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2027 zoning debate: Opposition must choose strategy over sentiment — Atiku camp warns

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The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned opposition political actors against embracing what it described as a self-defeating and intellectually dishonest narrative that insists the 2027 presidential ticket must be zoned exclusively to the South.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, signed by Olusola Sanni, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the camp said while the ruling APC may understandably retain its southern presidential configuration around incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would amount to political naivety for the opposition to adopt the same logic without a sober assessment of electoral realities.

The statement noted that politics must be driven by strategy, coalition-building, and hard electoral arithmetic—not emotional talking points or selective moral arguments.

“The first and most obvious question is this: how does a Southern opposition candidate realistically unseat a sitting Southern president? Nigerian political history offers no precedent for such an outcome. No incumbent president has ever been defeated by an opposition challenger from the same geopolitical bloc. To insist otherwise is to enter the contest already defeated,” the statement said.

The Atiku camp further argued that the moral argument being advanced in favour of southern zoning collapses under scrutiny.

“By 2027, the South would have held presidential power for approximately 18 years in the Fourth Republic, compared to about 10 years for the North. If the South retains power for another four years, that disparity widens even further. It therefore becomes difficult to understand the justice in an argument that seeks to deepen an already existing imbalance under the guise of equity,” the statement added.

The statement also accused some political actors of selective memory and opportunism, particularly those who abandoned the zoning principle in 2011 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, only to now present it as a sacred political doctrine.

“It is intellectually dishonest for those who enthusiastically supported a Southern presidency under Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, despite the North’s legitimate expectation under the informal zoning arrangement, to now suddenly posture as custodians of rotational justice. Principles do not become sacred only when they align with personal ambition.”

While affirming that the Southeast’s aspiration to produce a president remains legitimate and deserving of serious national engagement, the statement warned against reducing that aspiration to what it called “transactional political bargaining.”

“The Southeast deserves a sustainable and credible pathway to national leadership—not symbolic tokenism or bespoke arrangements tailored to satisfy one individual’s ambition,” it stated.

The statement concluded by urging the opposition to focus on building a credible national coalition capable of defeating the incumbent rather than embracing narratives that may inadvertently strengthen President Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

“Defeating an incumbent president requires realism, not romanticism; strategy, not sentiment; honesty, not selective memory. The opposition must decide whether its goal is to make an emotional statement or to actually win power.”

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Kano Ambassadors Endorse President Tinubu, Governor Abba Yusuf, and Hon. Kabir Bichi for 2027

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The Kano Governance Ambassadors (KGGA) on Thursday formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar (Kabir Bichi) for the 2027 general elections, describing them as visionary leaders delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Kano and Nigeria.

In a press conference held in Kano, the group declared its full support for President Tinubu’s re-election, Governor Yusuf’s return for a second term, and Hon. Kabir Bichi’s continued service in the National Assembly and beyond.

“We have studied their performances critically and we are convinced that these leaders represent the best hope for Kano State and Nigeria. President Tinubu has shown uncommon courage in repositioning the economy. We stand firmly with him for a second term,” said Comrade Aminu Abdullahi, Chairman of KGGA.

The group praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what it described as unprecedented developmental strides since 2023.

“Governor Yusuf has focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment like no other. His administration has brought visible changes to our dear state. We endorse him without hesitation for another term,” Abdullahi added.

Speaking on the endorsement of Hon. Kabir Bichi, the KGGA chairman highlighted the lawmaker’s legislative competence and constituency service.

“Hon. Kabir Bichi is a true representative of his people. As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, he has attracted landmark projects to Bichi Federal Constituency and Kano State at large. We endorse him for higher responsibilities in 2027,” he stated.

“As ambassadors of good governance, we do not support people because of party affiliation but because of their capacity to deliver. These three leaders have proven their worth and we are proud to stand by them.”

The group listed several flagship projects of the Tinubu administration, including road infrastructure, power sector reforms, and social intervention programmes.

“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already yielding results. Despite global economic headwinds, his commitment to reforming Nigeria remains unshaken. Kano people will support him overwhelmingly in 2027,” the statement added.

On Governor Yusuf’s achievements, the group specifically mentioned improvements in basic education, rural roads, and water supply.

“We have seen new classrooms, renovated hospitals, and empowered youths across the 44 local governments. This is the kind of leadership Kano needs more of,” Abdullahi noted.

Hon. Kabir Bichi was commended for his consistent empowerment programmes and oversight functions at the National Assembly.

“Through his various interventions, thousands of our youths have received skills training and start-up capital. His legislative input has helped shape national budgets in favour of the North,” said Abdullahi.

KGGA called on all well-meaning residents of Kano State to join hands in supporting the endorsed leaders.

“This is not just about elections; it is about sustaining the current tempo of good governance. We urge every citizen, market women, youths, and elders to queue behind President Tinubu, Governor Abba Yusuf, and Hon. Kabir Bichi in 2027″.

The Kano Good Governance Ambassadors further promised to embark on a statewide sensitization tour to educate citizens on the achievements of the endorsed leaders and mobilise massive support ahead of the 2027 polls.

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NSITF restoring hope, dignity of workers through ECS, says MD Faleye

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.

He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.

Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.

He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.

Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.

He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.

Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.

“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme.

“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.

“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.

“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.

“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that “NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.

Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that “For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone”.

To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.

“These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors”, he concluded.

While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.

It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”

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Atiku Chairs historic wedding ceremony in Marrakech as 2 distinguished families unite

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Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.

The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.

At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.

The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.

Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.

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