The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has disassociated itself from a plan protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled for Tuesday.

National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson in a statement in Abuja on Monday said the attention of the party was drawn to reports of plan by NNPP to stage a protest at INEC head office in Abuja as well as across states of the Federation.

”The NNPP wishes to use this medium to dissociate the party from the illegal demonstration called by an illegal body claiming to be speaking on behalf of the NNPP,” he said.

Johnson said that those behind the illegal protest were not members of the party as established by the Federal High Court in Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2024 of April 18, 2024.

He said that Justice Emeka Nwite in the suit affirmed that they had ceased to be members of the party following their expulsion by the appropriate organs of the party.

”Up till today, they have not appealed the judgment, but instead, engaging in forum shopping looking for orders that have no foundations in law.

”As it is their trademark, they go to the courts hiding the facts of the matter, and once the courts hear the correct story, they discard them like pack of cards.

”NNPP wishes to reiterate that it is not involved in any protest slated for Tuesday, and state categorically that the persons behind the protest are impostors,” he said.

Johnson therefore called on NNPP members to remain calm even in the face of provocations by elements aimed at distracting the party from its stated objectives. (NAN)

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Member representing Keffi West Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana, popularly known as Baba Ali and Wakilin Yamman Keffi, has demonstrated people-centred leadership, tagged: as a “Legacy of human capital development”.

The initiative aimed at empowering the constituents, promoting education, economic independence and youth development, the lawmaker donated a cash of N27 million , 58 motorcycles, 20 sewing machines, and fully funded university scholarships to 26 students to cover full course of their study at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) with over total cost amount of N90 million.

The empowerment programme, unveiled over the weekend at the Emir’s Palace in Keffi, attracted traditional leaders, political office holders, community members and beneficiaries from the five electoral wards represented, and across Keffi Local Government Area.

In recognising Hon. Nana efforts, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, lauded the lawmaker’s foresight for designing such an impactful programme that not only addresses immediate community needs but also establishes a foundation for long-term, sustainable development.

The governor urged the people and beneficiaries to be law-abiding citizens and actively support the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-administration for better representation and democratic values. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise, he stressed that the initiative is crucial for the party’s organisational strength and future electoral success.

He further explained that the e-registration exercise is to ensure every eligible resident becomes a registered member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to strengthen the party’s grassroots network across Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large. “Don’t hesitate to have your APC membership card” he advised.

Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana (Baba Ali) expressed his deepest appreciation to the people of Keffi West for the trust and mandate bestowed upon him to represent them at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He described the opportunity to serve as a privilege and reaffirmed his continued commitment to delivering dividends of democracy that will genuinely improve the lives of the Constituents.

According to the lawmaker, his representation is firmly anchored on development, empowerment and inclusive growth, stressing that leadership must be measured by impact rather than words. He noted that every initiative undertaken by him since assuming office has been driven by the desire to reduce hardship, expand opportunities and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the constituency.

“As a representative entrusted with this mandate, I remain committed to sustaining meaningful development and empowerment programmes that will directly touch the lives of our people across Keffi West,” he stated.

Hon. Nana emphasized that education remains the backbone of societal progress and the surest path to producing responsible leaders and skilled professionals.

He encouraged the scholarship beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, reminding them that education equips individuals with the knowledge and discipline required to contribute positively to the society.

The lawmaker noted that he remains the first as house member to initiate such a comprehensive scholarship programme that supported students from entry level through graduation at the university, in Keffi LGA. “Education is the bedrock of every success. When we invest in education, we are investing in the future of our communities and our state,” he added.

Hon. Nana explained that empowering citizens with tools and resources is a practical way to reduce unemployment, curb social vices and stimulate local economic growth.

He urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously, expand to their businesses and, in turn, empower others within their communities. “When we began this journey, we promised representation anchored on impact. Today, by Allah’s grace and with your support, we are witnessing that promise translate into reality,” he said.

The Executive Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Idris Ahmad Damagani, also addressed the gathering, where he openly commended Hon. Nana for what he described as a historic and people-driven empowerment initiative. He praised the lawmaker for setting a standard of responsive and accountable representation within Nasarawa State.

Hon. Dr. Damagani urged the beneficiaries and residents of Keffi Local Government to continue supporting leaders who prioritise results over rhetoric. He emphasized that development-oriented leaders like Hon. Nana are assets that must be encouraged and retained for the sustained progress of Keffi and the state at large.

“We cannot afford to lose a representative like Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana. Leadership should be about results, not mere promises,” he stated.

Lastly, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the lawmaker for his generosity and dedication to community development, they described the support as genuine love for humanity and life-changer.

The beneficiaries collectively offered prayers for Hon. Nana’s continued success and assured him of their support in the 2027 electoral cycle. “We are deeply grateful for your developmental support. We assure you of our total support come 2027, and we pray that Almighty Allah rewards you abundantly,” they said.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The national leadership of thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked report that it placed a N10,000 levy on each member to fund the party activities.

Reacting to a report published by a media platform, The Observer Times, under the misleading headline: “PDP Calls on Members to Contribute N10,000 Each in Bid to Fund Party Activities,” the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, described the report as “false as it is misleading, and does not reflect the substance of what was stated.

Comrade Ememobong declared that although the body of the report correctly quoted remarks made during the interview, the headline represents either clickbait or a subjective interpretation of the interview.

“Other credible media organisations reported the same interview accurately, without resorting to sensationalism.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the following is a verbatim excerpt of the response given to a question on how the PDP intends to fund its political activities in the wake of recent defections by some governors: ‘The strategy is simple: go back to the people. When the people are with you voluntarily, they fund the cause. In 1998, people made small contributions to fund the party, and that gave them a voice. 

‘We are returning to that voluntary model. For example, if 60 million Nigerians give N10,000 each, that’s a huge sum. We are already seeing this kind of mass support in states like Plateau and Akwa Ibom.’

“The statement above clearly affirms the PDP’s belief in voluntary contributions, irrespective of amount, as a legitimate and time-tested model of grassroots political funding. The reference to N10,000 was purely illustrative, intended to demonstrate the collective strength of voluntary support, and not a directive, levy, or mandatory contribution.

“Let it be stated unequivocally: there is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP.

“We therefore urge our members and the public to discountenance the misleading headline and continue to support the party at all levels in ways they consider appropriate and convenient.”