Politics

2023: What Nigerians Should Consider Before Voting – MSSN

Published

3 years ago

November 10, 2022

The female wing of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, has listed criteria that women and Nigerians should consider before voting for any candidate in the 2023 general election.

They said this during the 2022 Sisters’ Engligtenment Programme organised by MSSNLagos’ Sisters Circle held in Lagos and themed, ‘Blooming Mettle’, according to a statement on Wednesday by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mu’Sodiq Adekunle.

During the programme, female Muslims were encouraged to explore opportunities in tech and be role models in society.

According to them, records of the candidate, ability to uphold the constitution and obedience to court orders, character and leadership ability, and ability to transform Nigeria among others would be major criteria for them to vote for a candidate.

The Naibatul Amirah (Deputy female head) of MSSNLagos, Azeezah Gidigbi, urged Muslim women to participate actively in the forthcoming election.

Gidigbih, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of MSSNLagos Amirah, Basheeroh Majekodunmi, said, “I want to use this medium to initiate talks on our role in the forthcoming general elections. Not all persons can participate actively in politics but we to elect leaders who will make informed decisions to better the lives of youths, create enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and also important is to assure the security of rights of Muslim students in secondary schools and at all levels.

“We need a government that will ensure we are safe to use the hijab in schools, workplaces and society without fear of molestation or harassment. It is important to sensitise our parents, and guardians on the need to elect credible leaders and as youths, ensure we participate in the electioneering process.”

Speaking on the sideline of the event, the Executive Director of Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, stated that anyone to be voted must be ready to uphold the constitution and the right to wear hijab.

“These will be some of the major criteria for Muslim women going to vote. The role of Muslim women starts with education at home. Ensure that everyone that can vote where you live and beyond has a voter card.

“Women should also encourage other women to vote. Women should be at the table when decisions are made. This will enable us to play our roles as mothers and bring things affecting us directly forward.

“We should inform the politicians of the problems facing the gender and hold politicians accountable for their promises,” she added.

On her part, a former Amirah (female head) of MSSNLagos, Hafsah Badru, emphasised that respecting the right to wear hijab by any candidate is not a favour.

“We will only be considering a candidate that will respect the law and court ruling, including declaring support and issuing an official circular on the use of hijab. This is not a personal issue but something backed by the Constitution. After this, we will begin to look at the track records, integrity, and plans of the candidates,” she said.
PUNCH

Politics

JUST IN: Ondo Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader Resign

Published

7 hours ago

June 3, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, and the Majority Leader, Mr Ogunmolasuyi, have resigned from their respective positions.

Akinruntan represents Ilaje Constituency 1, while Ogunmolasuyi represents Owo Constituency 1; both are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The pair announced their resignations on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.

Akinruntan cited political power-sharing arrangements within the state as the reason for his resignation.

In the wake of these developments, Mr Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, has been selected as the new Deputy Speaker, while Mr Olatunji Oshati, from Ose State Constituency, has assumed the role of Majority Leader.

Details later…

Politics

Atiku, Obi Arrive Abuja For Consultative Group Meeting

Published

1 week ago

May 25, 2025

Editor

Ex-Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, alongside Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has arrived in Abuja for the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting.

Atiku announced their arrival in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared a video showing himself and Obi exchanging pleasantries with key stakeholders ahead of the event.

“Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event. -AA,” Atiku wrote in the accompanying caption.

In a 33-minute video obtained by our correspondent, Obi is seen addressing attendees, speaking on the country’s current challenges and highlighting how widespread poverty has hindered industrial growth.

Obi spoke about the potential of the North and emphasised the worsening poverty across the country, which has led to growing unease throughout the nation.

He said, “I have always said the North can change Nigeria. The greatest asset of this country is in the North…”

READ ALSO:Why We Visited Buhari – Atiku

While the exact purpose and scope of the group remain unclear, it is believed to be a coalition platform being explored by northern political stakeholders in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections.

The meeting has drawn several prominent political figures, party leaders, and elder statesmen amid growing discussions of a possible grand coalition among opposition parties ahead of the next general elections.

Notable attendees include Rotimi Amaechi, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Adolphus Wabara, and Baba Chir Lawal, among others.

Politics

Chaos Erupts As Jigawa Delegates Disrupt Atiku, Obi Coalition Meeting

Published

1 week ago

May 25, 2025

Editor

A high-level coalition meeting involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and others descended into chaos as delegates from Jigawa State disrupted the proceedings.

The ongoing coalition meeting at the Abuja Continental Hotel, organised by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was briefly disrupted following a disagreement over representation for Jigawa State.

Tensions rose when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, announced a delegate to speak for the state.

In protest, several Jigawa delegates stormed the stage, blocking the individual from speaking and insisting they would not be represented by those named.

As the confrontation escalated, security personnel, including members of the Nigerian Police, DSS, and private guards, quickly formed a protective barrier around key figures such as Atiku, Amaechi and others.

Calm was restored after several minutes of appeals, as Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, along with another delegate, was chosen to speak on behalf of the state.