The All Progressives Congress(APC) in Kano State says the speculated impending defection of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso to the party is a welcome development.The Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, stated this while addressing a press briefing in Kano on Friday.“APC as a political Institution in its Renewed Hope Agenda has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties.

“Of recent, the attention of the party has been drawn to speculations of the impending decamping of the leader of the expelled faction of the NNPP, Sen. Kwankwaso, into the party.“This is a welcome development, especially given the fact that the APC remains his last political refuge as he has successfully destroyed his relations with all other political groupings in the country.“Without prejudice to our desire as a party to welcome new entrants and in respect of the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice.“We wish to state our position as a state chapter of our great party in Kano state,”Abbas said.He said the party had already directed its ward chapters to open registers for new decampees irrespective of their political and social statures is in line with the party’s constitution.“We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register.$Also, we want to assure our elected party officials from the ward, local government, senatorial and state levels that they will continue to function as provided by the tenure of their office in the party constitution.“For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants, shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference,” the chairman said.He, however,said that the party was fully aware that some people were desperate to join the APC.Abbas said, “This is because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things and are looking to the APC for political relevance.”“For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasise that the APC as a political party does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings.“We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Sen.Kashim Shettima to offer a public apology.”“This should be done as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships,” he added.( NAN)

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum (PDPGF) met in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Monday and resolved that the party will not join any coalition or merger, following speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations.

Rather, the Forum at its 2025/4th meeting, said the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.

The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the National Secretary of the party, when it endorsed Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.

However, in a communique at the end of meeting hosted by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the governors said in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, the Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy National Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone and NEC respectively at its next meeting.

Also, the communique reasserted the Governors’ collective determination to avert a rape on the nation’s constitutional democracy hence their decision to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.

They restated their solidarity with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. 

“And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end,” the communique said.

The Forum resolved to work in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025, and constituted a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, “precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano”.

“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows;

“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri – Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang – Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary” the communique said.

It described as alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country especially Borno, Plateau, Katsina and Edo States and called for review and reordering of priorities and strategies including adopting a bottom up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches. 

The communique condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserated with the government and people of the state especially those who lost their lives and properties during recent attacks.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Sunday took Lawmakers in the National Assembly to the cleaners over the proposed bill to make voting mandatory and jail Nigerians who fail to vote.

In a statement by NANS National Vice President, Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, on Sunday in Abeokuta, described the bill as not only “ridiculous but laughable,” urging the NASS to ditch the ludicrous idea or face the wrath of Nigerian students.

The NASS had proposed a new bill titled ‘Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make it Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters.

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If passed, the bill would make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

It proposes that any eligible voter who fails to vote without a valid reason would face a penalty, including a fine of N100,000, a six-month jail term, or both.

The bill, which has sparked heated debates across the country, according to NASS, aims to address voter apathy, a persistent issue in Nigerian elections and increase civic participation in the democratic process.

Akinbodunse, however, in the statement, said the proposed bill is a misplaced priority by the NASS and should be discarded accordingly.

She added that voting, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians who are eligible to vote, cannot be imposed on them, particularly when they strongly feel their votes don’t actually count.

Her words: “NANS views the proposed bill by the National Assembly to impose fines and a jail term on eligible Nigerians who do not vote as not only ridiculous but laughable. 

“The bill, if passed, will make Nigeria a laughing stock among the comity of nations. Where in the world is a non-participant in an election jailed or fined?

“It is unfortunate that the NASS, which is saddled with the constitutional responsibility and duty to make laws that will ensure the development of the nation and protect its citizens, is the one proposing a bill capable of strangulating the same people. 

“Instead of the NASS making laws that will strengthen our democracy and enhance the electoral processes, it has busied itself with passing a bill that will infringe on the rights of Nigerians.

“It is known by Nigerians that the country’s electoral processes are still fraught with irregularities and loopholes that give room for electoral fraud and rigging. 

“This is the area NANS expects the National Assembly to work on. Rather, it has continued to make Nigerians doubt the competence and sincerity of members of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

“This proposed bill is another comedy show from the stable of the NASS. As the umbrella body of students in the country, NANS will mobilize massively against this proposed bill aimed at imposing a needless law on Nigerians.”

Akinbodunse, who declared that NANS would mobilize massively against the proposed bill, urged civil societies, organized labour, and other stakeholders to stand against the proposed legislation, which she described as “a low one from the National Assembly.”