By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Vice Chairman (North East), Babachir David Lawal, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his position on zoning and alleged irregularities in the party’s presidential primary process.

In comments shared on Facebook by Isaac O. Obakpee, Lawal accused Atiku of contributing to divisions within the opposition and questioned his stance on power rotation ahead of the 2027 general elections.Lawal, who noted that both he and Atiku are from Adamawa State, argued that zoning remains important for political balance and inclusion in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society.

He also alleged that the ADC presidential primary process was flawed, claiming that results were predetermined in favour of Atiku. However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegation.The former SGF further criticised Atiku’s position on zoning, arguing that political offices in Nigeria have historically reflected considerations of regional balance and equity.

According to Lawal, Atiku has previously benefited from zoning arrangements, citing his emergence as vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999 and subsequent presidential bids. He questioned why zoning should be dismissed when, in his view, it has played a significant role in Nigeria’s political arrangements.

Lawal’s remarks add to ongoing debates within opposition circles over power rotation, party leadership, and strategies ahead of the 2027 elections. At the time of filing this report, Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to Lawal’s comments.

   By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

  This battle  is not the proverbial battle between the sparrow ( nziza) and its god(chi) as captured in Chinua Achebe’s ” Things Fall Apart”.It is neither the battle whereby the proverbial sparrow after overfeeding itself challenged its god to a wrestling bout. It is beyond that.  It is the battle of the wits whereby Bestman  Eruba, popularly known as ” Ogele Obingwa” is going into senatorial contest for Abia South District  with Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe ( Nma Agha) on the platform of Young Peoples Party (YPP). It will be an interesting contest and pundits and political followers are counting the days.

  Eruba, a greenhorn, challenging Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe to an electoral contest should not be entertained by the wave of hand rather should generate deep political attention.

 He acknowledges  the fact that Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe has served with dignity but the time is ripe for him to give way for the younger generation.

  Whoever comes to fight with a big masquarade must prepare adequately. Eruba’s manifesto presents him as someone who is leaving no stone unturned in this onerous task ahead. These are some of his Unique Selling Point( USP).

   He is promising to fill one missing gap that has eluded legislative functions by holding  regular town hall meetings for consultations across all 6 local government areas in Abia South Senatorial District  to get the pulse of the people and secure their approval for all actions.

Collaboration with the private sector;  Partnership with companies, investors, and development organizations to attract investments in manufacturing, agro-processing, skills training, and healthcare will be part of his legislative focus,  private sector collaboration which will create jobs and expand opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities in Abia South.

 “Abia South has a young, talented population, but unemployment and underemployment are high, especially in Aba North Local Government Area, Aba South Local Government Area, and Obingwa Local Government Area, I will create job opportunities for our teeming young people and secure employment for the educated and run an empowerment scheme for the undereducated,” he said.

Eruba is making a passionate appeal to artisans ,market women,farmers in the Abia South Senatorial District to join this movement.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The campaign organisation of a governorship aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election in Plateau State, Hon. Jude Dakur, has called on its supporters and party faithful to remain calm and orderly following the outcome of the party’s primary election.

The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General of the campaign organisation, Rengkat Bakpet, and made available to journalists in Jos.

The campaign team acknowledged concerns expressed by supporters over the conduct and outcome of the primary election but urged them to avoid actions that could undermine the unity of the party.

According to the statement, the campaign has activated the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism by formally lodging an appeal against the outcome of the primary election.

The team recalled that Hon. Jude Dakur and his supporters rejected the results of the governorship primary and subsequently submitted a petition to the party’s Appeal Panel for review.

“Having formally lodged our grievances before the appropriate organ of the party, we wish to call on all supporters of the Plateau Faith Project to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the decision of the Appeal Panel.

“We urge our supporters not to be discouraged or distracted by the outcome of the primary election, where results were allegedly allocated to an aspirant despite elections not being conducted in some local government areas.

“The appeal process has been activated, and we remain confident that the panel will carefully consider the issues raised and deliver its verdict in the interest of justice, fairness and party unity,” the statement said.

The campaign team expressed confidence in the party’s appeal mechanism, stating that the relevant panel would diligently review all issues raised and make a fair determination in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

“We have confidence in the leadership of the party and the established mechanisms for addressing grievances arising from the primary election. There is no cause for alarm,” the statement added.

The organisation further urged party members and supporters to avoid inflammatory comments, speculation and actions capable of creating divisions within the ADC.

It reiterated Hon. Jude Dakur’s commitment to democratic principles and due process, stressing that the appeal was being pursued through legitimate and recognised party channels.

The statement also called on ADC members across Plateau State to remain united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of future electoral contests.

The campaign team assured supporters that they would be kept informed of developments as the appeal process progresses.