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2023: Again, NURTW, NYCN, Others Endorse Bauchi Gov As President

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Another coalition of groups, on Tuesday, endorsed Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state to contest for presidential election in 2023.

Speaking during the presentation of endorsement letter to the governor, Mr Adamu Dimis, the leader of the coalition, said the groups comprised of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Bauchi state chapter, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS).

Dimis, who is also the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bauchi branch, said the coalition also included Bauchi State Traders and Artisans Associations (BASTAA) as well as Association of Achaba and Keke NAPEPS among others.

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READ ALSO: 2023 Presidency: Former Lawmaker Wants Mohammed To Contest, Disagrees With Southern Govs On Zoning

He explained that their endorsement was in consideration of the numerous projects executed by the state governor in the state, within a few years.

He said Nigeria needed the likes of Gov. Bala Mohammed to record the desired developments in the country.

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While responding, Gov. Bala Mohammed, who was delighted to receive the group, said it was not the first to have made the same call.

He reiterated that before any decision is made by him, he would have to consult his various constituencies.

READ ALSO: Defection: Senator Grace An Empty Politician, We’re Grateful She Left – Adamawa PDP

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Mohammed, however, said that he was very contented with his current position as the state governor, adding that he was also ready to serve in any capacity of Nigeria.

“I was pleasantly surprised to see this group coming out this afternoon to beckon me to run for the exalted office of the president.

Cross session of the groups calling on Govenor Bala Mohammed to contest for 2023 presidential election

“This is not the first group that has done that and I have always said that power comes from God and it is him that bestows on whom he wishes.

“As a Nigerian who believes in Nigeria projects, I am highly contented with the position I am in. And I am also very ready to serve in any capacity for the people of Nigeria. But before I do that, I may have to consult my various constituencies,” he said.

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Mohammed, however, revealed that the state working committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had agreed to go with him wherever he would be going so that Bauchi and Nigeria at large would be carried to the level of growth and development required.

“I will assume by this go ahead by the party and the cross sessions of youths organizations here today, I have gotten the go ahead.

“What I require is to go to the leaders, the Emirs and the Ulamas to discuss with them because I cannot just go like that without giving their due respect,” said the governor.

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Recall that on January 16, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Transparency and Good Governance in the South-South Geopolitical zone, called on governor Mohammed, to run for the 2023 presidency.

READ ALSO: Group Condemns Abia Assembly Over Planned Suspension Of Member

On March 9, 2021, A group, under the aegis of ‘Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Vanguard (BAM-V) , urged Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state to contest for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

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Also, on June 23, 2021 A group, under the aegis of Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), also called on governor Mohammed to contest for the presidential election in 2023 or have them mobilize against his political career if he declined the offer.

They all said that governor Mohammed had all the qualities to lead the country and turn around her fortunes.

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Politics

JUST IN: Rivers Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract, Demands N20bn Refund

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The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.

The contract, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation during the period of emergency rule under Ibas, was nullified by the Council at its meeting on Thursday.

READ ALSO:Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Refund Of Rivers’ Monies Expended By Ibas

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Following the cancellation, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.

Also, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.

The Council also mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Odu, to take urgent measures to mitigate flooding in affected areas, while cautioning residents against blocking drainage channels.

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More to come…

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Bode George Reacts To Mbah’s Defection To APC

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed surprise over the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George said he did not anticipate the move despite several reconciliatory efforts by senior PDP figures to resolve internal issues in the party.

“I never saw it at any time. In fact, when Anyanwu was brought back as secretary to complete his assignment, he asked his people not to attend meetings. We were wondering what was going on in the South-East. Now that we have settled the matter and fixed the convention date, it’s only a question of time. Whatever position the East wanted to give him would have been his. So, what’s the essence of leaving now?” George said.

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The PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) member revealed that several party leaders had met with Governor Mbah to persuade him to remain in the party.

READ ALSO:INEC Accredits 121 Observers For Anambra Governorship Poll

“The governor, we all waded in and convinced him. Many people went there, telling him, ‘Calm down, the convention is next month. You’ll get whatever is due to the South-East.’ But the rationale and emphasis he gave, it was like I was in a very long dream,” he added.

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While wishing the governor well, George maintained that the PDP remains strong and resilient despite recent defections. He also criticised the ruling APC, describing it as a “private enterprise” owned by an individual.

I wish him the best of luck. This is not the first time people are leaving. The PDP is an iroko tree. The APC is owned by one man; he publicly said, ‘I own the party.’ That man is President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Recall Guardian reported that Mbah, in a public address on Tuesday, noted that while he has changed political parties, the cultural and regional identity of Enugu remains the same.

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READ ALSO:2027: PDP Northern Group Endorses Jonathan For Presidency

The governor explained that the decision to join the APC was based on the need for stronger representation and better alignment with the federal government to support development projects in the state.

Let me be clear, I will represent our state and our region with the same strength of purpose as I have always done. Our Igbo DNA does not change; our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” Mbah said.

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He assured residents that all ongoing projects in the state, including schools, hospitals, roads, and other services, would be completed as promised.

Despite the development, George expressed optimism that the PDP remains “absolutely redeemable” and will continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

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Acting INEC Chair Outlines Preparations or Anambra Poll

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The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday held its third quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja, where key updates on upcoming elections and party registration were presented.

The meeting was the first chaired by INEC’s Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, following the exit of former Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on October 7.

In her opening remarks, Agbamuche-Mbu acknowledged the former chairman’s tenure, stating, “Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu gracefully bowed out of office, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, institutional strength and integrity.”

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She outlined the commission’s schedule of elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election on November 8, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti Governorship Election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun Governorship Election on August 8, 2026.

Speaking on the Anambra election, Agbamuche-Mbu said, “The commission has completed 10 of the 13 key activities,” adding that the final activities include the publication of the notice of poll on October 25, the end of the campaign period on November 6, and the election on November 8.

READ ALSO:INEC Accredits 121 Observers For Anambra Governorship Poll

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She stated that all non-sensitive materials had been delivered to the state and that voter education was ongoing.

The acting chairman said, “The commission is committed to keeping strictly to the remaining activities as detailed in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities. Political parties are therefore called upon to be mindful of the last day for campaigns and keep strictly to it.

“The commission has been working assiduously and making arrangements for the successful conduct of the Anambra State governorship election and has had several engagements with the security agencies at national, state and local government levels.

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“All non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the state, and voter education and sensitisation are ongoing.”

READ ALSO:Yiaga Africa, Kukah Centre, Others Demand Live Broadcast Of INEC Chair Screening

She also provided a report on the by-elections conducted on August 16 across 12 states, covering two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, in addition to two court-ordered rerun elections in Enugu and Kano states.

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“Declarations and return were made… and Certificates of Return have been presented in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022,” she said.

Agbamuche-Mbu confirmed that the Continuous Voter Registration, which resumed nationwide in August, will continue until August 30, 2026.

She described the response to registration efforts as encouraging and said weekly updates are published on the INEC website.

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On party registration, the acting chairman said the commission received 171 requests for registration of new political parties, but only 14 associations met the requirements to proceed to the next stage. These were evaluated based on constitutional and electoral law provisions.

READ ALSO:Why I Was Absent At Council Of State Meeting – Wike

In response, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, welcomed Agbamuche-Mbu’s appointment, stating, “The nation will benefit from her impressive service record and wealth of experience at this moment in our democratic process.”

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Dantalle said IPAC had recently submitted reform proposals to the National Assembly, including the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions, transferring local government elections to INEC, reserving special seats for women, restoring public funding for political parties, and removing the President’s power to appoint INEC’s leadership.

He described the Anambra governorship election as a critical test for the commission.

The litmus test of the new leadership is the conduct of the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.

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“INEC should get its act together and get it right,” he said.

READ ALSO:Meet New INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

He added, “With new leadership, citizens’ expectations are high, very high. The commission should justify the confidence the nation reposed in it. This is the only way to rebuild trust in the electoral process.”

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Dantalle concluded by expressing IPAC’s readiness to support the electoral process, saying, “We are all in it together to build a better, greater, inclusive, prosperous and just democratic society.”

Yakubu was first appointed as INEC Chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, and was confirmed by the Senate on October 28, 2015.

He became the first person to be reappointed to the position, earning a second term in November 2020—also under Buhari’s administration.

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President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, accepted Yakubu’s resignation and decorated him with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in recognition of his service.

READ ALSO:Court Declines Kachikwu’s Motion Against INEC, ADC Leaders

On Thursday, the National Council of State approved Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman. The appointment is now subject to Senate screening and confirmation.

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Until then, Agbamuche-Mbu will continue to oversee the commission’s affairs as acting chairman.

INEC had earlier confirmed that 2.8 million voters are registered to participate in the Anambra election on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The electoral body released the final list of candidates and announced the official commencement of campaign activities.

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Sixteen political parties met the submission deadline of May 12 and will field candidates in the upcoming election.
(PUNCH)

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