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Former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu Kicks Against Zoning, Anti-Open Grazing Laws

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Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Former Governor Nasarawa State
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*Blames Food Crisis on Insecurity

As various Political Parties continue to position them for the 2023 general election a federal lawmaker and former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu has described as “wishful thinking”, growing clamours for a zoning arrangement for all political positions including the Presidency in Nigeria.

Adamu who currently represents Nasarawa West on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) asked political parties in Nigeria to jettison zoning and allow merit to be their watchword as they present candidates for various political positions in the country.

Adamu stated this at a roundtable on the State of the Nation with Journalists at the National Assembly on Monday.

According to Adamu, zoning is alien to the Nigerian constitution and inimical to the principles of democracy where powers flow from the people and through the ballot box.

Adamu advised the promoters and advocates of zoning to first seek a review of the Nigerian constitution to include their zoning desires even as he questions the pattern such an arrangement will take.

Zoning” has remained quite controversial as “an unwritten gentleman agreement” at a time when Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 and partly to calm frayed nerves in the Southwest of the country over the events of June 12, election and the eventual annulment of the exercise.

*Food Crisis/Insecurity*

Adamu who currently serves as Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture blames current food crisis on a number of factors especially insecurity which is not unconnected to frequent clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

But despite the threat of insecurity associated with the activities of itinerant herders
with southern governors banning opening grazing in their domains and a few of their northern counterparts echoing similar restrictions on cattle movements; Adamu holds firmly to his earlier position that herdsmen should be allowed to roam.

*Anti-Open Grazing Laws*

He said anti-open grazing laws and other forms of attempts to restrict the movement of herders is in violation of their fundamental human rights to freedom of movement to any part of the country; pointing out that without any support and assistance from government it has been extremely difficult for the herder to adjust the way he plies his trade in line with the dictates of modernization.

*Herders Need Help Not Attacks*

Adamu therefore called on government at all levels especially the state and local governments to work out schemes aimed at assisting herdsmen sustain do his business and reduce the frictions that exist between them and farmers in the country.

*North-South Dichotomy*

He said it is regrettable that the posture of some politicians over the issues of herdsmen/farmers clashes have continued to pitch the North against the South.

“It is a pity that there is such conflict between the North and the South. But such divide did not start with my generation of politicians.

According to Adamu, the mutual suspicion that exists between Northern politicians and their southern counterparts dates back to the pre- independence era when Northern politicians dared to reject the offer of independence in 1957 saying they were not ready at the time.

He said the mutual suspicion has grown ever since and become part of their “blood”.

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Ex-Tinubu Aide Denies Breaching APC Primary Rules, Says He Resigned Before Contest

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Former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Ibrahim Olarewaju, has denied allegations that he failed to resign his appointment before contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat.

 

 

 

Olarewaju, who won the party’s primary in May, said he resigned from his position effective March 31, 2026, in compliance with the directive issued to political appointees seeking elective offices.

 

 

 

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti by his media office and signed by Moses Owoyemi.

 

 

 

The statement described reports alleging that the former presidential aide breached constitutional and party regulations by participating in the primary election without resigning as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts.”

 

 

 

According to the statement, Olarewaju fully complied with all constitutional, legal and party requirements before contesting the primary election.

 

 

“His resignation as SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters took effect on March 31, 2026, in compliance with the directive issued to political appointees seeking elective office. It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that Olarewaju’s participation in the primary election violated any provision of the law. Allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, do not amount to evidence,” the statement said.

 

 

The media office added that the resignation was a matter of public record and could be independently verified through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and published media reports.

 

 

It also dismissed claims that Olarewaju circumvented due process, describing him as a public servant whose career has been marked by integrity, transparency and strict adherence to the law.

 

 

The statement attributed his victory at the APC primary to years of grassroots mobilisation, accessibility and commitment to the people, saying the exercise was conducted transparently and in line with the party’s guidelines.

 

 

It said accredited delegates from Moba, Ilejemeje and Ido-Osi Local Government Areas freely elected Olarewaju as the party’s candidate and commended party leaders, delegates and members for conducting themselves peacefully during the exercise.

 

 

The media office also applauded other aspirants for accepting the outcome of the primary in the interest of party unity.

 

 

It said Olarewaju remained committed to fostering unity within the APC and mobilising support ahead of the 2027 general election, urging members of the public to disregard claims not backed by verifiable evidence.

 

 

 

While acknowledging that post-election grievances were common in politics, the statement advised aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to seek redress through the APC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms or appropriate legal channels rather than the media

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Supporters Flood Government House as Ado Ward 9 Celebrates Oyebanji’s Second-Term Victory

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Supporters and members of the All progressives Congress in Ado Ward 9 has staged a colourful victory walk to the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti to celebrate the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office.

 

The jubilant supporters, chanting solidarity songs and waving banners, described the governor’s victory at the poll as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his administration by the people of Ekiti State.

They said the massive electoral support received by Governor Oyebanji was a testament to his people-oriented policies, inclusive style of governance and remarkable developmental strides across the state.

 

The victory walk was led by the Leader of Ward 9, Alhaji Ademola Bello; the Ward Chairman, Mrs. Falilat Korede; and the Ward 9 Councillor, Hon. Mayowa Ogunsakin, alongside party faithful, youths and women from the ward.

 

Speaking during the celebration, the ward leaders congratulated Governor Oyebanji on his resounding victory and expressed appreciation to the people of Ward 9 and the entire state for their support during the election.

They noted that the governor’s first term had brought significant improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and workers’ welfare, adding that his re-election would provide the opportunity to consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

 

The leaders also reaffirmed the commitment of Ado Ward 9 to continue supporting the governor’s administration in its efforts to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State.

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Ekiti Has Spoken Loudly Through the Ballot, Says Ayodeji Ajayi

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A former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and current Board Member of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State.

 

 

Ajayi, who represented Ise/Orun Constituency in the State Assembly, described Governor Oyebanji’s victory in the just-concluded governorship election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the people of the state.

 

 

In his congratulatory message, the former lawmaker said the governor’s victory was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership and sustainable development across the state.

 

 

According to him, the outcome of the election signifies the appreciation of Ekiti people for the numerous developmental projects and people-oriented policies implemented by the Oyebanji administration since assuming office.

 

 

He noted that Governor Oyebanji has distinguished himself through prudent management of resources, improved infrastructure, support for workers and pensioners, as well as deliberate efforts to enhance economic growth and social welfare in the state.

 

 

Ajayi, commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, describing the election as a triumph of democracy and the collective will of the electorate.

 

 

The EKSWAMA board member also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.

 

 

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would bring about greater development, accelerated economic growth and improved living standards for residents across the state.

 

 

“Your re-election is a testament to your exemplary leadership, dedication to service and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.

 

The people have spoken through their votes and renewed their mandate because of the remarkable achievements recorded under your administration,” Ajayi stated.

 

 

He urged residents of the state to remain united and continue to support the governor in his efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive Ekiti.

 

 

Ajayi, further called on political actors to put aside partisan differences and work together with the government in the interest of the state’s development, stressing that the election was over and that the focus should now be on delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.

 

 

He prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance for Governor Oyebanji as he begins another term in office, expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and take Ekiti State to greater heights.

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