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Hungry Nigerians grappling with economic hardship, were seen chasing an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign bus in Abuja as bread and packs of rice were distributed to residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a video obtained, several people were seen running after a moving van, struggling to collect the food items being thrown or handed out from the vehicle.

The people, including youths and adults, moved rapidly alongside the vehicle as it drove through the area, with some stretching their hands towards the van in an attempt to collect the packs of rice and bread.

The footage showed the scramble for the food items as the moving vehicle continued along the road, with residents following it for an opportunity to receive the distributed provisions.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity, rising living costs and worsening economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

Nigeria has experienced significant increases in the prices of food and other essential commodities in recent years, leaving many households struggling to afford basic necessities.

The distribution of food items during political campaigns has also continued to generate debate over the use of palliatives and other material incentives to attract voters ahead of elections.

However, the scenes have raised questions about the extent of economic hardship in the country, particularly the desperation of citizens to obtain basic food items during political activities.

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed claims that he has an anointed candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Ladoja made the clarification on Monday when he received the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, at his palace in Ibadan.

The monarch said he had not endorsed any aspirant or candidate for the 2027 governorship contest, contrary to speculations in political circles.

Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor of the state, visited the Olubadan to seek his support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He was accompanied by the PDP State Chairman, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso; State Secretary, Dr Biola Olanipekun; and other leaders and chieftains of the party.

Speaking during the visit, Gbolarumi said his delegation was at the palace to formally present his candidacy to the traditional ruler and solicit his support as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

The visit is coming as political activities intensify in Oyo State ahead of the governorship election, with political parties and aspirants already mobilising support across the state.

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Residents and commuters along the Karu corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed relief and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the completion of a 15-kilometre road project, saying the development has eased traffic congestion, reduced flooding and improved business activities in the area.

The project, awarded to indigenous contractor, Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, also known as Abduval Limited, on August 22, 2025, stretches from the Karu Interchange along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to Customs Clinic Junction.

It also covers key feeder roads, including DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Primus Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road.

For years, residents and motorists using the busy corridor had contended with severe traffic gridlock, poor drainage and flooding, particularly during the rainy season.

But residents who spoke on the completed project said the situation had changed considerably.

A shop owner, Mrs. Chinyere Obasi, said the improved road had positively affected businesses in the area.

“Before, the road wasn’t all that good. And there was nothing like the street lights. But now, as you can see, the road is okay. And our businesses, by the grace of God, is even better than before,” she said.

According to her, the improved road had also made movement around the area easier.

“So we are happy that the road is good,” she said, attributing the project to President Tinubu, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and the contractor. I just pray that God will bless them, that they will continue the good work.”

Also speaking, a teacher, Anita Ogunwunmi, said the project had brought significant relief to commuters who previously spent considerable time navigating traffic.

“Before, the congestion on the road was so bad. When rain falls like this, we can’t pass here, but now, everywhere is free. It’s better. We are happy,” she said.

Ogunwunmi said the improved road had changed her daily routine, allowing her to leave home later without fear of getting stuck in traffic.

“The route is faster. Before, I used to leave very early to come to work, but now I can leave much later. There’s no hold-up, there’s no traffic. It’s free. The road is free, it’s better,” she said.

She described the project as a major relief, adding that the FCT Minister deserved commendation.

A motorist and Engr, Johnpaul Adamu, recalled the difficult conditions residents and motorists faced before the project was executed.

“Well, this road has been a major challenge in Karu. If you can remember, 12 months ago, this place was not like this,” Adamu said.

He said poor drainage, flooding and traffic congestion had previously made the corridor difficult to navigate.

But Adamu said the transformation had been remarkable.

“Now, wow, this is, let me say, this is city now. We are happy. The infrastructure is working, there’s streetlights. If you come here by 12 midnight, you’ll think this is afternoon. We thank God for everything,” he said.

The motorist also praised Wike’s performance in the FCT, saying the minister had made a visible impact through infrastructure development.

“For me in particular, I will say, let it be 4+4 for him, because he has done well,” Adamu said.

“In fact, this is the first minister that I’ve seen that has worked, that has provided infrastructure, water, dams, housing everywhere. Everything is going well. We give God the glory.”

He added: “For me, he’s the best minister I’ve ever seen, FCT Minister in particular.”

Meanwhile, the Project Manager of Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, Hacı Cengiz, said the successful completion of the project demonstrated the capacity of indigenous contractors to deliver major infrastructure projects.

Cengiz commended the FCT administration for supporting indigenous companies.

“We are not a foreign company, but thank God we are doing well, and the minister is supporting indigenous companies very well. Thank you, Minister,” he said.

He said the Karu project was the second major project completed by the company, following the completion of the Ushafa road project.

“This is the second project we are going 100 per cent we finished. Before in Ushafa, now this Karu project completely finished, 100 per cent completed,” he said.

“For example, in Ushafa, it was 18 months, but we completed seven months, 100 per cent. Now we come here, the same thing in Karu. About 15 kilometres in Karu also, dualisation of the road. And 100 per cent we completed. That is why the minister, Mr Wike, commissioned the project.”

He added that the company’s management had ensured the availability of materials and equipment needed to deliver the projects.

The project, he disclosed, had also created employment opportunities for members of the host communities.

“Up till now, about 259 workers are working. Especially, the majority are from the community. Where we are working, we are employing from the community,” he said.

Cengiz said the economic benefits extended beyond direct employment, as workers patronised businesses within the communities where they worked.

He further stressed the importance of supporting indigenous contractors, arguing that their continued presence in the country would help preserve technical expertise and investments.

“It is an indigenous company. Our MD is supporting very well, and especially the minister. I want to say: ‘Thank you, Minister,’ because he is supporting the indigenous company,” he said.

“Foreign companies, when they come and do the work, later on after two, four, five years, they go. But indigenous company, and the experience, knowledge, data, everything stay in here.”

“And you see our equipment, this is the big investment for Nigeria.”

For residents, the transformation of the Karu corridor means more than a new road. It represents shorter commuting time, improved business prospects, better drainage and easier movement through one of the busiest gateways into Abuja.