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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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Politics

2027: Obi Unsure of ADC Presidential Ticket, Emphasises Commitment to ‘Cause’

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Peter Obi
Peter Obi
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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is uncertain about securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Obi told supporters that his focus remains on a broader political mission rather than personal ambition, noting that there is no guarantee he will emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

“I cannot be certain that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. What matters is that we are committed to a cause,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor reflected on Nigeria’s current political climate, questioning how the situation evolved and the potential consequences if ongoing reform efforts are abandoned.

“I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project,” he added.
Obi also reaffirmed his commitment to his ideals despite reported threats, while expressing appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty.

“It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncertainty of political alliances, warning about the possibility of shifting loyalties among stakeholders.
“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Ogun Lawmakers Back Tinubu’s 2027 Bid, Endorse Adeola for Governor

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Senator Solomon Adeola and President Bola Tinubu
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No fewer than 20 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have declared support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing his administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure development as key achievements.

The endorsement, announced on Wednesday in Abeokuta, aligns with an earlier position taken by the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sherrif Yusuf, said the decision reflects confidence in the President’s efforts to stabilise the economy and expand critical infrastructure nationwide.

According to Yusuf, the administration has made notable progress in fiscal reforms and road development connecting key economic corridors, adding that continuity would help consolidate ongoing gains.

The lawmakers also unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, describing him as an experienced legislator with a strong record of performance and commitment to public service.

Yusuf highlighted Adeola’s contributions in the National Assembly, including leadership roles in strategic committees and advocacy for development projects and empowerment initiatives across Ogun State.

In addition, the Assembly members expressed support for Governor Abiodun’s future political aspirations beyond his current tenure, noting that his administrative experience and governance record position him for higher responsibilities.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, pledging continued support for leaders whose policies and vision align with the aspirations of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Aduda Defects to APC, Pledges Abuja Win for Tinubu in 2027

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Senator Philip Aduda at that APC National Secretariat Abuja
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Former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Tanimu Aduda, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 2027 general elections.

Aduda was formally received into the APC on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, handed him the party’s insignia in the presence of key members of the National Working Committee and supporters.

Welcoming the former lawmaker, Yilwatda described the APC as Nigeria’s leading progressive platform, highlighting ongoing economic reforms and major infrastructure projects under Tinubu’s administration. He pointed to the Sokoto–Badagry road project as a strategic corridor expected to boost agriculture, commerce, and national connectivity, adding that recent policies have strengthened the non-oil sector and improved the country’s trade balance.

Explaining his decision, Aduda said his defection was informed by “alignment and realignment,” citing what he described as visible development strides in the FCT. He commended Tinubu for granting the territory autonomy from the Treasury Single Account and establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, moves he said have enhanced career progression for civil servants.

“I was in the minority for nearly seven years and couldn’t secure a ministerial slot for the FCT. This President has recognised us and given us representation in the Federal Executive Council,” Aduda stated.

He dismissed opposition parties in the territory as weak, expressing confidence that the APC would dominate the FCT in 2027. He also referenced the party’s performance in recent area council elections, where it secured five out of six councils, as evidence of its growing political strength.

Also speaking, FCT APC Chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, described Aduda as a political heavyweight whose defection would significantly boost the party’s electoral prospects. He noted that the APC is well-positioned to mobilise over 1.7 million registered voters in the FCT ahead of the next general elections.

The high-profile defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Abuja, as parties begin early strategic positioning for the 2027 polls.

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