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Hajia Hansatu Zannah, member of the Governing Council of AU Agenda 2063 and Ambassador Plenipotentiary, has commended the democratic process that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate and the emergence of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as the party’s consensus gubernatorial nominee.

Hansatu, widow of former Borno State Deputy Governor Zannah Umar Mustapha, stated: “The outcome of this electoral process, which favored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, clearly reflects the APC’s strategic commitment to continuity, technical expertise, and proven governance.”

She described the primaries as a demonstration of internal democracy, noting that the results represent a strong vote of confidence in the President’s leadership and reform agenda.

In a statement released on Friday, she emphasized: “Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s flagbearer is a testament to his political experience, resilience, and unwavering dedication to national development.”

Hansatu highlighted that despite Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, President Tinubu has continued to pursue policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, improving infrastructure, and positioning the nation for sustainable growth.

She urged Nigerians to rally behind the President in the pursuit of lasting peace, unity, and prosperity, while calling on political leaders, youths, and stakeholders to prioritize national interest above partisan considerations.She further noted that Tinubu’s victory should serve as a unifying force for APC members and Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides.

Congratulating Dr. Hamzat on his nomination, Hansatu remarked: “The impressive academic credentials of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who holds a Ph.D. in System Process Engineering from Cranfield University, coupled with his decades of institutional and executive experience, make his nomination a triumph of competence and capacity.

“His record of service from Commissioner for Science & Technology to Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, and as the first person in Lagos history to serve two full terms as deputy governor embodies the spirit of excellence for which Lagos is renowned.”

She praised APC members for their peaceful conduct, loyalty, and solidarity throughout the primaries, while urging opposition parties to embrace issue-based politics and contribute constructively to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Concluding her remarks, Hajia Hansatu stated: “The beauty of democracy lies in its ability to give every citizen a voice. It requires leaders to serve selflessly and the populace to remain informed, engaged, and accountable. Thankfully, this is what APC represents. I wish both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat resounding success in 2027.”

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Tension erupted in Kofan Kaura, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, as residents reportedly set fire to campaign posters bearing the images of Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule while openly rejecting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In videos circulating online, the residents were seen burning posters and brooms, the symbol of the APC, while chanting slogans such as “We reject you” and “We don’t want APC.”

The demonstration is believed to reflect growing dissatisfaction among some members of the community over the state of governance, economic hardship, and other challenges facing residents.

The indigenes of Kofan Kaura, in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa state burnt brooms and the campaign posters of Tinubu and their Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

They chanted “we reject you,” “we don’t want APC.”

The incident has since generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics of the ruling party offering differing interpretations of the protest.

The development comes amid increasing political activity and public debate ahead of the 2027 elections, as political parties and citizens continue to assess the performance of elected officials at both the state and federal levels.

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The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has called on his subjects to legally acquire weapons to protect their communities against persistent attacks by bandits.

He also urged communities in the emirate to remain vigilant and take proactive measures against terrorists and criminal elements that often invade the areas.

The monarch made the call during a meeting with district heads, village heads, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu.

He added that communities should consider raising funds collectively to purchase legally approved weapons for self-defence.

“If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits are aware that your community possesses the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent and discourage attacks,” he said.

He stressed that Islam does not encourage people to remain helpless in the face of violence.

“It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens, and rape our women. Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack,” the Emir stated.

The royal father lamented that many communities had become vulnerable because they lack the means to defend themselves.

He said, “When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence.”

He clarified that he was not encouraging communities to take the law into their own hands or engage in acts of terrorism, but rather advocating lawful self-defence, noting that the security challenge has become too overwhelming for security agencies alone to handle.

He said it was disheartening for communities to continue to lose lives without any form of resistance, while warning against ethnic violence and extrajudicial killings.

The emir warned that he would not support anyone carrying arms to attack other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful killings.

He said many of the attacks are reprisals, he therefore urged the communities not to carry out revenge attacks against innocent people because every unlawful killing only breeds another cycle of revenge.

The emir said that, although many members of the Lakurawa group had left the area, they had allegedly left behind armed bandits who continue to terrorize communities and maintain links with their former collaborators.

He called on communities across the Argungu Emirate to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and uphold the fear of God in all their dealings.