Connect with us

News

APC inaugurates FCT Campaign Council

Published

on

Spread the love

…unveils Victory Roadmap for six Area Council Polls

Yilwatda: Political activities of Atiku, Peter Obi ‘inconsequential’

The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday, formally inaugurated its 138-member Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Campaign Council, alongside the unveiling of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at securing victory in all six area councils ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections.

The high-profile ceremony, attended by governors, National Assembly members, party leaders, and key stakeholders from across the country, signalled the party’s renewed push for grassroots mobilisation, inclusion, and internal cohesion in the nation’s capital.

While inaugurating the council, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, charged members to work relentlessly toward delivering total victory for the party.

He expressed strong confidence in the council’s leadership, headed by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing the team as capable and battle-ready.

Professor Yilwatda disclosed that three governors, Hope Uzodimma, Mai Mala Buni, and Mohammed Umar Bago, were appointed as co-chairmen of the high-powered council.

Maduka College Advert

Responding to questions on the political activities of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who are reportedly campaigning for ADC candidates, Yilwatda dismissed their efforts as inconsequential.

He stressed that the APC’s mobilisation strategy is deeply rooted at the grassroots and spans all regions of the country.

“Our campaign is not selective. It is ongoing across communities, cutting across tribes and regions. Governors from every geopolitical zone are engaging directly with the people. We are mobilising more than any other party, and we are confident of victory,” he said.

In his remarks, the Campaign Council Chairman, Governor AbdulRazaq, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the council, describing the assignment as both a responsibility and an opportunity to deepen democratic dividends for FCT residents.

“This campaign is not just about rallies; it is about results, winning through strategy, effective mobilisation, and genuine grassroots engagement,” he said.

A major highlight of the inauguration was the deliberate inclusion of representatives and governors from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting Abuja’s status as a melting pot of Nigerians. AbdulRazaq explained that the structure would ensure effective mobilisation of residents across communities through coordinated outreach.

Acknowledging the party’s performance in the last FCT elections, he noted that renewed momentum, expanding support, and the return of key stakeholders now signal a stronger APC poised for success.

He assured that the council would adopt a people-centred approach, including community-level engagement, house-to-house mobilisation, and efficient deployment of resources to reach every voter.

“With dedication, discipline, and unity, we are confident of victory across all six area councils,” he affirmed.

Other members of the council include governors such as Uba Sani, Peter Mbah, Hyacinth Alia, Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday Okpebholo, Biodun Oyebanji, Francis Nwifuru, and Umo Eno, among others.

Also named to the council are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.

The FCT Area Council Elections will determine chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

A total of 570 candidates will contest 68 chairmanship/vice positions and 62 councillorship seats.

News

Enugu CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Degrading Treatment of Citizens

Published

on

Enugu CP Bitrus Mamman Giwa
Spread the love

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has warned police officers against degrading treatment of citizens, extortion and other forms of unprofessional conduct.

Giwa gave the warning on Wednesday during an emergency conference with senior officers at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu.

He also directed senior and supervisory officers to strengthen oversight of personnel and improve security management for political and election-related activities ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The commissioner said the conference followed directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, during a virtual strategic meeting with senior officers on October 20.

Maduka College Advert

According to him, the I-G emphasised professionalism, compliance with the Nigeria Police Force’s social media policies, adapting policing to contemporary realities, respectful treatment of citizens, and effective management of political activities and election security.

“It is clear that officers cannot effectively discharge their policing responsibilities without treating citizens with respect and conducting their duties in accordance with extant laws and established professional standards,” Giwa said.

He charged senior officers to take responsibility for the conduct of personnel under their supervision, warning that any officer found engaging in misconduct would face the consequences.

The conference also featured a health talk on the Ebola virus, focusing on its symptoms and preventive measures.

Those in attendance included Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, heads of formations, tactical and operational units, and heads of various sections of the Enugu State Police Command.

Continue Reading

News

Enugu CP Orders Probe into Death of Izuchukwu During Police Raid

Published

on

Spread the love

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu, who sustained gunshot injuries during a police operation at Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu.

The directive followed an intelligence-led raid by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during which 10 suspects were arrested.

Enugu CP, Mamman Bitrus Giwa

In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the commissioner had directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is expected to determine whether the operation, particularly the use of firearms, complied with established police operational standards and applicable laws.

Maduka College Advert

According to the police, the operation was carried out based on what the command described as credible intelligence concerning criminal activities at the hotel.

The statement identified one of the suspects as Nworie Chidera Kelvin, popularly known as “Akidi,” whom the police alleged was a notorious drug dealer and member of the Vikings Confraternity.

The command further alleged that Akidi had been linked to several cases involving unlawful possession of firearms and cult-related activities, including a case in which he was reportedly charged in absentia. He was also suspected of keeping firearms and other criminal items for the gang.

The police said the operation resulted in the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, both male and female, aged between 17 and 28.

Items allegedly recovered from the scene included quantities of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, popularly known as “loud,” a weighing scale suspected to have been used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations.

The statement said that during the operation, Izuchukwu and another suspect allegedly jumped through a window in an attempt to escape.

It added that an operative pursuing the two men was reportedly confronted by them, with both suspects allegedly attempting to disarm the officer.

The ensuing struggle allegedly led to the officer’s firearm discharging, hitting Izuchukwu and leaving him with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped.

Izuchukwu was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, according to the police.

Reacting to the incident, CP Giwa appealed to the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the investigation would establish the facts surrounding his death.

He also pledged that any police officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and strict compliance with operational procedures, stressing that established rules governing the use of firearms must be observed during police operations.

Continue Reading

News

Macron Postpones Planned Visit to Nigeria Until 2027

Published

on

President Tinubu and France President Emmanuel Macron
Spread the love

French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria until early 2027 following an agreement with President Bola Tinubu.

The visit, initially scheduled for October 29 to November 6, 2026, was deferred by both leaders, according to information on the trip obtained by Nairametrics.

A French presidential source also confirmed on Friday that Macron had postponed his planned visits to Nigeria and Senegal.

The source did not explicitly state the reasons for the postponement but described the trip as involving a “diplomatic and cooperation agenda”.

The specific reasons for the change in schedule have not been officially disclosed, while new dates for the visit are yet to be announced.

Maduka College Advert

Macron’s visit was expected to strengthen bilateral relations between France and Nigeria, with discussions anticipated to focus on trade, investment, economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.

The postponement comes amid unrest in France, where demonstrations reportedly triggered by staff shortages and poor facilities in schools have spread across the country. The protests have also drawn attention to concerns over the rising cost of living.

However, the French presidential source did not explicitly link the unrest to the decision to postpone the visits.

Macron’s planned trip would have followed Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in November 2024, during which the two leaders discussed finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.

At the time, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu’s visit was aimed at “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership”.

Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has visited France several times for official engagements, working visits and private trips.

Macron, whose second and final presidential term is due to end in May 2027, has maintained diplomatic relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader took office.

The rescheduled visit is expected to provide another opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation, although the new dates and agenda remain unconfirmed.

Continue Reading

Trending

Maduka College Advert