Oil mogul and philanthropist Tein T.S. Jack-Rich on Wednesday fired a warning shot at “new entrants” in the All Progressives Congress, vowing that legacy members who built the party will not be pushed aside, moments after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Rivers West Senatorial District seat on the APC platform.

“Today, I came to submit my form for expression of interest and nomination for the seat of Senate of Rivers West, Rivers State, because I am from Rivers State,” Jack-Rich told journalists in Abuja after filing his papers at the APC national secretariat. He said the move was driven by a long-standing commitment to the party and a desire to deliver “experienced and effective representation” for his people.

But the businessman quickly pivoted from his ambition to party politics, drawing a line in the sand over internal displacement. “What is important to the party is to continue to recognise and honour legacy members who have been there from inception, while also accommodating new entrants for growth,” he said. Balancing inclusiveness with loyalty, he added: “It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained.”

Jack-Rich, who claims over 28 years in the oil industry, positioned himself as a foundation pillar of the APC. “I have been one of the key supporters of this party at both the state and national levels. I have supported governors, assembly members, representatives, senators and even presidents, and I will continue to do so,” he said.

His tone hardened as he recalled the party’s early struggles. “We were there when they called us names. I was there when they didn’t believe in us and when they tried to stop us,” he said. “Today that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it.”

While welcoming the “influx of new members” as good for democratic expansion, Jack-Rich cautioned that it “should not come at the expense of those who built the party.” He added, “These new entrants are welcome, as it is good for the expansion of democracy, but they cannot take everything away.”

Despite the internal warnings, the Rivers-born aspirant struck an optimistic note on his chances. “I am happy to say I have submitted my form, and I am going to work hard for the primaries. I believe strongly that I will win the Senate seat. Rivers West will be great again,” he declared.

Jack-Rich also pitched his professional track record as legislative capital. “I have over 28 years of experience in the oil industry,” he noted, saying the expertise would be an “added advantage in legislative duties,” particularly on energy, Niger Delta development, and economic policy.

With his form now submitted, Jack-Rich enters a Rivers West race expected to test the APC’s ability to manage its old guard and new wave under one tent — a balance he insists the party cannot afford to get wrong.

The advocacy group, Niger Without Borders has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State for a second term, and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa for a third term in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at a press conference held in Abuja.

In his address, Comrade Hussaini Abubakar described the decision as rooted in performance, policy direction, and measurable outcomes at both federal and state levels.

“After a careful and evidence-based assessment of governance at the federal and subnational levels, Niger Without Borders hereby endorses the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for a second term, and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa for a third term in 2027,” the group declared.

The statement highlighted President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that difficult decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market have begun yielding results.

It cited a narrowing fiscal deficit (from over 5% to around 3% of GDP), strengthening economic growth projections approaching 4.5%, easing inflation from above 30% to the mid-teens, improved external reserves, and higher government revenue.

“These gains did not come without sacrifice. But they have placed Nigeria on a path that is sustainable,” the speech stated, warning that disrupting the current trajectory would amount to regression.

On Governor Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” the group praised his focus on agriculture, positioning Niger State as a potential food production hub for Nigeria and West Africa through mechanised farming, irrigation investments, and rural infrastructure development.

“What we are witnessing is a shift from subsistence agriculture to agribusiness. This matters not just for Niger State, but for Nigeria’s food security,” it added.

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa was commended for moving beyond routine representation to strategic legislative influence, including sponsoring bills on employment, infrastructure protection, and institutional reforms, as well as effective committee roles.

The group argued that Nigeria is in a critical consolidation phase of reforms initiated in 2023 and urged citizens to prioritise continuity, stability, and progress over policy disruptions.

“Nations do not progress by constantly restarting their policies. They progress by sustaining and refining them,” the statement emphasised.

The Niger Without Borders called on Nigerians, especially stakeholders in Niger State, to focus on long-term national interest in the 2027 elections.

…Group says state needs “leadership grounded in empathy,” urges fiscal discipline, security

The League of Bauchi Professionals has called on residents of Bauchi State to back the governorship bid of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, saying he is “best positioned to unlock the state’s vast potential.”

In a press statement issued by its Secretary, Ibrahim Yusuf, following Tuggar’s official declaration and grand homecoming in Bauchi on Saturday, 25th April 2026, the League said Ambassador Tuggar “embodies the kind of leadership required to inspire progress and deliver results.”

“According to the statement, ‘Bauchi needs leadership that motivates through action and example—leadership grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a clear vision. Ambassador Tuggar represents the type of leader capable of helping the people shape their collective destiny.’”

While commending the success of the declaration event, the League urged supporters “not to relent but to intensify efforts toward securing victory at the polls.” The group reiterated that the state “requires leadership anchored on service, integrity, and measurable progress.”

The League further emphasized that Tuggar’s track record in public service “demonstrates a consistent commitment to the security, prosperity, and well-being of the people.”

“He understands that leadership is not a matter of convenience, but a solemn responsibility to serve with dedication, accountability, and transparency,” the statement added.

Highlighting the basis of its endorsement, the League pointed to Tuggar’s “core values of trust, truth, consistency, and a strong sense of duty.” It noted that “his tenure as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister reflected a deep moral obligation to national service, adding that Bauchi stands to benefit from his blend of global experience and local understanding.”

The statement also stressed “the urgent need for prudent financial management in the state, calling for leadership that will sanitise public finances, eliminate waste, and enforce fiscal discipline.”

“Bauchi’s resources must work for the many, not the few. Ambassador Tuggar possesses the experience and vision to drive sustainable solutions and attract genuine investment,” the group stated.

Reinforcing its position, the League cited Tuggar’s “commitment to ensuring safety and economic stability across the state.”

“Farmers must be able to access their farmlands without fear, traders must move freely, and every child must feel safe going to school,” it said.

The group further underscored “the importance of transparency and inclusive development, insisting that all wards across the 20 Local Government Areas must be fully informed and involved in how public resources are allocated.”

“Anything less would amount to repeating past mistakes,” the statement warned.

Describing Tuggar as “a proud son of Gamawa and a seasoned statesman with proven integrity on the global stage,” the League argued that “he is uniquely qualified to lead Bauchi into a new era of prosperity.”

It also noted “the need for equitable leadership opportunities across the state, pointing out that since the return of democracy in 1999, certain zones have yet to produce a governor.”

“Ambassador Tuggar’s extensive experience across multiple sectors, combined with his reform-driven governance philosophy—particularly in public procurement and accountability—places him far ahead of other contenders,” the statement added.

The League concluded by reaffirming its belief that “Bauchi’s future depends on leadership capable of understanding its challenges and delivering practical, sustainable solutions.”

“Bauchi requires focused, principled, and forward-thinking leadership. We firmly believe that Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is the man for the job.”