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Kogi Guber: SDP Zonal, LG Chairmen Defect to APC
Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The zonal chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the three senatorial districts of Kogi State officially left the party to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with all the party’s chairmen from the 21 local government areas of the state.
The SDP’s top executives announced their decision to join the ruling party at the Government House in Lokoja.
They stated that they considered the continuous development of the state and the well-being of its citizens as their primary focus.Suleiman Isah, the SDP’s Zonal Chairman for Kogi East, criticized the party’s campaign strategy based on ethnicity, considering it harmful to the state’s socio-cultural well-being and potentially disruptive of the peace enjoyed in recent years.
“We are pleased that this is happening today. Even when we were in the opposition, we recognized the significant contributions you made to the state. The infrastructure projects are undeniable, Your Excellency. We have all decided to join the APC to support further development of the state. We will provide all necessary support to ensure victory for the APC candidate in the governorship election,” Isah stated.
Isah acknowledged Governor Yahaya Bello’s commendable achievements in health, education, road infrastructure, and agriculture over the past seven years.
The zonal chairman, now a former SDP chieftain, assured the governor of the commitment of all the SDP chairmen to the Kogi Agenda through the APC candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman.
Zubairu Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of SDP for Kogi Central Senatorial District, also praised the governor for infrastructure development in the state and specifically recognized his significant efforts in ensuring the security of lives and property.
He stated that the people of Kogi State now experienced improved security and peace compared to the past, emphasizing that well-meaning Kogites would not sacrifice these gains for politics.
Governor Yahaya Bello, while welcoming the defectors, commended their bold step and their willingness to contribute to the progress of the state.
He reaffirmed his strong commitment to maintaining an inclusive government that offers equal opportunities to both long-standing and new members of the APC.
Governor Bello highlighted the significance of their move from SDP to APC, considering his administration’s remarkable achievements in Kogi State, which had garnered widespread support for the APC.
Governor Bello emphasized the crucial importance of fostering unity among the state’s diverse ethnic communities.
He stressed the need for collaborative, issue-based campaigns, noting that the success of any election would hinge on broad support.
He urged the people to reject divisive tactics in the interest of all.
The Chief Executive Officer of Zuid Energies Ltd., Ogochukwu Abiakam said the company will partner with the Federal Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deploy electric taxis at the nation’s airports.
Abiakam disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview in Abuja.
He said the deployment would begin with a pilot phase in Abuja and Lagos.
Zuid Energies, the new-energy mobility and Infrastructure Company, recently deployed 20 electric taxis for operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He explained that the two locations would serve as test beds for operational efficiency, passenger adoption, and infrastructure readiness.
He stated that the successful implementation of the model at the pilot stage would facilitate expansion to other FAAN-owned airports nationwide.
According to him, the initiative is designed to modernise airport ground transportation while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition and economic development goals.
“Zuid Energies plans a phased deployment approach. The fleet size will grow in response to passenger demand, performance data, and charging infrastructure availability—ensuring reliability and service quality from day one.
“All operations are conducted in partnership with FAAN and in full alignment with airport transport regulations, ensuring seamless integration into existing airport ecosystems.
“Electric vehicles are often perceived as premium offerings and Zuid Energies is positioning affordability as a core principle,” he said.
He said the company believed leveraging the lower operating and maintenance costs of electric vehicles to stabilise pricing over the long term would protect passengers from fuel price volatility.
According to him, the key aspect of the initiative is its collaborative approach with existing airport taxi operators.
“Rather than displacing current players, Zuid Energies is developing a transition model that allows traditional operators to participate in the EV ecosystem.
“These include: fleet conversion opportunities, driver integration and training programs, partnership-based operating models.
“The goal is to ensure that the shift to electric mobility is inclusive, sustainable, and economically beneficial for all stakeholders.
“Zuid Energies’ electric taxi service introduces several differentiators to airport transportation in Nigeria: brand new, fully electric vehicles, professionally trained and uniformed drivers, fully cashless payment system, digital booking, tracking, and centralised dispatch,” he said.
He added that beyond vehicles, Zuid Energies was also investing in a full electric mobility ecosystem including dedicated EV charging stations in Abuja and Lagos to ensure operational resilience and long-term expansion.
He expressed optimism that electric vehicles would reduce dependence on imported refined fuel and lower operating costs for transport services.
Celebrating the visionaries, innovators, and achievers- Daily Asset Awrads, 9th Edition. Where excellence meets recognition. Daily Asset awards 2026, 9th Edition
The Benue State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, of N695, 011, 237, 687•28 into law.
The House increased the 2026 budget by N89•5 billion from N605.5 billion earlier presented by the Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
The budget was approved on Wednesday following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Isaac Ochikliye ably represented by deputy Chairman of the Committee Hon. Dauglas Akya during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS.
He explained that the 2026 budget was designed to accelerate infrastructure development, improve social service delivery, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the State.
Among other recommendations, the House urged House Committees to advise MDAs to avoid extra budgetary expenditures and called for the strengthening of audit and procurement processes to enhance transparency, accountability and effective budget implementation.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga commended members of the appropriation committee for the good and thorough work on the budget.
The Honourable Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for the Governor’s assent.
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