From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

A businessman, Isaiah Alhamdu Mags on Thursday picked nomination form under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) form for Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency ahead of the 2027 general election to come.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters today immediately after buying the interest nomination form, Mag’s entry is expected to significantly intensify competition for the NDC ticket in Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency as political activities for the 2027 polls gather momentum.

He said that “This decision is born out of my deep commitment to service, and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the legislative development of our constituency and state.

He further said that the “‎This decision did not come lightly. It comes from deep reflection, from listening to our people, and from seeing firsthand the gap between what we deserve and what we currently get.

‎”Our constituency is full of resilient, hardworking people. Yet, too many are still struggling with poor infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of real opportunities. We cannot continue to settle for short term gestures when what we truly need is long-term transformation”

He added that “Am convinced that I possess the capacity, character, and competence to provide quality representation anchored on transparency, accountability, and people-oriented legislation.

“I pledge to abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and the constitution and guidelines of our great party throughout this process. I am also willing to submit myself to any screening exercise as may be required by the party”

‎He prioritized human capital projects particularly women and youth development programmes, functional schools, accessible healthcare, and reliable public services, championing youth empowerment through skills, innovation, and job creation, not just temporary relief.

Mag’s said to also push for policies that attract investment and create sustainable economic opportunities in the Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency, ensure transparency and accountability, so every kobo meant for the people works.

‎”I will also actively engage with the community, making representation inclusive, responsive, and people-driven, and advocate strongly for peace, unity, and security, because no development can thrive without stability.

Honorable Isaiah Alhamdu Mags call on the good people of Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency, particularly the NDC members to fully support his campaign through prayers and also voting him to emerge the winner in other to witness both human and infrastructural development across the constituency.

Speaking to one of the constituents, said that Honorable Isaiah Alhamdu Mags is the right man for the seat, with a strong team to address the challenges facing the people of the constituency.

He also called on party members and supporters to rally behind the aspirant, stressing the need for unity within the party.

Ajaokuta, Refineries, Textile Mills Will Work Again

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has unveiled an expansive socio-economic recovery agenda for Nigeria, promising sweeping reforms in employment, healthcare, education, infrastructure and industrial development.

Adebayo, who emerged as the party’s consensus presidential candidate at the SDP national convention in Bauchi at the weekend, said his administration would pursue what he described as a “people-centred government” aimed at reducing poverty, restoring public confidence and rebuilding the nation’s productive capacity.

Addressing party delegates and supporters shortly after his emergence, the SDP flag bearer said his government would implement more than 500 programmes designed to tackle unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare, decaying infrastructure and widespread economic hardship.

According to him, poverty reduction would be a central priority of an SDP administration.

“The mandate you have given to me today will be used to articulate over 500 programmes at the end of which, in the first 18 months of our administration, poverty in Nigeria will reduce to two per cent,” he declared.

Adebayo also promised to reduce unemployment to four per cent within two years through a nationwide jobs and public works initiative aimed at engaging millions of Nigerians in productive sectors of the economy.

He said the programme would focus on infrastructure development, industrial revival, manufacturing, agriculture and small-scale enterprises across the country.
On education, the SDP candidate pledged free and compulsory education from elementary to tertiary level, stressing that education should not end until graduates become employable.

“Our education will continue until you get a job. Until you get a job, you have not graduated,” he said.

He added that the proposed jobs and education programmes would work together to create a seamless transition from school to employment for Nigerian youths.

In the healthcare sector, Adebayo promised universal access to affordable healthcare services through a system linked to the National Identification Number (NIN).

According to him, every Nigerian would be entitled to four free medical examinations annually under the SDP healthcare plan.

“Your NIN will also become your health insurance number,” he said, adding that preventive healthcare would form a major part of his administration’s health policy.

The SDP candidate also outlined plans to revive moribund industries and public enterprises across the country, including Ajaokuta Steel Company, refineries, paper mills and textile factories.

He said the revival of local industries would stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports.

Adebayo further promised industrial expansion across all states of the federation, including the establishment and restoration of textile, cement, carpentry and manufacturing hubs capable of supporting local economies and improving living standards.

He criticised the current administration’s handling of the economy, alleging that subsidy savings had not translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, corruption, policy inconsistency and poor economic management had worsened hardship across the country.

The SDP presidential candidate also stressed the need for stronger state governments, independent legislatures and effective local government administration, arguing that poverty eradication and grassroots development could only succeed through functional sub-national institutions.

He maintained that the SDP was offering Nigerians a practical alternative focused on welfare, accountability and national development ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday said what People’s Democratic Party (PDP)needs now is total structural overhaul not pursuit of the presidency which is unrealistic following a “deep” internal crisis.

Speaking on the party’s future, Wike dismissed critics of his relationship with the President, describing his stance as a necessary embrace of “political realism” over playing to the gallery.

Wike, who spoke with newsmen during a routine project inspection, addressed the backlash from party chieftains, specifically responding to criticisms from former Anambra PDP Chairman, Dan Ulasi.

He accused his detractors of inconsistency and suggested their criticisms were merely groundwork for future defections to other parties, such as the Labour Party.

Wike pointed out that those criticizing him failed to deliver seats for the PDP in their own states, specifically citing the party’s poor performance in Anambra.

He revealed that even unnamed presidential aspirants admitted to him that winning the last election would be “difficult” given the party’s fractured state.

Wike argued that the PDP cannot “contest for contesting’s sake” without first addressing the success and logistics required to match the ruling party’s candidate.

The Minister asserted that the PDP’s path back to relevance lies not in presidential ambitions, but in a total structural overhaul following “deep” crises that have significantly pulled the party back.

Wike insisted the party must focus on reconstructing its structure at the ward, local government, and state levels rather than focusing solely on the presidency.

He highlighted the loss of various governorships as a major consequence of the party’s internal turmoil.

He stated that the goal is to “solidify the party” for the 2027 cycle, emphasizing that “every election is local” and success in one state like Rivers cannot be taken for granted elsewhere.

Amidst the political friction, Wike emphasized that his administration remains focused on delivering quality through local empowerment.

He touted the success of using indigenous contractors for high-level projects in the FCT.

He said: “Local firms handled the construction of the Abuja Customary Division, Judges’ Quarters, Magistrate Courts, and Residences for Heads of Court.

“Infrastructure such as bus terminals and sports centers are being delivered by local contractors.”

Wike stated that the administration has satisfied its search for quality by providing local content, proving that domestic firms can meet high standards.