…Commends Gov Bago’s Development Drive

The Niger Good Governance Forum has commended Senator Mohammed Sani Musa for his responsive and people-centred representation, endorsing him for a third term in the national assembly.

The endorsement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Bagudu Musa Bagudu, president of the group, who said the lawmaker has demonstrated sustained commitment to governance, legislative effectiveness and constituency development since assuming office.

Bagudu said the group reached its decision after a detailed review of Musa’s performance, citing his contributions to lawmaking, oversight functions and interventions across communities in Niger East senatorial district.

“Senator Sani Musa has shown capacity, consistency and a deep understanding of the needs of his constituents. His track record in the senate and his engagement with the grassroots clearly set him apart as a lawmaker deserving of continuity,” he said.

The group noted that Musa’s legislative activities and advocacy on national issues have positioned him as a strong voice within the senate, adding that his approach to representation reflects accountability and accessibility.

According to Bagudu, the senator’s constituency projects and empowerment programmes have had measurable impact across various sectors, including education, youth development and community support initiatives.

“Beyond the chambers, his interventions at the constituency level have touched lives directly. From support for small businesses to educational assistance and infrastructure facilitation, the evidence of his work is visible and widely acknowledged,” he said.

The forum also commended Musa’s role in promoting policies aimed at strengthening economic growth and national stability, noting that his contributions align with broader development goals.

Bagudu further used the opportunity to praise Mohammed Umar Bago for what he described as a bold and transformative leadership approach through the New Niger Agenda Development Blueprint.

He said the governor’s vision is already repositioning the state for long-term growth, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture and economic expansion.

“The New Niger Agenda is a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership. Governor Bago has shown determination in driving reforms that will place Niger State on a stronger development path, and we commend his commitment to delivering results for the people,” he said.

Bagudu added that synergy between the executive and legislative arms remains critical to sustaining development gains in the state.

He noted that continuity in representation at the national assembly level would complement ongoing reforms under the current administration in Niger State.

“We believe that the progress made so far should not be disrupted. A third term will provide the opportunity to deepen ongoing initiatives and deliver even greater benefits to the people,” he said.

The group called on political stakeholders and voters in Niger East to rally behind the senator, describing him as a dependable leader with a clear vision for development.

“We urge the good people of Niger East to continue supporting Senator Mohammed Sani Musa. Leadership is about results, and he has shown that he can deliver,” Bagudu added.

The Niger Good Governance Forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability and supporting leaders it considers capable of advancing good governance and sustainable development.

The Lagos State chapter of the Renewed Hope Labourers Network (RHLN) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and backed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by John Folarin Odusote, the Lagos State coordinator of the group, who described both leaders as “tested reformers whose leadership has delivered measurable progress”.

Odusote said the decision followed extensive consultations among members of the network across the state, noting that the group is committed to continuity in governance at both the federal and state levels.

According to him, President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional reforms, which require sustained leadership to fully mature.

“We believe that the ongoing reforms at the federal level need time, consistency and political will to yield their full benefits. President Tinubu has shown courage in taking difficult but necessary decisions, and we are convinced that a second term will consolidate these gains,” the statement said.

The group noted that the administration’s policies on fiscal reforms, infrastructure expansion and governance restructuring have begun to reposition the country for long-term growth, adding that continuity would ensure stability and policy coherence.

On Lagos State, the group described Hamzat as a “quiet achiever” whose contributions to governance have been instrumental in sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

“Over the years, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has demonstrated competence, loyalty and a deep understanding of the policy direction that has made Lagos a model for subnational governance,” Odusote said.

The RHLN said Hamzat’s experience in public service, including his roles in infrastructure and technology development, positions him as a capable leader to take Lagos to the next phase of growth.

“His involvement in key reforms, particularly in the areas of digital governance, urban development and public service delivery, reflects a leadership style anchored on innovation and continuity,” the statement added.

The group emphasised that Lagos requires a leader who understands the complexities of governance in a rapidly growing megacity and can build on existing foundations without disruption.

According to Odusote, Hamzat represents stability and continuity, qualities the group considers critical as the state navigates future challenges related to population growth, infrastructure demands and economic expansion.

The RHLN also acknowledged the role of Rt. Hon. Abiodun Faleke, the grand patron of the group, describing him as a “pillar of progressive politics and a strong advocate for people-oriented governance”.

The group said Faleke’s support has strengthened its mobilisation efforts and reinforced its commitment to promoting leaders who align with its vision of good governance and continuity.

“We are proud to be guided by leaders who believe in service, accountability and strategic development. Rt. Hon. Faleke’s leadership continues to inspire our engagement across Lagos State,” Odusote said.

The group called on residents of Lagos and Nigerians at large to support its position, stressing that continuity in leadership is essential for sustaining ongoing reforms and development initiatives.

“As a network committed to national progress, we are confident that the combination of President Tinubu’s leadership at the federal level and Dr Hamzat’s prospective leadership in Lagos will deliver greater prosperity and stability,” the statement said.

The RHLN added that it would commence grassroots mobilisation across the state to build support for both leaders ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing optimism that its endorsement reflects the aspirations of many Nigerians seeking sustained development.

The Gbaja Network for Asiwaju 2027 has defended Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president, over his recent remark advising Leke Abejide, a federal lawmaker from Kogi state, to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and “fight and scatter” the party from within.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Gideon Unazi, its national president, the group described the comment as a “bold and unapologetic expression of partisan conviction”, insisting that Gbajabiamila spoke as a committed leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The network said the advice to Abejide must be understood within the context of competitive politics, where parties legitimately seek to outmanoeuvre their rivals ahead of elections.

“Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s statement to Hon. Leke Abejide to remain in the ADC and fight and scatter the party is a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the APC and his readiness to defend the progressive mandate,” the statement read.

“In politics, strategy is not a crime. It is the essence of contest. What Gbajabiamila expressed is what many politicians say behind closed doors, but he had the courage to say it openly.”

The group said Gbajabiamila has never pretended about his political leanings, describing him as “a thoroughbred progressive who understands the mechanics of power and party competition”.

It added that his role as chief of staff does not strip him of his political identity, arguing that he remains a key figure in shaping the APC’s strategic direction.

According to the group, calls to condemn the remark ignore the realities of Nigeria’s political environment, where parties constantly seek advantage over one another.

“Expecting a leading APC figure to offer guidance that strengthens an opposition party is unrealistic. Gbajabiamila’s position reflects clarity, not confusion,” Unazi said.

The network also took a swipe at Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for criticising the comment, describing his reaction as “predictable outrage lacking in political honesty”.

“Chief Bode George’s criticism is ironic. Nigerian politics has never been a playground of innocence. Parties organise, strategise, and yes, seek to weaken their opponents. To single out Gbajabiamila for saying what is widely practised is disingenuous,” the statement said.

The group maintained that Gbajabiamila’s political career has been defined by consistency, from his years in the national assembly to his current position in the presidency.

The network emphasized that Gbajabiamila’s “forthrightness” is part of what has earned him respect within the APC and beyond.

“He is not a man who speaks from both sides of his mouth. Nigerians know where he stands, and that is a strength in a political climate often clouded by ambiguity,” the statement added.

The network reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, noting that Gbajabiamila remains central to advancing the administration’s agenda.

The group said it would continue to rally support for leaders who demonstrate “clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment to progressive politics”.

“Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila has once again shown that he is a loyal party man and a strategic thinker. His words may be blunt, but they reflect the competitive spirit that drives democracy,” Unazi said.

“We stand firmly with him and commend his courage to speak plainly in defence of the APC and its future.”

The group urged political actors to focus on strengthening their platforms rather than reacting to “frank political expressions”, adding that democracy thrives on competition, not pretence.