islam consistently emphasises and should guide anyone entrusted with public authority.

The President himself acknowledged that power ultimately belongs to Allah and that those who receive it must use it responsibly. That reflection provides an important standard for measuring leadership.

For Tinubu however the rare privilege has offered an opportunity to express gratitude seek divine guidance and renew his commitment to Nigeria.

His prayers for wisdom resilience peace and prosperity now carry an expectation: that the principles he invoked in Makkah will be reflected in the everyday lives of Nigerians.

Desaparecidos’ kin urged to continue loved ones’ fight for justice

On All Souls’ Day, families of enforced disappearances (desaparecidos) were urged to continue to fight for justice and carry on the causes their missing loved ones championed, even with no bodies or graves to visit.

The families, together with members from the groups Desaparecidos Philippines, Karapatan, and Hustisya, gathered at Claret School in Quezon City for a Mass and a program as they offered prayers and flowers for their missing kin.

‘If our relatives were here, we all know that they would not stay away from the struggle in the streets – to demand fair wages and to assert all the rights necessary for a decent life for the Filipino people,’ said Ofelia Balleta, secretary-general of Hustisya, a human rights organization.

She urged the families of desaperacidos to unite with other sectors, particularly workers struggling with low wages and rising daily expenses, as they continue to seek the return of their missing loved ones.

‘So let us prove that we, the relatives, are just like our loved ones whom they abducted,’ Balleta said.

‘We have love for our fellow human beings, which compels us to continue the work they left behind in the service of the people.’

According to Karapatan, more than 1,900 victims of enforced disappearance have been documented in the Philippines since the Ferdinand Marcos Sr. dictatorship.

2027 Permutations Favour Tinubu – Deputy Senate President

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the January 16, presidential election, citing the prevailing political situation in the country.

Barau stated this at the weekend during the inauguration of campaign committees for Dawakin Tofa, Tofa and Rimin Gado Local Government Areas of Kano State, where he charged party members to work towards securing victory for all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy President of the Senate said the foundation laid by President Tinubu during his first term would yield the desired results in his second term.

He expressed appreciation to party leaders, elected representatives, local government chairmen, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders for their support and commitment to the APC, assuring that the unity and cooperation currently being enjoyed by the party would be sustained.

‘Based on the assessments of political analysts and the current state of Nigerian politics, all indications suggest that, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the presidential election,’ he said.

He noted that Kano, being one of the largest states in the country and second only to Lagos in terms of the latest registered voters, deserved greater attention and opportunities from the Federal Government.

According to him, the Governor’s decision to lead the people from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC was a strategic move that have enhanced Kano’s political relevance and improved its access to developmental opportunities.

The Deputy President of the Senate expressed confidence that the political unity achieved in Kano would translate into tangible benefits for the people, particularly with the alignment of councillors, local government chairmen, state legislators, members of the National Assembly and the Governor under the APC.

He added that the coming elections would usher in a new phase of political and developmental activities, with elected representatives expected to contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective constituencies.

Barau explained that the campaign committees were carefully constituted to accommodate party leaders, members of the party’s executive committees, former and serving legislators, councillors, local government chairmen, new party members and respected elders.

’Undas’ generally peaceful, orderly; 40.7M visit cemeteries nationwide

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a generally peaceful and orderly observance of Undas 2026 nationwide, recording more than 40.7 million visitors in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria nationwide from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2

‘Based on reports from the ground, this year’s Undas was generally peaceful and orderly, reflecting the discipline of our personnel and the cooperation of the public,’ said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

The PNP said 40,740,246 visitors had been recorded in 5,311 burial sites from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

A total of 1,695,440 visitors were recorded as of 6 a.m. on Monday.

Police also reported confiscating a total of 6,499 prohibited items from cemeteries nationwide.

These included 879 pointed or bladed weapons, 62 alcoholic beverages, 2,817 lighters, 1,739 cigarette and vape products, 180 cooking materials, and 397 flammable substances.

Nartatez said initial field reports indicated that security measures effectively managed the influx of cemetery visitors and travelers during the annual observance.

Over 166,000 police personnel and force multipliers were deployed to secure cemeteries, transport hubs, and other public areas.

Police assistance desks and emergency response teams were also stationed to assist cemetery visitors, especially children, senior citizens, and those requiring immediate help.

‘Our priority was to ensure people could honor their loved ones safely, and we are encouraged by the results of our collective efforts,’ Nartatez said.

Peppermint Bizmoto, HaveIt team up to power digital payments across transpo, super app ecosystem

Peppermint Bizmoto Inc. (‘Peppermint’), a licensed electronic money issuer (EMI) in the Philippines, has entered into a strategic partnership with HaveIt, a growing digital services platform, to provide the payment infrastructure supporting its expanding ecosystem.

Under the partnership, Peppermint will serve as the payment rails provider for HaveIt, enabling digital payment processing across its platform and supporting the company’s continued expansion in transportation and other consumer services.

A key part of HaveIt’s ecosystem is Ride It, a transportation network company (TNC) operating in the Philippines with a network of over 6,000 riders.

Ride It connects passengers with transportation services through its digital platform, representing an important component of HaveIt’s growing mobility business.

Enabling Digital Payments for Transportation and Beyond

Through the collaboration, Peppermint will provide the underlying payment infrastructure designed to facilitate digital transactions within HaveIt’s ecosystem.

With Ride It’s network of more than 6,000 riders, the partnership presents opportunities to support digital payment collections, transaction processing, and the broader financial technology requirements of a growing transportation platform.

The collaboration allows HaveIt to focus on expanding its transportation network and digital services while leveraging Peppermint’s payment capabilities to support its operations.

Strengthening the Philippine digital economy

As transportation and consumer services increasingly move toward digital platforms, reliable and scalable payment infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting business growth.

The partnership between Peppermint and HaveIt reflects a shared commitment to improving digital payment accessibility and supporting the development of technology-driven services in the Philippines.

For Peppermint, the collaboration reinforces its position as a financial technology infrastructure provider serving digital platforms and businesses with expanding transaction requirements.

For HaveIt, the partnership provides a foundation for strengthening its payment capabilities as it continues to grow its transportation network and broader digital ecosystem.

About Peppermint Bizmoto Inc.

Peppermint Bizmoto Inc. is a Philippine electronic money issuer (EMI) providing digital payment solutions and financial technology infrastructure.

The company supports merchants, enterprises, and digital platforms through integrated electronic payment services.

About HaveIt

HaveIt is a Philippine digital services platform developing an integrated ecosystem of transportation and consumer services.

Its portfolio includes Ride It, a Transportation Network Company (TNC) with a network of over 6,000 riders, alongside other digital and on-demand services.

ýOndo SUBEB charges 637 newly absorbed teachers on professionalism

ýThe Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Princess Ademulegun Olufunmilayo Brown, gave the charge while addressing the beneficiaries following the successful completion of the absorption exercise. She described the development as an important step towards strengthening manpower and improving the quality of basic education across the state.

ýAs part of the exercise, the distribution of employment letters commenced on Wednesday, 28th October with beneficiaries from the Central Senatorial District, while those from the Southern and Northern Senatorial Districts received their letters on Thursday, 29th, and Friday 39th, respectively.

ýAddressing the beneficiaries, the Chairman described their appointment as both a privilege and a call to service, urging them to demonstrate integrity, punctuality, discipline and commitment to their responsibilities.

ýShe emphasised that teachers play a vital role not only in imparting knowledge but also in shaping the character and future of pupils.

ýThe Chairman further charged them to familiarise themselves with the rules governing the Ondo State Public Service and the teaching profession, while embracing continuous professional development and effective teaching practices that would improve pupils’ learning outcomes.

ýShe assured the beneficiaries of the Board’s commitment to strengthening basic education delivery and urged them to reciprocate the confidence reposed in them by the state government through exemplary service.

ýShe therefore directed all newly absorbed personnel to report to their respective duty posts within one week of receiving their appointment letters, warning that failure to comply could result in forfeiture of the employment opportunity, subject to applicable regulations.

ýPrincess Brown expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for approving the absorption, noting that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to addressing staffing needs in public schools and advancing the education sector under the OUR EASE Agenda.

ýShe also commended the committee constituted by the Governor to oversee the exercise, chaired by Engr. Bola Taiwo, with Mrs. Dare-Atunse and Pastor Omotayo Akeju as members, and Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole as Secretary, for ensuring transparency, fairness and adherence to due process.

ýAlso speaking, the Permanent Secretary of ODSUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, explained that the absorption exercise was undertaken to address outstanding issues arising from last year’s recruitment exercise and ensure that qualified personnel were properly captured.

ýShe disclosed that the screening covered the three senatorial districts of the state, with more than 1,000 applications and related correspondence attended to. She maintained that the process was conducted without bias or prejudice, in accordance with the principles of fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.

ýShe urged the beneficiaries to complete and submit all necessary documentation for proper integration into the Board’s administrative system. She also warned against surrogate service, stressing that no teacher would be permitted to delegate his or her official responsibilities to another person. Anyone found engaging in the practice, she cautioned, would face disciplinary action.

ýIn their goodwill messages, the Board’s Full-Time Member I, Hon. Christopher Olorunfemi; State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Ayodele Samuel-Leke; and State Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Comrade Olakunle Akintoroye, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to uphold the ethics and dignity of the teaching profession.

ýThey also advised the newly absorbed personnel to remain law-abiding, respect constituted authority and demonstrate diligence and commitment to improving the standard of basic education in the state.

ýSpeaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Fajana Recheal, Mrs. Olugboji Funmilayo and Mrs. Adenike Oluwaseun expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve in the state public teaching service.

ý

ýThey also appreciated the Board and the screening committee for the successful completion of the exercise, assuring that the beneficiaries would justify the confidence placed in them through dedication and exemplary service.

ý

Kwankwaso Alleges Plot To Stop NDC Candidate

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf of plotting to disqualify the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, ahead of the 2027 election.

Daily Trust has reported how Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deleted Gwarzo’s name from its updated governorship candidate in the state and said it was due to a court order.

The commission however clarified that it has no problem with the candidate, adding that his omission was in compliance with the court.

But speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Sunday, Kwankwaso alleged that the governor initially sought to use INEC to remove the NDC candidate from the ballot but later resorted to the courts when that move failed.

According to him, Governor Yusuf had realised that he made a political mistake and had since been making frantic efforts to prevent the NDC from participating in the governorship contest.

‘What he wanted was for INEC to declare that there was no governorship candidate in Kano. When that did not happen, they went to court seeking the disqualification of our candidate,’ Kwankwaso said.

The former Kano governor alleged that associates of the governor secretly instituted legal action against the party and INEC in a bid to secure a court order without attracting public attention.

He claimed that the case was structured in a manner that would prevent the affected candidate from becoming aware of the proceedings until after judgment had been delivered.

Kwankwaso, however, insisted that the NDC candidate had no constitutional or legal impediment that could warrant disqualification.

‘Our candidates have no issues relating to age, educational qualification or any other constitutional requirement. There is nothing that should stop them from contesting the election,’ he said.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate further accused the governor and his allies of attempting to avoid electoral competition rather than face the party at the polls.

‘They do not want to contest against us. They believe that once they occupy government offices, they can do whatever they want. But Kano voters will decide,’ he said.

Speaking of previous political developments in the state, Kwankwaso recalled that a court ruling had once removed a candidate before he was subsequently reinstated ahead of an election that his party eventually won.

He expressed confidence that the electorate would reject what he described as attempts to undermine democratic choice in the state.

Kwankwaso also urged supporters, particularly young people, to verify their voter registration status and remain politically active.

He maintained that the NDC would participate in the election and defeat its opponents at the polls.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Governor Yusuf on the allegations were unsuccessful as calls made to the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, were neither answered nor returned as at the time of filing this report.

18 receive medical aid during Undas observance in Iloilo City

At least 18 people, including elderly cemetery visitors, received medical assistance during the observance of Undas, or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, in Iloilo City.

In a situational report released at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said medical teams deployed to cemeteries attended to patients aged 23 to 84.

Among them was an 81-year-old woman who reportedly lost consciousness for about 30 seconds while visiting Christ the King Memorial Park in Jaro district.

Emergency responders checked her vital signs, stabilized her condition and administered first aid, according to the report.

A 72-year-old woman also complained of chest pain at the La Paz Old Cemetery, where responders checked her blood pressure and conducted a physical assessment.

Another 70-year-old woman experienced lower back and hip pain after slipping at the Molo Public Cemetery.

The report did not indicate whether any of the patients required hospitalization.

Other medical complaints included dizziness, headaches, elevated blood sugar, and minor injuries.

A 54-year-old woman at the Molo Public Cemetery was attended to for hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, while a 52-year-old woman experienced dizziness at the La Paz Old Cemetery.

A 58-year-old woman also sought assistance for dizziness at the Jaro Public Cemetery.

Three men, aged 23, 28 and 40, received treatment for lacerations, including injuries to the forehead and left foot.

Several other cemetery visitors underwent blood pressure checks and physical assessments.

The City Health Office, Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo Chapter, volunteer emergency medical teams and other response groups provided medical assistance.

The Philippine Red Cross established six first-aid stations in different cemeteries, while the City Health Office deployed medical teams and positioned ambulances for possible patient transport.

Medical assistance desks were also set up at the Tanza and Molo public cemeteries.

The EOC report showed that the City Health Office attended to six patients, the Philippine Red Cross to five, and the La Paz National High School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team to three.

Other patients were assisted by volunteer emergency response groups.

The city government maintained a blue alert status during the observance, requiring emergency response personnel and participating agencies to remain on heightened readiness.

Authorities had anticipated between 250,000 and 350,000 residents and travelers visiting cemeteries and passing through transport terminals and seaports during the extended holiday period.

Soludo Abba Yusuf Umahi Barau: Tinubu’s victory sure

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid got a big boost at the weekend with endorsements from across the country.

His achievement the need for consolidation national cohesion and other reasons were adduced for the show of solidarity.

The presidential election is billed for January 16 2027.

Apart from President Tinubu there are 17 other presidential candidates – the two leading opposition candidates are Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

From Anambra to Kano Ebonyi Uyo and faraway Saudi Arabia pledges of support rolled in at the weekend.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo who is also coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in the state said the NDC and its candidate should forget about the 2027 Presidency because they cannot win. Obi hails from the state.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said President Tinubu will show strength in the 2027 election because those of them in the opposition in 2023 have now joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and will mobilise for his victory.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said yesterday in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital that the state will give the President the highest votes in the country.

Works Minister David Umahi told a town hall meeting in Abakaliki the Ebonyi State capital that the Southeast should have no reason not to vote for President Tinubu. He dismissed Obi’s pledge to serve for four years if elected as a ruse.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin expressed confidence that with political permutations in his favour the President will sweep to victory.

Foremost businessman and industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu who is on the trip to Saudi Arabia with the President pledged that the business community will reciprocate the effect of Tinubu’s bold reforms by supporting his continuation in office.

NDC should forget it says Soludo

Soludo noted that opposition cannot defeat President Tinubu with a divided house.

He spoke at the International Conference Center ICC in Awka the state capital as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord unite as a coalition to return Tinubu in 2027.

Though former Governor of the state and immediate former Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige was represented by his former aide CJ Nwosu.

Senator Uche Ekwunife vying for the senatorial seat of Anambra Central; a chieftain of APC in Southeast Chief Modestus Umenzekwe Chairman of APC in Anambra State; Senator Emma Anosike and other chieftains of the four political parties were in attendance.

Addressing the members of the political parties Soludo said their support for President Tinubu was total adding that Anambra must be rescued.

The governor said: ‘It is a coalition for progress coalition for unity coalition for good security and coalition to secure the future of Nigeria and Anambra.

We are not here for talks; we are here for the soul of Igbo and the future. It is a battle between emotion and reason. But reason will eventually triumph’

Soludo said some of the personalities in the state like Senator Chris Ngige and Sir Paul Chukwuma who is the Deputy Director-General of Tinubu Support Group (TSG) sent apologies for not being around among others.

‘Our purpose here is the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu but others contesting for other offices in different parties it will be a level playing field.

‘We will kick off our campaign on Friday; we have officially adopted President Tinubu as our candidate.

‘It was Rochas Okorocha that took APGA to the coalition. If you do a DNA APGA will rise up well. We gave birth to APC

We don’t want to play politics of isolation. Anambra is strategic to Nigeria politics a state of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Dr Alex Ekwueme Prof Chinua Achebe Dr. Chuba Okadigbo among others; therefore we cannot come now to play sole politics.

‘Anambra cannot pull out from the centre not now that we have a President that knows what federalism is all about.

He insisted there must be a level playing field as a true Democrat when I was contesting for governorship and that is why APGA is still here.

‘Igbo ad clamoured for President; we want a united prosperous one Nigeria. Anambra has the worst erosion gully in Africa. If we don’t align with the center we cannot get federal support.

‘We need federal government partnership; if we fail there are consequences. We are not giving Tinubu a favour but we need such partnership.

‘Before now the Igbo did not vote for him and he won but is it now that he is up there that you will defeat him?

He inaugurated the over 4000 members of the four political parties for the onward journey for President Tinubu’s re-election.

For Senator Uche Ekwunife Senator Emma Anosike and former chairman of APC in Anambra State Chief Basil Ejidike Chief Modestus Umenzekwe and national chairman of APGA Chief Sly Ezeokenwa the meeting was well-deserved. The APC leaders hailed Soludo for the initiative assuring him of their commitment to the project.

Yusuf: we have forces

Reacting to the 500000 votes that President Tinubu got in Kano State in the 2023 election Governor Yusuf popularly known as Gida Gida said that having joined forces with the APC when he and his supporters defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) the coast is clear for President Tinubu to haul millions of votes in Kano the state with the second-highest number of registered voters.

Speaking at the weekend during the empowerment programme in Kano by a member of the House of Representatives Leke Abejide the governor said: ‘In 2023 we were in the opposition. Today by the grace of Allah the governor elected in 2023 is now a full member of the ruling party the APC with the President as leader. Today 24 out of 27 members of the State House of Assembly are in the APC. Nine out of 14 House of Representatives members are in APC. Two out of three Senators are in APC. All 44 Local Government chairmen all 484 councillors plus commissioners and advisers are all in APC working round the clock to ensure 100 percent success for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

Kano has more than six million registered voters.

Tinubu poised for victory says Barau

Senator Barau expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the election citing prevailing political developments and assessments by political analysts.

Barau spoke at the weekend during the inauguration of campaign committees for Dawakin Tofa Tofa and Rimin Gado Local Government Areas of Kano State where he urged APC members to unite and mobilise support for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.

In a statement by his media aide Ismail Mudashir the senator said the political permutations ahead of the election favoured Tinubu expressing optimism that the President’s policies and programmes would yield greater dividends during a second term.

‘Based on the assessments of political analysts and the current state of Nigerian politics all indications suggest that by Allah’s grace Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the presidential election’ he said.

Barau praised party leaders elected representatives Governor Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders for their support expressing confidence that the unity within the Kano APC would be sustained.

He said Kano as one of the country’s largest states and second only to Lagos in registered voters deserved greater attention and development opportunities from the Federal Government.

The Deputy Senate President described Governor Yusuf’s defection from the NNPP to the APC as a strategic political decision that had strengthened Kano’s relevance at the national level and improved its prospects of attracting development projects.

Why Southeast must support other regions by Umahi

Umahi urged religious leaders the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and traditional rulers in the Southeast not to remain neutral in the political debate ahead of the election.

Umahi called on the religious and traditional institutions to guide their followers towards supporting President Tinubu’s re-election arguing that the Southeast must strategically support other regions to strengthen its chances of producing a future president.

The minister appealed to Igbo leaders to embrace political wisdom rather than sentiments.

He recalled CAN’s position during his struggle to become governor of Ebonyi State saying the Christian body had taken a stand on the need for justice and should not remain silent when important political decisions affecting the people were being made.

Umahi argued that it would be politically unrealistic for the Southeast to expect to produce Nigeria’s president for only four years after what he described as decades of exclusion from the nation’s highest political office.

‘There is no way an Igbo man after staying for 60 years will want to be president for four years. There is nobody that can accept that. The North has not accepted to be president for four years’ he said.

He urged Southeast people to support Tinubu to complete his remaining four-year tenure saying such support would demonstrate political reciprocity and strengthen the region’s bargaining position when it eventually seeks the presidency.

The minister maintained that the Southeast should not expect to achieve its political aspirations through hate speech insults or emotional appeals but through strategic alliances and engagement with other regions.

According to him the region has recorded significant political inclusion under the Tinubu administration citing appointments into strategic positions including the Chief of Air Staff Minister of Works Minister of Foreign Affairs and other ministerial and senior government positions.

He also pointed to improvements in the business environment and infrastructure particularly the rehabilitation of roads and easier movement of goods as evidence that the Southeast was increasingly being integrated into the national economic and political structure.

‘Today our people in commerce clear our goods with ease. Today our roads are being revived in the path of economic activities. Today we can boldly say we have been integrated’ he said.

Umahi further criticised what he described as growing intolerance among some supporters of Obi particularly on social media where people who disagree with his presidential ambition are allegedly labeled saboteurs.

He questioned the tendency to portray Obi as the only credible presidential aspirant from the Southeast arguing that the region had produced several accomplished political leaders capable of seeking the country’s highest office.

He specifically mentioned former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu former Minister of National Planning Elias Mbam former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and himself asking why other political figures should be dismissed in favour of one individual.

He appealed to traditional rulers religious leaders and other influential stakeholders to provide political direction for the people insisting that the Southeast should learn from the political strategies of the North and Southwest.

‘Traditional fathers do not stay on the fence. Religious leaders do not stay on the fence. Our people in the North do not our people in the Southwest do not. Guide our people’ Umahi said.

He maintained that his position was informed by the need to secure the long-term political interests of the Southeast. He added that he would continue to speak openly on the issue despite criticism from those who disagree with his support for President Tinubu.