From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

As 2027 general elections in the Country gathers momentum, the Cross River State Chairman of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and former chairman of Inte-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Goddie Akpama, has called on political parties across the country to prioritize the presentation of credible candidates.

Akpama made the call while answering questions from our correspondent Friday in Calabar.

He said that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends solely on the quality of individuals put forward for elective positions.

 He stressed that parties must move away from rewarding loyalty with tickets urging leadership of political parties to focus on competence, character, and candidates’ track record.

“The time has come for political parties to stop recycling names and to begin to present people who have the capacity to serve the people,” Akpama said.

“If we continue to field candidates who lack integrity and vision, we will keep getting the same cycle of poor governance.”

The NDC chairman also advocated for free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, urging the electoral umpire,the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and impartial.

 According to him, an unbiased electoral umpire is critical to ensuring that the will of the people prevails at the polls.

“We want an electoral process where every vote counts and where no party enjoys undue advantage,” Akpama stated.

“INEC must stand firm as an independent institution so that the outcome of the elections reflects the true choice of Nigerians.”

He warned that failure to guarantee a level playing field would only deepen public distrust in the electoral system and open the door for incompetent individuals to assume positions of authority.

 “When elections are compromised, it is the people who suffer because those who emerge are not accountable,” he said.

Akpama further called on civil society organizations, the media, and citizens to remain vigilant and demand transparency from both political parties and election managers. He noted that credible elections require collective responsibility, not just the effort of the electoral body alone.

The NDC chairman said his party was committed to presenting candidates who meet the highest standards of public service.

 “In 2027, Nigerians deserve better. We must elect leaders who understand the challenges of our time and have the competence to address them,” he said.

From Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

Yerima Shettima has announced his withdrawal from the race for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat, reaffirming his commitment and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the next general elections.

Speaking during a press briefing, Shettima said the decision came after wide consultations and careful consideration, noting that his withdrawal was aimed at promoting unity and discipline within the party.

According to him, the move should not be interpreted as an act of fear or weakness, but rather a demonstration of his dedication to the collective interest and stability of the APC.

He appreciated party leaders, supporters, and associates who stood by his aspiration, assuring them that their support and sacrifices would always be valued.

The former senatorial aspirant urged his followers to remain peaceful and continue supporting APC candidates across all levels, insisting that the success and unity of the party should take precedence over personal ambitions.

Shettima also appealed to aggrieved party members to embrace reconciliation and work together for the progress of the party. He commended the Capacity Movement led by Shehu Sani Sado as well as members of his campaign council for their loyalty and commitment throughout the exercise.

He further reiterated his support for the administration of Bola Tinubu and Uba Sani, pledging to continue contributing to the peace, unity, and development of Kaduna State and the country at large.

With the announcement, Shettima said he remains fully aligned with the decisions of the APC and committed to ensuring the party records victory in the forthcoming elections.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District and is seeking re-election to the National Assembly for a second term, has reconciled with his former political rival, the current Cross River State Education Commissioner, Senator Prof.

Agom, an APC chieftain, paid a visit to Odey, also a chieftain of the party, at his Okuku residence and said the reunion was aimed at strengthening party cohesion.

 He explained that it was important for both political heavyweights to present a united front ahead of key political activities in the constituency and across the state.

An APC stalwart, Benjamin Anoh, described the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to mend ties and foster closer collaboration between the two lawmakers. He noted that the gesture signaled a willingness to put past differences aside for the sake of the party.

In a statement, St. Augustine Adula, media aide to Senator Stephen Odey, said the two leaders held a “heartfelt, closed-door meeting that was focused on unity and renewed collaboration.”

 He added that “discussions by the former political rivals were centered on strengthening coordination for the benefit of the district and the state more broadly.”

Adula stated that the development is “widely seen as a positive and timely step for the All Progressives Congress in the region,” adding that “it is expected to reinforce unity among party stakeholders and reduce internal friction that could distract governance priorities.”

He described the meeting as “warm and candid,” giving the former rivals an opportunity for “sincere, heart-to-heart reconciliatory talks.”

According to Adula, the private setting allowed both men to speak frankly about past differences and chart a path forward.

He said the renewed collaboration would “strengthen the collective resolve for the growth and progress of the APC in Cross River,” and that this coordinated approach would improve delivery on constituency projects and effective representation.

The reconciliation ends a long-standing rift that dates back to 2015 where Odey won the Cross River North Senatorial seat that year and served for eight months in the Senate, but Jarigbe, then in the House of Representatives, challenged the result in court.

The court nullified the election and awarded the seat to Jarigbe. The two politicians had little contact afterward until Jarigbe defected to the APC, Odey’s party, months ago.