POLITICS
Most Kidnapping, Violence in Ekpoma Carried Out By Locals – Okpebholo
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that many of those involved in criminal activities in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, are indigenes of the area.
The governor said this during a stakeholders’ engagement with students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, government officials and other critical stakeholders.
According to him, investigations by security agencies showed that many of those involved in criminal activities around Ekpoma were indigenes.
“Most of the incidents of kidnapping in Ekpoma are local. When soldiers and other security agencies went into the forest at night, the people caught were natives from Ekpoma. So we need to look at who our enemy really is,” he said.
He said he was deeply pained by the violent turn the protest took, especially given his strong commitment to the revival of Ambrose Alli University.
Okpebholo, who condemned the destruction of shops and looting of properties during the protest, said he was highly in pain.
He said since the day he was sworn in, he assured that he was going to revive and reposition of AAU, adding that he has increased its subvention from N40 million to N500 million.
Okpebholo cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their studies.
The governor assured the students of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reform and the overall development of the university and the state.
The governor, who acknowledged the security challenges facing Ekpoma and other parts of the country, noted that insecurity is a collective problem that requires collective responsibility.
“The same way you are afraid of your life is the same way I am afraid of my life. Kidnappers do not know the status of anybody and so it’s a common problem we all have,” he said
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From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State has launched a second phase of mass voter registration at the bustling Jimeta Ultra-Modern Market. The initiative aims to empower eligible citizens, particularly traders and youths, to participate in the electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Muhammed Nura, emphasized the commission’s commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting civic engagement.
“We’re here to ensure every eligible Adamawa indigene gets their voter’s card, a crucial document that allows citizens to shape their future,” he said.Residents welcomed the effort, praising INEC for bringing registration closer to the people. Ahmed Muhammad, changing his name on his card, thanked INEC staff for their efficiency. Muhammad Umar, who relocated from Borno State, appreciated the hassle-free process, saying, “The staff were friendly and got me done quickly.”
Young voters like Ummi Muhammed Bello are excited to register, eager to exercise their franchise. “I’m voting for someone who’ll secure my future,” she said.
INEC deployed 40 staff and 20 voter registration machines, working in pairs to ensure swift processing. The exercise will continue across strategic locations, targeting maximum coverage.
This drive aims to boost voter turnout and reinforce democracy in Adamawa State. Would you like more information on INEC’s voter registration efforts or the upcoming elections?
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) have registered over 383,496 members in Benue State in the e- registration exercise embarked upon by the party.
Recall that the e-registration was flagged off in Benue state on January 12th, 2026 with Governor Hyacinth Alia enrolled at his polling unit in Mbangur, Mbadede Council Ward, Vandeikya Local Government Area as 001.
The Benue State APC Organizing Secretary/Publicity Secretary, James Ornguga who announced this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, disclosed that Benue State ranked 2nd in the North Central behind Kwara state.
He also said with this figure, the State is ranked 11th out of the 36 states, stressing that the registration has been suspended at the moment.
He added that the party would resume the e – registration after the National Convention of the party slated for between March 25th 28th, 2026.
“The person in charge of the ICT at the National Secretariat of the party had a zoom meeting with all organizing secretaries across the states and told us that the exercise would be temporarily halted so as to collate the number for our national convention. After the convention, the exercise will resume.
“So far, the exercise has been impressive with a massive turn out of members. The good thing about this e-registration is that there are no manipulations. Members are registered using their BVN. There were no issues as both the SGF and the governor’s agents cooperated and all the registration was collated into one portal.
“We appeal to those yet to be registered to be patient as they will be captured as soon as they exercise resumes”.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has warned that the decision of the Senate to approve dual election transmission of election results through electronic and manual means will spell doom and cause chaos for the 2027 general election.
The Former vice President stated this at the residence of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida while speaking to journalists shortly after a closed door meeting with the elder statesman.
He explained that the decision to grant electronic transmission of election results alongside using manual means is deliberately done to orchestrate chaos in the transmission of results.
According to him, the amendment of section 60 of the electoral act by the Senate was to afford Nigerians the opportunity of real time electronic transfer of election results at different levels.
“But what we got is a mixture of manual and electronic which is going to cause chaos
“I think there is urgent need for all opposition parties to come together, so that we do not allow this issue to rest, where they want it to rest”
On his plans to contest the 2027 Presidential election, the former number two citizen of the country said, noted that the issue of contesting does not even arise as he and other ADC leaders are now busy trying to firmly build the party from the ward, Local government, State and at the national level.
“We are now busy mobilising for membership and register as many members as possible”
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also debunked the notion that the party has a zoning policy in place, noting that it has never inserted such in its constitution.
“ADC as no zoning in ADC constitutional provision, it only PDP that has it”
Speaking on the controversy over the alleged forging of the recently gazetted tax law, the Former vice President described APC as a party of Forgets.
“What do you expect from APC, generally they are a party of Forgets and election riggers
“They forge everything, they forge certificates, they forge age declaration, they simply forge everything that is the hallmark of APC”.
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