By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The former Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdel-Majid Adesegun Adekoya, has formally heeded to the overwhelming call from the people of Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency to drop his senatorial bid and contest for the House of Representatives seat.

This development followed extensive consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, and stakeholders across the three local government areas.

In a deliberate act of commitment to grassroots development, he has dropped his earlier senatorial ambition and opted to return to the House of Representatives, where he believes he can deliver more direct and immediate impact to the constituency.

Hon. Adekoya represented Ijebu North, Ijebu East, and Ogun Waterside in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023.

During his tenure, he set a record of performance that remains unmatched before and after his time in office.

His legislative record includes the sponsorship of bills, construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, as well as life-changing empowerment programs for youths, market women, traders, and the aged.

Beyond these, he initiated and waited for completion of landmark legacy projects that continue to define development across the constituency.

These include: the Vintage Orimolusi Palace, Ijebu-Igbo; Ago-Iwoye City Stadium, Ago-Iwoye; Imusin-Ajina Shopping Centre, Imusin; International Infertility and Maternity Hospital (Annex of FMC, Abeokuta), Ako, Ago-Iwoye and Senator Prince Buruji Kashamu Skill Acquisition Centre, Atikori, Ijebu-Igbo.

Others are Oni Ultra-Modern Jetty, Ogun Waterside; Oke-Agbo Multipurpose Centre, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo and Demiji Farmers Camp, Ibiade, Ogun Waterside.

Speaking on the decision, Hon. Adekoya stated that his decision to drop the senatorial post for the House of Representatives was driven solely by the passionate appeal of the people who asked him to come back and continue the work of building and defending their interests in Abuja.

“I have listened to my people. I have heard their call. I chose to drop the senatorial ambition because the House of Representatives is where I can serve you directly and deliver the most immediate results for Ijebu North, Ijebu East, and Ogun Waterside. We started something together, and it is time to finish it and do more,” he said.

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.