By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

A civil society organisation, Concerned Citizens for Electoral Accountability in Kaduna State, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate remarks allegedly made by a political aide to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani regarding past election results in Igabi Local Government Area.

In a petition addressed to the INEC Chairman and dated June 1, 2026, the group expressed concern over a viral video and media reports attributed to Hon. Abubakar Mamadi, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the governor. The petition, signed by Suleiman Usman Yusuf, Jalal Falal, and Abubakar Ibrahim, Esq., cited reports alleging that Mamadi made comments at a political gathering on May 29 concerning the conduct of previous elections in the area.

The group stressed that it was not alleging wrongdoing and acknowledged that the authenticity, context, and meaning of the reported remarks remain subject to verification. “We do not presume the guilt of any individual and make no definitive allegation that any crime has been committed,” the petition stated. The organisation urged INEC and relevant authorities to review the original recording, verify its authenticity, prepare an official transcript and translation where necessary, and obtain statements from individuals mentioned in the reported remarks.

According to the petitioners, a transparent review would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process ahead of future elections. The group emphasized that its request is aimed at promoting accountability and protecting electoral integrity, while respecting the constitutional rights and presumption of innocence of all parties involved.

By Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The leadership dispute within the Labour Party in Nasarawa State deepened over the weekend as rival factions conducted separate governorship primaries and announced different candidates for the 2027 governorship election.

One faction declared Engr. Hon. Ibrahim Afaka Azamu as its governorship candidate, following what it described as a transparent primary conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

In a statement issued after the exercise, the faction said the primary reflected members’ commitment to strengthening the party and preparing for the 2027 elections. It also urged supporters to remain united and focused on the party’s objectives in the state.

However, a separate faction of the Labour Party also held a governorship primary on the same day and announced Hon. Gaza Jonathan, a serving member of the House of Representatives, as its candidate.The faction additionally produced former Minister of Information and Culture, Labaran Maku, as its candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, along with candidates for other elective positions.

The emergence of parallel candidates highlights the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, with both groups claiming legitimacy and control of the party structure in Nasarawa State.

As of the time of reporting, the national leadership of the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not issued any official clarification regarding the competing primaries.

Despite the internal divisions, both factions expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the 2027 elections and pledged to continue mobilising support across the state.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The National President of the Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria, Ambassador Awal Kasim Hassan, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to respect Nigeria’s zoning arrangement and defer any presidential ambition until 2031.

Speaking in an interview in Kaduna, Hassan said the forum supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete what he described as its turn under the zoning principle.According to him, former councillors across the country remain committed to Tinubu and have continued grassroots mobilisation in support of his administration.

Hassan dismissed suggestions that opposition political movements could significantly affect Tinubu’s support base, insisting that the forum’s nationwide structure remains firmly behind the president.

He argued that the zoning arrangement, which saw former President Muhammadu Buhari serve two terms, should be respected by all political actors. “I advise Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 if he wishes to contest again. The zoning principle should be respected in the interest of fairness and political stability,” Hassan said.

The ex-councillors’ leader also stated that the forum has maintained support for Tinubu since his earlier political career and is strengthening its grassroots network ahead of future elections. He added that members of the forum are present in local government areas across the country and remain actively engaged in political mobilisation.