From Yagana Ali, Yola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced the winners of its House of Representatives primary elections across the eight federal constituencies in Adamawa State, setting the stage for the party’s campaign ahead of the next general elections.

The results were declared on Sunday in Yola by the chairman of the election committee, Ahmed Yusha’u, who described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible across the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to Yusha’u, the primaries were conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, as well as the APC constitution and guidelines guiding internal party elections.

He commended party officials, delegates, aspirants and security personnel for their roles in ensuring a smooth and orderly process, noting that the conduct of the exercise reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

“The exercise was conducted successfully in a free, fair and credible atmosphere,” he said, while expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger and more united after the primaries.

The candidates who secured the party’s tickets to contest the House of Representatives seats in the next general elections are: Nyampa Zakaria — Michika Federal Constituency, James Barka — Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, Kwamoti Laori — Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, Golfa Mallam — Guyuk/Shelleng Federal Constituency, Suleman Gankuba — Jada/Ganye/Mayo-Belwa/Toungo Federal Constituency, Aliyu Boya — Fufore/Song Federal Constituency, Ahmad Salihijo — Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency and Ramatu Bello — Mubi North/Mubi South/Maiha Federal Constituency.

Before the commencement of the primaries, Yusha’u had appealed to all aspirants and their supporters to maintain peace and demonstrate maturity throughout the exercise.

He urged party members to embrace unity and sportsmanship in the aftermath of the elections, stressing that the APC’s collective interest remains more important than individual ambitions.

Political observers in the state see the emergence of the candidates as a significant step in shaping the political landscape ahead of the forthcoming elections, with expectations that campaigns will intensify across the various constituencies in the coming months.

From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano

Northwest University Kano on Friday held its 13th Matriculation Ceremony for newly admitted students of the 2025/2026 academic session, with a total of 7,929 students formally admitted into various academic programmes across the institution’s 10 faculties.

The colourful ceremony, which took place at the Muhammadu Sanusi II Lecture Hall, was described as historic and memorable as it marked the first matriculation exercise presided over by the university Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero.

The event also recorded another milestone with the formal inclusion of students of the Institute of Continuing Education admitted into part-time degree programmes alongside regular students of the university for the first time.

Speaking during the ceremony, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero urged the newly matriculated students to uphold discipline, moral conduct, and academic excellence throughout their stay in the institution.

She reminded the students that the university awards degrees based not only on academic performance but also on character, stressing the need for them to protect the image and reputation of the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that although it was her first matriculation ceremony as the head of the university, she had participated in previous ceremonies in different capacities, including as Head of Department, Dean, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor.

Professor Amina also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support toward the growth and development of the university.

She commended the governor for efforts aimed at repositioning the institution and improving the learning environment for both students and staff.

“Students must remain law-abiding, focused and dedicated to their studies while contributing positively to the development of the university through hard work and responsible conduct.

In his remarks the Registrar of the university, Dr. Adm.Isyaku Adamu administered the matriculation oath to the newly admitted students and charged them to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations governing the institution.

Some of the matriculated students who spoke shortly after the ceremony expressed happiness over securing admission into the university and pledged to remain committed to their studies and conduct themselves responsibly.

The ceremony ended amid excitement, goodwill and renewed hope for a successful academic journey for the newly admitted students.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has credited the result to the working partnership between Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and the host communities along the corridor.

The commendation came at a stakeholder meeting convened by PINL in Bayelsa to review operational performance and community engagement.

For the full month of April, no incidents were recorded on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) or the Eastern Gas Network across Bayelsa State — no bunkering, no spillage, no infractions

“For the past month, there has been no incident in the whole of Bayelsa as far as we are concerned,” said Omojevwhe Akponime, Head of NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office for the Eastern Corridor.

“That shows that the community and PINL are one in common.”

Akponime linked the result to rising production on the TNP, and called on the royal fathers, CDC chairmen, women’s leaders and youth groups present to sustain the collaboration. “Each time you give them your support, they will always do more for you,” he said.

PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, placed the achievement against the national target.

“Production has continued to increase,” Mezeh said. “By the grace of God, we’ll meet our target of 2.5 million barrels per day. It shows that the stakeholders are performing their obligations strictly in the partnership.”

Mezeh used the meeting to present cheques to beneficiaries of PINL’s women empowerment programme, encouraging recipients to invest the funds into their businesses. He also called on youth across the corridor to reject vandalism.

“If you go and spend money to install any illegal connection, you cannot reap it,” he said. “In the next 24 hours, we will get intelligence, and you will lose out. Vandalism is no longer profitable.”

Speaking for the beneficiaries, Madam Love Theophilus reinforced the message. “This empowerment is for business,” she told the women. “It’s not for big wrapper. It’s not for good shoes. Use the money to promote your business.”

The Trans Niger Pipeline is one of Nigeria’s most critical crude evacuation arteries. A month without infraction in Bayelsa is a direct contribution to national production and to the 2.5 million barrels per day target.