POLITICS
More Political Enemies Await You In Benue, Gemade Tells Alia

From Attah Ede, Makurdi
An elder statesman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, on Saturday, told Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, not to hesitate to make political enemies in his bid to effectively deliver good and quality governance to people of the State.
Sen.
Gemade, a former Minister for Works, made this remark during the 58th birthday celebration of the governor held at the New Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi.According to the former national chairman of PDP, in politics where the governor has found himself now, he can not run away from political enemies if he wants to succeed and develop the State.
Chief Gemade who was the Chairman of the occasion stressed: “in politics whatever you do or say people interpret it differently. Therefore, you must not be afraid of making enemies while bringing good governance to Benue people.
“This business that you are in now is politics and governance, there are enemies you cannot run away from. People will be elevated and others brought down.
“If you are doing something bad, some will want you to do something good and vice versa but search you conscience and do good for the masses and you will have satisfaction”. he said
The celebrant, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed that his administration has concluded a plan to extend the construction of the underpass to Benue South senatorial district, stressing that government would soon commence the building a flyover in Otukpo the traditional headquarters of the Idoma nation.
Former Minister for Works Sen. Barnabas Gemade has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia not to be afraid to make enemies in his quest for good governance of the State. said the people of Benue South Senatorial District also known as Idoma nation would soon have a flyover in Otukpo its headquarters.
He maintained that his administration was determined to develop the State adding that he appreciated the virtues of hard work and conscience of the poor masses.
He said the State was currently enjoying relative peace and most of the displaced farmers have returned to their farms adding that more effort would be done by his administration for more peace to be achieved.
The Governor again emphasized that security was not spoken but executed.
Earlier in his birthday message, former Military administrator of Plateau and Katsina States, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd), lauded the Governor as a ‘dogged man’, a liberator of the oppressed and a sacrificial and selfless servant of the people.
General Onoja who was also the Guest Speaker of the occasion said Governor Alia was the people’s father, a rare politician, gentleman, philanthropist, philosopher, and a dogged believer in Mr. Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda as it supports the development and liberation of the oppressed and less privileged people of Benue State and beyond.
Quoting Gaylord Nelson, an American Politician and environmentalist, Gen Onoja rtd said Gov Alia has sacrificed for the future generations of the State by first living his priestly ordination to join politics and provide dividends of democracy to the people.
“Permit me to dwell on the sacrificial and selfless nature of His Excellency as you will all agree with me that His Excellency has indeed made a great sacrifice in my opinion to take up the mantle to serve as Governor of Benue State.
“This suggests that true moral character is demonstrated by the willingness to make sacrifices today that will have a positive impact on the future, even if those future generations may never know or express gratitude.
“This clearly describes the decision His Excellency has taken and also encourages all of us gathered here today to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to prioritize the well-being of future generations over immediate gratification.
“By applying this we can collectively make choices that contributes to a sustainable and thriving future for the good people of Benue State and the nation at large.”he said
Benue APC acting Chairman, Benjamin Omakolo described the Governor as a remarkable leader and extraordinary man whose journey in life has been that of passion for his people especially in improving their well being.
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee led by the Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter eulogized the Governor as a man who is giving hope to Benue people in the area of infrastructural development.
“Do not be distracted. The party will stand by you for two reasons, generational and political so we can win the next election, do not be afraid as nothing good comes easy. We shall stand by you and ensure you surmount every obstacle that comes your way”, he said.
Member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency Prince Solomon Wombo said the Governor was on a mission to salvage the State adding that the State needs a strong man at this time to take it out of the woods.
“We will stand with you and give you all the assistance. We pray that God should make you stronger than the enemies of Benue State. Any member of the national assembly not standing with you do not have foresight”Wombo said.
POLITICS
Osun 2026 Guber: APC Aspirants Should Not Waste Money Contesting Against Adeleke – Ex Party Chieftain, Jackson Ojo

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A former Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Jackson Lekan Ojo has advised those in the race for the APC ticket not to waste their resources as the victory of Governor Isiaka Adeleke is practically a done deal.
In a video post on his Facebook page, Jackson Ojo said Governor Adeleke has won the heart of the people of his state with his transformation of all the 30 local governments in the State and prompt payment of workers and pensioners.
According to him, the achievements of Governor Adeleke has already done 80 percent of his campaign ahead of the election.
Jackson Ojo, who is a Security Expert and global affairs analyst, from Osun State, stressed that he has always advised political office holders to perform while in office as this is the greatest strategy and tactics to win future elections.
He stressed that the abysmal performance of the APC at the Federal level and the poor performance of previous APC governors in Osun state will count heavily against any candidate that is presented by the party to contest against governor Adeleke.
The former APC chieftain added that he is not patronizing the governor for any personal gain as there is nothing that the governor can give him that God has not already given him.
He stressed that his intervention in the Osun governorship race is to stop opponents of the governor from wasting their resources for an election they can never win.
His words: “Two weeks ago I resigned from partisan politics, so I am no longer member of any political party in Nigeria. When I speak now I am not speaking in favour or against any political party. So, I am very free to air my views
“This is my views on the forthcoming governorship election in Osun state. I still see some people struggling for governor in Osun state come 2026.
“That is highly impossible for an APC aspirant. What is the APC government doing at the national level, what are the doing in the Senate, what are they doing in the House of Representatives to encourage Nigerians?
“If we are in a place like America or United Kingdom (UK) APC will not be able to win ordinary councillorship again in this country. Is it in the management of economy, education, health, security and others?
“In all these areas put together they have not scored up to 10 percent. I can boldly mark them today they they have woefully failed in area of agricultural development, educational development, health development, security, economy and infrastructural development. In all ramifications this party has failed.
“Look at the antecedents of the APC in Osun state. Aregbesola tried a bit, yes, but then Aregbesola left the State aground.
“When Baba Jeje, Mr. Go Slow, the unfortunate Minister of Blue Economy or whatever they call it, came there was nothing to write home about during his tenure as governor of Osun State. He came, he bartered the state, he rubbished the State, he insulted the state, he disgraced the State on the platform of APC.
“Now another APC is coming out now thinking of winning? Winning where, defeat who?
“Governor Adeleke does not know me, there is no benefit Adeleke can give me that God has not given to me. I can’t be a Commissioner in Osun state. No. I can’t be Special Adviser or whatever. I can’t even take their contract. I don’t think they can award the kind of contract that I need to an individual.
“But then, Adeleke has tried. If you go to my community you will see the way he has positively turned the community. Even if I am the governor of Osun State I don’t think I can do what Adeleke has done in my town and that transformation cuts across all the 30 local government areas of Osun State. All the communities, all the local governments, all.
“This man is no longer paying half salary of quarter salary. This man is not owning workers, he is not owning pensioners. This alone has spoken, this alone has done 80 percent of his campaign.
“If you perform well in office that is the highest strategy and tactics that you can use to win the heart of the people.
“Come 2026 whoever is putting money on ground in Osun state to go and contest governorship in Osun state, honestly that person has money to waste. It is sadaka, the money they have stolen they want to come and do sadaka. It is Adeleke till 2030.”
POLITICS
Former DG of PDP Governors Forum Defects to ADC

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Former Director General of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Hon C.I.D Maduabum has resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement made available to Daily Asset in Abuja on Sunday, Hon Maduabum said he is dumping the PDP because the party has been “hijacked by self-serving, unscrupulous elements who are more interested in personal power grabs than in party discipline, internal democracy, or national interest.
”Part of his statement read: “After deep reflection, extensive consultations, and careful evaluation of the current political realities within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to resign my membership of the PDP with immediate effect.
“As a committed democrat, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, and former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, I have dedicated significant portions of my political life to building the PDP as a platform for democratic consolidation and national development.
“However, the soul of the party I once served with pride has been hijacked by self-serving, unscrupulous elements who are more interested in personal power grabs than in party discipline, internal democracy, or national interest.
“The PDP today is a shadow of its former self. It has descended into chaos, internal betrayal, and systematic destruction by diverse forces who have no regard for the principles upon which the party was founded. Sadly, voices of reason are no longer welcome, and genuine reformers are vilified or silenced.
“I can no longer in good conscience remain in a house that has been stripped of its moral compass and overrun by opportunists.
“In light of this, I am proud to announce that I am joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party that now stands as the only credible democratic alternative for Nigeria.
“The ADC is emerging as a beacon of hope for good governance, integrity, accountability, and inclusive politics. It offers the opportunity for principled politics, genuine people-oriented leadership, and a platform for rebuilding our nation from the grassroots up.
“The ADC Coalition includes progressive minded people like Mr. Peter Obi and others.
“I join the ADC not merely as a defector but as a reformer committed to helping build a new political culture — one based on merit, ideology, discipline, youth inclusion, and national unity.
“The time has come for all well-meaning Nigerians to take a stand against the decay in our political system. I call on all patriots, especially those disillusioned by the dysfunction in the traditional parties, to rally around this movement for a new Nigeria through the ADC.
“I remain committed to the democratic ideals of justice, equity, and service to the people. The struggle to rescue Nigeria and restore its promise continues — and it begins now on a new, firmer footing.”
POLITICS
Anambra: INEC Registers 96,085 New Voters, Extends CVR by Three Days

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has registered 96,085 new voters in nine days and extended the exercise by three days in Anambra.
The commission disclosed this in a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on Thursday in Abuja, after its weekly meeting.
He said that on the preliminary stage of the CVR, 56,017 representing 58 per cent of new registrants were female while 50,429 52 representing 48 per cent were young people between the ages of 18 and 34.
“The commission is pleased with the turnout of registrants in Anambra and the peaceful conduct of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in all the 326 registration centres in the state.
“As of yesterday, Wednesday, 96,085 new voters have successfully registered in nine days. On average, the Commission registered over 10,600 voters per day.
“In addition, 12,595 voters applied for transfer of their registration both within and outside the state while 7,061 persons applied for the update of their records or the replacement of their damaged or lost Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
“The CVR in Anambra ends today. However, in response to appeal from citizens, the Commission hereby extends the exercise for three more days. It will now end on Sunday, July 20,” he said.
Olumekun said that the commission would thereafter display the register for claims and objections by citizens as provided by law.
This, according to him, will be followed by a further clean-up of the data using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
“Subsequently, the detailed breakdown of the new registrants by age, gender, occupation and disability will be published for public information,” he said.
Olumekun also disclosed that INEC had received five more letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
According to him, the new application brings the number received so far by the commission to 134.
Olumekun stated that the details of the new associations, indicating their proposed names, acronyms, logos, addresses and interim leaderships were already published on INEC website and other platforms for public information.
He said that INEC would continue to keep the citizens up to date on all its activities.