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.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections as transparent, credible and democratic, contrasting them with what he alleged were less transparent processes in some other political parties.

In a statement issued through his Media Consultant, Comrade Clinton Garuba, Jang congratulated the PDP on the conduct of its primaries nationwide, particularly in Plateau State, where Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

According to Jang, the exercise reflected strong internal democracy, organisation and unity within the PDP. “There is no doubt that the difference in approach, planning and execution as witnessed during the PDP primary elections and those of some other parties was significant,” he said.

The former governor alleged that while the PDP allowed party members to determine outcomes through a transparent process, some parties were accused of imposing candidates. However, he did not provide specific evidence for the claim.

Jang also urged individuals involved in internal disputes within the PDP in Plateau State to avoid actions capable of undermining party unity. He maintained that the party remains united under the leadership of Chief Raymond Dabo.

The elder statesman called on party members and Nigerians to prioritise the collective interest and remain committed to democratic values. He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in future elections, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

By Jabiru Hassan

Former Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the next election cycle.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesperson to the former deputy governor, who said Gwarzo would be formally affirmed alongside other party candidates during the NDC’s affirmation ceremony.

According to the spokesperson, the event will feature the affirmation of candidates for the State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections.

Gwarzo has held several public offices, including Deputy Governor of Kano State, local government chairman and commissioner in multiple ministries. He also served as a member of the National Assembly Service Commission and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal College of Education, Kontagora.

Speaking after his emergence, Gwarzo expressed appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders and supporters for their confidence in him.He also thanked Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement for their support.

His emergence is expected to shape the NDC’s preparations as political parties begin positioning for future elections in Kano State. Party officials said the affirmation ceremony forms part of efforts to consolidate the party’s structures and mobilise support across the state.