Politics
BREAKING: Senate Begins Clause-by-Clause Voting on State Police Bill as Governors, Gbajabiamila Observe Proceedings
By Abigail David
ABUJA — The Senate on Wednesday commenced manual voting on a proposed constitutional amendment seeking the establishment of state police across Nigeria, marking a significant stage in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Lawmakers are voting clause by clause on the bill, which aims to decentralise policing and strengthen security management at the subnational level amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country.
Among dignitaries present in the Senate chamber to observe the proceedings were Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Senate adopted manual voting after concerns that malfunctioning electronic devices could prevent some lawmakers from participating in the process. Under the arrangement, senators are required to stand individually, announce their names and publicly state their positions on the proposed legislation.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who moved the motion for manual voting, said the measure was necessary to ensure transparency and prevent any senator from being disenfranchised. The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
The chamber also reversed an earlier decision and approved the admission of governors and other senior government officials to observe the debate. The request had initially been rejected through a voice vote in line with Senate rules restricting access to the chamber floor.
Proceedings were briefly delayed as invited guests waited outside the chamber before Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed to lawmakers to reconsider the decision.
Akpabio argued that governors should be allowed to witness the deliberations, noting that any amendment creating state police would require approval by state Houses of Assembly. He also emphasised that the proposal originated from the executive arm of government.
Following the appeal, the Senate suspended relevant provisions of its rules and approved the admission of the invited officials, allowing them to observe the ongoing clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
If approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of state legislatures, the amendment would pave the way for the establishment of state-controlled police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
By Jabiru Hassan
A former Speaker of the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council, Ado Abdu Yumfawa, has described former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as a leader committed to promoting peace and unity in the state’s political landscape.
Yumfawa made the statement in an interview with journalists in Kano, saying Ganduje had demonstrated commitment to peaceful coexistence and political stability in the state. He also commended Ganduje for engaging APC stakeholders from Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area in discussions on party unity and progress.
According to Yumfawa, the meeting reflected efforts to strengthen cooperation among party members and improve the APC’s prospects in Kano and the country. “His Excellency Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a true democrat who is always working to make our party stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Yumfawa expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, attributing his confidence to what he described as increased unity within the party in Kano State. He also called on residents of Kano State to support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and cooperate with the government to promote good governance and development.
Politics
Tinubu Meets Folarin as APC Intensifies Reconciliation Ahead of Oyo 2027 Governorship Election
By Abigail David
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with former Senate Leader and former Oyo State governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, in Abuja, amid ongoing efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
According to a source familiar with the meeting, the discussions focused on reconciling key party stakeholders and mobilising support for the APC’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli.
Folarin was the APC candidate in the 2023 governorship election, where he lost to incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He did not contest the party’s 2027 primary, which produced Alli as the APC candidate.
The source said the meeting formed part of the party’s reconciliation efforts following disagreements that emerged during the governorship nomination process.
According to the source, President Tinubu assured Folarin that his supporters would be considered in future political arrangements at both the state and federal levels. The source also said Folarin is expected to brief his supporters on the outcome of the meeting.
Alli emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate after consultations among party leaders, although the process was challenged by some aspirants and party members.
The APC has since called on aggrieved members to close ranks as it seeks to reclaim Oyo State from the PDP, which has been in power since 2019.
By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
A former Speaker of the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Legislative Council in Kano State, Hon. Ado Abdu Yumfawa, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will remain united and perform strongly in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Kano, Yumfawa said he believes the ruling party has continued to strengthen its internal structures and is focused on governance at the federal, state and local government levels.
According to him, the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are aimed at promoting national development despite the economic and governance challenges facing the country. “Our party, the All Progressives Congress, is growing stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections. From what our leaders are doing, we believe Nigeria will continue to make progress,” Yumfawa said.
He commended President Tinubu’s administration for its economic policies, expressing optimism that Nigerians would experience the benefits of ongoing reforms over time.Yumfawa also urged party members to remain united and continue supporting initiatives they believe will contribute to national development. His remarks come as political discussions and consultations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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