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By Gloria Ikibah

Fresh political manoeuvring has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) following the endorsement of Bauchi-born development economist and politician, makindeDr Ibrahim Waziri, as a preferred presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.

The development has added a new layer of intrigue to the party’s presidential calculations, particularly amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may seek the party’s ticket for the next presidential contest.

At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders, supporters and political associates from more than 30 states, Waziri secured the backing of participants who adopted him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 race.

The endorsement is understood to have received significant support from influential party figures across the 19 Northern states, strengthening Waziri’s position within the emerging contest for the party’s presidential nomination.

The move is expected to reshape internal discussions within the APM, with supporters of the Bauchi politician arguing that his profile, experience and national network place him in a strong position to lead the party into the next election cycle.

Isa Mohammed a party member backing Waziri maintained that he enjoys considerable political goodwill across different regions of the country and possesses the capacity to build a broad-based national coalition ahead of 2027.

“Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only where he was pronounced as presidential candidate

“We are confident that Dr Ibrahim is receiving the support of politicians that matter in Nigeria who are all positioned to take over power in 2027,” Mohammed said.

He further expressed confidence that Waziri would eventually secure official recognition as the party’s presidential candidate.

“He is certain that his name will be officially recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the INEC,” he added.

A veteran politician from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said “Waziri is not new to Nigeria’s political landscape. He was active during the Third Republic and participated in the historic 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in Jos, which produced the late Chief MKO Abiola as the party’s candidate”.

Supporters describe him as a grassroots politician with decades of political experience, having also sought elective offices including governor and senator at different periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Beyond politics, Waziri is known in business and technology circles as one of the pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications enterprises in Nigeria. He studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate degree in Political Economy.

His profile received further prominence recently following his installation as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.

In adopting Waziri, the stakeholders cited what they described as his extensive experience in governance, economic management and nation-building.

According to them, the challenges confronting Nigeria require leadership with a clear focus on security, poverty reduction, national unity and institutional reforms.

They said Waziri’s proposed agenda prioritises “National Security, Poverty Alleviation, National Unity and Democratic Accountability,” areas they believe are critical to the country’s future stability and development.

The endorsement is likely to deepen internal discussions within the APM as party stakeholders continue consultations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

Attempts to reach key figures across different camps within the party, including individuals believed to be associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential aspirations, did not yield any response before press time.

Although political parties are yet to commence their formal presidential nomination processes, the latest development highlights the growing contest for influence, relevance and strategic positioning among potential contenders.

The move also reflects the increasing pace of political consultations and alliance-building taking place across party lines as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.

Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.

While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.

The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.

He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.

“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.

“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.

He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

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A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.

Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.

El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.

The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.

However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.

“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.

“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.

“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”