Politics
Kaduna’s PDP Chair’ship Aspirant Expresses Fear Over Free, Fair Council Polls
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
One of the leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chairmanship aspirant in Kaduna state, Mr Edward Masha, has expressed dismay with Governor Uba Sani’s preparation of conducting a credible, free and fair council’s election in the state on October 19, 2024.
He also opined that with the Supreme Court judgment giving local government autonomy, there should be a national body that would be saddled with the responsibility of conducting credible, free and fair council elections in the local government areas.
Speaking during a media parley with Journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, the party chieftain, said, “I am not satisfied with the issue of local government autonomy because as of today, there is nothing that is happening to justify the ruling of the Supreme Court on the local government autonomy.
“I am not also satisfied with Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission conducting a credible council elections in the state. If there is council autonomy, we should allow a national body to conduct local government election in the states.”
He lamented that the preparation of conducting council in Kaduna state is not going the right direction, saying that the necessary guidelines have not been released to all the political parties for them to go to the field and canvass for votes of their respective candidates.
Masha also laments, “It is most unfortunate with what SIECOM in Kaduna state is doing. The new law passed by the State House of Assembly on the council election is yet to be signed by the governor. The state governor must things clear towards ensuring a credible, free and fair local government elections in the state.”
“With a credible, free and fair council election in Kaduna state, the state chairmanship aspirant assured of PDP’s victory in most of the local government areas in the state.
He observed that in the 2023 general elections in the state, PDP won all the three Senatorial seats, 10 out of the 16 House of representatives seats in the state, saying that the party is well grounded and accepted, assuring that it has what it takes to turn around the misfortunes that have befallen the citizens.
He also assured of his ability to bring back all members of the party and even those that are not members of the party to a resounding victory in all elections in the state if given the chance to lead the affairs of the party.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”
The Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani has declared interest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Shehu Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.
He said, “any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are rights and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district”.
“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027”.
According to him, his ambition is secondary while that of re-electing governor Sani for second term is primary.
He reiterated that his priority is to see governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027.
“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our mights and strengths, we know that they are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces”.
Shehu Sani however, urged Muslims to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria during the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
Sani who also reacted to killing of hunters in Edo State condemned the act and urged security agencies to fish-out the perpetrators.
He said, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.
“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand then it means there is no government or authority”.
He added that Nigerians who desire good for the country should work for peace and unity for the preservation of our democracy in the phase of challenges that is being experienced by our people, he said.
Sani however, called on government to save Nigeria, saying that there should be respect for fundamental rights and most importantly is respect to right to life, he added.
Politics
SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.
“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.
The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.