SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Okam Development Forum (ODF), Abuja, has elected a new Executive Committee to steer the affairs of the association, with Chief Joseph O. Obekpa, the Ojema I of Orokam, emerging as Chairman. The election took place during the Forum’s 269th meeting held in Abuja, where members unanimously endorsed the new leadership team for a new tenure in line with the constitution of the association. The immediate past Executive Committee, led by Chief Emmanuel Owoicho Ameh, the Och’Obache I of Orokam, was formally dissolved after successfully completing its four-year tenure. Members of the Forum commended the outgoing leadership for its dedication, unity, and developmental contributions during its time in office. In his inaugural address, Chief Obekpa expressed profound gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a call to service, responsibility, and collective progress. “It is with deep humility and a profound sen...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The remarks by Abdulrahman Bashir Haske after the screening exercise reveal more than routine optimism; they provide insight into the political calculations, internal dynamics, and strategic messaging currently shaping the build-up to the All Progressives Congress primaries. Screening Exercise as a Legitimacy Test By emphasizing that he had “fulfilled all necessary requirements” and successfully submitted his credentials, Hasky appears focused on projecting legitimacy and preparedness.  In Nigerian party politics, screening exercises are often viewed as the first major hurdle for aspirants, and successfully scaling that stage allows candidates to present themselves as serious contenders. His comments suggest an attempt to reassure supporters that his candidacy remains firmly on course and free from procedural complications that sometimes derail aspirants before voting begins. Balancing Consensus Politics and Democratic Competition, one of ...

By Aviashima Toom  A leading aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Amina Zanna Mina Ibrahim, has called on the leadership of the party to reserve the FCT senatorial ticket for a female candidate in the 2027 general elections. Ibrahim made the appeal on Monday in Abuja while formally declaring her ambition at the APC secretariat, where she said her aspiration was anchored on service, inclusive development, and effective representation for residents of the FCT. Addressing Journalists, she stated that her vision for the FCT was centred on “people, prosperity, and progress.” “Today, I formally declare my aspiration to contest for the office of Senator representing the FCT under the APC in the 2027 election. My ambition is driven by commitment to service, inclusive development, and effective representation,” she said. “I respectfully seek the support of the party leadership, stakeholders, delegates, and me...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  Commander YilchiniJan Bida (Rtd), an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Plateau State, has expressed confidence in emerging as the party’s flagbearer ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election. Speaking shortly after his screening by the party, Bida described the process as transparent and democratic, commending the APC for providing equal opportunities for all aspirants. “The process went well. It shows that APC is a party that believes in internal democracy. They want to create an open field and a level playing ground for anybody who feels he has something to offer to his state to participate in the election,” he said. The retired commander stated that he remains optimistic about securing the party’s ticket, stressing that the people of Plateau State are solidly behind his ambition. “I am very confident that there is going to be a direct primary. They have handed over the power to the people to decide who becomes the gover...

.    Dr. Nura Manu By Aviashima Toom  Governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Dr. Nura Manu, has described his screening experience as productive and interactive, saying members of the committee asked extensive questions which he answered satisfactorily. Speaking shortly after the screening exercise, Manu said the engagement provided an opportunity for him to present his plans and vision for the state. “The committee engagement has been interactive. They asked a lot of questions and we gave answers as far as we could,” he said. Clarifying reports surrounding his proposed N100 billion initiative, the aspirant explained that the fund is not intended for security operations, but rather for economic development. According to him, the proposed N100 billion fund is aimed at supporting the commercialisation of agriculture and promoting small-scale enterprises across the state. “The N100 billion I am talking about is not for security. It is a fund I am planning to brin...

     Yusuf Maitama Tuggar By Aviashima Toom  Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and a leading governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to guard against what he described as “fraudulent” consensus arrangements ahead of the party’s governorship primary. Tuggar spoke with journalists shortly after undergoing screening by the APC National Working Committee, describing the exercise as a routine verification of credentials. According to him, his political history as a founding member of the APC, as well as the defunct CPC and ANPP, makes his records well known to the party leadership. The minister, however, expressed concern over what he called a sudden influx of aspirants who reportedly obtained nomination forms barely 24 hours before the screening exercise. He warned that some late entrants could be part of a strategy to manufacture an artificial consensus in favour of a preferred candidate. “It is un...

By Aviashima Toom  Dr. Nura Manu Zoro, a leading aspirant in the 2027 Bauchi State governorship race, has formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, outlining a development-focused agenda centered on education, agriculture, and security. Speaking with journalists in Abuja after filing the documents, the former gubernatorial aide said Bauchi State needs purposeful leadership and practical governance rather than political drama. “Bauchi is not a state for noise-making; it is a ground where the unexpected happens,” he said. “We have been working on the ground to help people. It is about delivery, not the volume of the campaign.” Dr. Manu, who served in the state government’s team in 2019, stated that his experience in governance and understanding of the state’s political structure place him in a strong position to lead Bauchi effectively if elected. According to him, his administration would focus on a three-point agenda aimed at improving the soci...