From Yagana Ali, Yola

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has called on the people of Adamawa State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, while reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of his former constituents.

Buba Yakub made the call during an empowerment programme organised by the Rt.

The programme brought together APC leaders, political stakeholders, community representatives and beneficiaries, providing a platform for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections and renewed engagement with communities in the constituency.

The NTAC Director-General urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements and reforms in revenue generation, tertiary education, national unity, security, local government autonomy, foreign exchange stability and broader national development.

He also called for support for APC candidates contesting presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, state assembly and other elective positions in Adamawa State.

According to him, the empowerment initiative was conceived by his support group and endorsed by him as part of his commitment to giving back to the people who elected him to the House of Representatives on two occasions.

He explained that his continued engagement with the constituency was motivated by a desire to sustain the relationship he built with the people during his years in elective office.

Buba Yakub further pledged to deploy his political experience, networks and available resources towards mobilising support for the APC across Adamawa State, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in the forthcoming elections.

He maintained that political mobilisation should be accompanied by sustained engagement with the people and efforts to address their needs.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Professor Ibrahim Umar, commended Buba Yakub for maintaining close ties with his former constituency despite his current national assignment.

Professor Umar observed that the NTAC Director-General was not seeking elective office at the moment but had continued to provide assistance to his former constituents through financial support and other empowerment initiatives.

He described the programme as an indication of continued engagement with the people beyond the period of elective service.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the beneficiaries and supporters who attended the event reflected the enduring relationship between Buba Yakub and the constituency he previously represented.

He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of maintaining contact with constituents and responding to their needs even after leaving the National Assembly.

Professor Umar also expressed support for Buba Yakub’s appeal for the re-election of President Tinubu and the election of other APC candidates in 2027.

He urged party supporters to remain committed to the political direction being advocated by their leaders.

Also speaking, the representative of the Adamawa State Governor and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, called on APC leaders and supporters to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wesley urged party stakeholders to emulate Buba Yakub’s approach to engaging supporters and translating political influence into practical activities at the community level.

He challenged party leaders to work towards securing support for the APC in their respective polling units, wards and local government areas.

According to him, effective grassroots organisation and sustained engagement with voters would be important to the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.

The event attracted several prominent APC figures in Adamawa State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Galadima; its candidate for Adamawa Central Senatorial District, Comrade Salihu Mustapha, PhD; the APC National Vice-Chairman for the North-East, Barrister Idriss Shuaibu; and the Adamawa State APC Chairman, Alhaji Hamza Bello Madagali.

Also in attendance were members of the National and State Assemblies representing constituencies across Adamawa Central, including Rt. Hon. James Barka of Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, Hon. Wakili Aliyu Boya of Fufore/Song Federal Constituency, Rufa’i Umar of Gombi State Constituency and Hon. John Alaba of Uba Gaya State Constituency.

Their participation highlighted the political significance of the gathering as APC stakeholders intensified preparations for the 2027 elections.

The presence of party leaders and elected representatives also provided an opportunity to reinforce calls for cooperation among stakeholders and stronger engagement with supporters across the state.

A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of cash grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 to 565 APC supporters drawn from the 22 wards of the Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency.

According to the organisers, more than 500 additional party supporters received various forms of assistance, bringing the total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the initiative to over 1,000.

The intervention was designed to provide financial assistance to beneficiaries while reinforcing Buba Yakub’s continued engagement with the constituency.

For recipients, the cash grants and other forms of support represented immediate assistance that could help address some of their financial needs.

The organisers said the programme formed part of the support group’s broader efforts to reach constituents through empowerment activities and community-based interventions.

Beyond the empowerment programme, special interventions were also extended a day earlier to individuals and communities affected by insurgent attacks, as well as people contributing to efforts to address insecurity in the area.

The assistance targeted former constituents affected by recent attacks in communities around Garaha-Dutse, Lhar, Bunya and other locations.

The intervention underscored the continuing humanitarian challenges facing communities affected by insecurity and the need for support for people whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted.

For affected households, assistance of this nature can help meet immediate needs while communities continue to grapple with the consequences of attacks and displacement.

The organisers said the initiative was part of the group’s engagement with vulnerable residents and communities facing difficult circumstances.

The programme combined financial assistance, community engagement and political mobilisation as APC stakeholders looked towards the 2027 general elections.

For Buba Yakub, the initiative provided an opportunity to reconnect with a constituency he represented in the House of Representatives while calling for support for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

His appeal centred on the argument that support for the party should extend across the various elective positions, from the presidency to legislative seats at the federal and state levels.

However, the administration’s cited achievements and the expected electoral benefits remain positions advanced by the organisers and speakers at the event.

As political activities gradually build towards 2027, the gathering in Faci reflected the growing importance of grassroots engagement, empowerment initiatives and political alliances in Adamawa State.

The programme concluded with a renewed call for APC supporters to remain active in their communities, strengthen party structures and participate in preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

The Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Government Ekpemupolo, has called on the people of Ogun State to massively vote for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to continue to enjoy the gains of his administration. 

He made the call during the inauguration of the state chapter of the movement and donation of 26 campaign vehicles and other materials in Abeokuta, on Friday.

Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, who was represented by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Kestin Pondi, praised Tinubu for his bold policies which he noted, were making Nigeria attractive to investors again and stabilising the economy.

He pointed out that the bold reforms by the Tinubu administration have done away with perennial fuel queues in the country, and ensured more infrastructure development, regular payment of salaries and pensions among others.

“We have a president who said Nigeria must be better. Today, there is no more capital flight, investors are returning and the naira is stabilising.

“Go everywhere and tell them your son, your brother, your father must return to Aso Rock. Make them understand that he’s the best. The reforms have no doubt come with challenges but just like the challenges a woman in labour faces but rejoices at the birth of her child, we shall all be happy,” Tompolo said. 

Continuing, he noted that: “Every developed country has gone through this path Tinubu is taking us through and came out stronger. Nigeria will come out stronger with the policies and reforms of Tinubu. Let us keep faith with him. He means well for Nigeria.” 

Tompolo reiterated that the movement was in the state to work together with other campaign groups to ensure that the APC wins from top to bottom.

Also speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement for the support, which she noted, will complement all other campaign efforts.

She said Ogun was ready to support the president as a mark of appreciation for the many good things the state was enjoying as a result of his policies and reforms.

Speaking directly to the electorate, the governor said: “No matter how confident we are, we have to come out and vote. There is no room for complacency, no need to say it is a done deal because the deal can only be done at the polling booth. We have received a lot from the president because we supported him before. If we do it again, it means we appreciate him and we want more.” 

APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, said it was imperative to support Tinubu as “he has changed the narrative of our country.”

“For the first time since independence, we are seeing changes in all sectors of the economy. Things are changing for good, investors are coming back, international organisations have acknowledged the positive changes, the macro economy is doing well and the micro economy is picking up and will do better in no distant time” he stated. 

While pointing out that Tinubu is their own son and and they had resolved to give him no less than 2 million votes come January 2027, Adeola appreciated the Movement for the donation which he pointed out would aid the campaign.

National Coordinator of the Movement, Sunday Asuku, in a remark, advised the people to be at alert and not allow themselves to be deceived by the opposition who have nothing better to offer and do not mean well for the country.

“The right choice before Nigeria is Tinubu. With President Tinubu, we’re on track. Don’t allow anyone to use you to derail the journey. Come January 2027, vote for Asiwaju,” he said. 

Media Unit 

By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

Barrister Henry Nnanna Okeke, a member of the Governing Council of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, has commended. Enugu State Governor ,His Excellency ,Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for clearing verified pension backlogs and approved a ₦32 billion package to settle legacy gratuity arrears dating back to the year 2000 outstanding pension arrears owed to pensioners in Enugu State.

Okeke described the reported development as a significant step towards improving the welfare of retired civil servants who devoted their productive years to the service of the state.

He praised Governor Mbah for fulfilling his promise to pensioners, noting that the payment would bring relief to retirees who depend on their pensions and other entitlements to meet their daily needs.

According to him, pensioners deserve to enjoy the benefits of their years of service without unnecessary hardship, particularly after contributing to the growth and development of Enugu State.

The polytechnic governing council member noted that addressing pension arrears was an important demonstration of responsible leadership and a commitment to the welfare of citizens.

He said the reported clearance of the arrears would help ease the financial burden on affected pensioners and their families, while restoring confidence among retirees who had been awaiting their entitlements.

Okeke further urged the state government to sustain the progress by ensuring regular pension payments and preventing the accumulation of fresh arrears.

He stressed that the welfare of pensioners should remain a priority, adding that retirees deserve dignity, financial security and timely access to their entitlements after years of dedicated public service.

The commendation reflects the importance of policies that place the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance and ensure that government commitments translate into tangible benefits for the people.

Okeke reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, accountability and sustainable development in Enugu State.

He expressed optimism that the Mbah administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that improve the living conditions of residents and strengthen the state’s development agenda.