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FEMA reviews preparedness of its divers, vanguards and rescue team ahead of heavy rainfall

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Muhammad Musa Bello, FCT Minister

 

From Alhasan Abdullahi Abuja.

 

The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has held its second review and preparedness meeting with Divers, Vanguards and Rescue team in Abuja recently to review their level of preparedness for flood disasters and other emergencies in the FCT.

 

Declaring the 2-day meeting open,  the Director, Alh. Abbas Idriss said FEMA will continue to strategize in its bid to prevent the reoccurrence of disasters of any kind in the FCT.

 

The FEMA Boss who was represented at the meeting by Mrs. Florence Wenegiemie, Deputy Director, Forecasting, Response, and mitigation (FRM) gave this assurance while tasking the Divers, Vanguards and Response team to be more proactive in this raining season. This follows NIMET’S 2020 prediction of torrential rainfall and floodings in parts of the country including the FCT which has already claimed many lives and properties including Giri and Gwagwalada in the FCT.

NIHSA warns on impending flood in some states

The FEMA boss said that the meeting was imperative at this time to alert the Volunteers on the dangers of the season and to sensitize them on prevention, response, and mitigation measures. He also advised them to be adequately prepared Ed and be charged them with the responsibility of sensitizing their people especially as we approach the peak of this rainy season. She also reminded them of the need to remind their people that COVID 19 is real and still with us, hence, the need to maintain personal hygiene and take voluntary responsibility of their lives by adhering to COVID 19 instructions.

 

He alerted them of a possible flash flood in their communities if necessary preventive measures are not put in place to avert it, she urged all hands to be on deck to avert any more loss of lives to flooding in the FCT.

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The Director-General commended them for promptly swinging into action whenever there is an emergency in their localities before the arrival of FEMA response team, he then charged them as FEMA trained ambassadors to take the alert message home using their village town criers, Youths, and women groups as means of communication, noting that in previous years, FEMA embarked on annual community-to-community flood sensitization campaign in different Area Councils.

He said FEMA is now challenged with COVID 19 protocols that don’t allow large gatherings, but that FEMA has embarked on a wide media sensitization in different indigenous languages in different media channels.

 

He appealed to residents most especially those in the rural areas to always adhere to Government instructions so as not to fall victims of disasters and also to desist from unwholesome activities that could lead to disasters in the FCT. He advised residents to stop dumping refuse in waterways, do not build along flood plains, do not farm around river banks, do not drive or walk on flooded water and those that have houses around the river banks should move to higher grounds” he said.

 

Also speaking at the event, Miss Zhazim Josephine from Kwali Area Council (one of the volunteers) said she was motivated to enroll as a community Vanguard because of her interest to save lives “if people don’t come out to help the society, lives, and properties will continue to be lost and you can’t predict who will be next victim, thus the need volunteer” she said.

 

On what to take away from the meeting, Mr. Fwankat Isa Linus, a diver from Bwari Area Council said; “I have been empowered with the knowledge of preventing and mitigating flood disaster in my locality. “From here, I will go back and sensitize my people and neighboring villages on the alert of flooding this rainy season and how to prevent it because FEMA cannot do it alone “. He said

 

Earlier in the meeting, Mrs. Wenegiemie appealed to them to always report any case of the dead body around the waterways, according to her, “if someone is drowning in the flooded water, the water carries the dead body through the water channels away from the point of drawing, so if you witness any such incident, please report to your village head and then the police will alert FEMA”. She emphasized that FEMA advocates prevention and mitigation rather than disaster management and that all the relevant authorities have commenced the distilling of waterways, clearing of water channels and expanding narrow drainages for the free flow of water.

 

In his vote of thanks, Mr. Abubarkar Ododa Assistant Director, Education and Outreach (FRM) appreciated the Divers, Vanguard and Response Team for responding to the call of giving back to the society, and advised them not to let their people down by always doing the needful to avert disaster in their localities. He urged residents to always call the 112 Emergency told free number for the prompt response, he stressed that residents have a vital role to role as an emergency is everyone’s business.

 

The Day 1 of the meeting had in attendance representatives from Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji, and Day2 featured representatives of Amac, Kuje, and Bwari, to allow for maintenance of social distancing and COVID 19 protocols.

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2027: PRP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Hijack of Party Nomination Forms by Kwankwaso

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The Chairman of the PRP Northwest Stakeholders Forum, Abdulkadir Musa Guza, has accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of attempting to take control of the nomination tickets of several political parties ahead of 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Kano, Guza alleged that nomination forms for all 69 elective positions under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) had been purchased by an individual who is not a member of the party.

He claimed that similar actions had also been carried out in more than seven other political parties, describing the development as a threat to democratic practice and internal party democracy.

Guza said the forum was particularly concerned by reports linking Kwankwaso to the exercise, questioning why the former Kano State governor would seek to have the nomination tickets of several political parties under his influence.

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According to him, such actions amount to political deception and could deny genuine party members the opportunity to contest elections on their preferred platforms.

The PRP chieftain described the development as “political robbery” capable of creating confusion, disputes and disorder in the electoral process if left unchecked.

He maintained that the PRP is a party founded on principles and democratic values and would not tolerate any attempt to hijack its internal processes

Guza said the party has many loyal members interested in contesting various elective positions and insisted that their rights must be protected.

He appealed to Kwankwaso to allow political parties to operate independently and democratically, adding that the PRP should be spared from what he described as interference in its affairs.

The chairman warned that the forum would have no option but to seek legal redress should the alleged actions continue.

 

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Breaking:ADC Reaffirms Ibrahim Khalil as 2027 Kano Governorship Candidate, Rejects Alleged Imposition

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Alhaji Suleiman Mambo addressing the press

 

 

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State has reaffirmed Malam Ibrahim Khalil as the party’s sole and legitimate candidate for the 2027 Kano State governorship election, while strongly rejecting what it described as attempts by external forces to undermine the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.

The position was made public on Saturday at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), where senior party figures addressed journalists and accused certain national actors within the party of interfering in the affairs of the Kano chapter.

Speaking on behalf of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) and other stakeholders, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo said the Kano chapter remained united behind Ibrahim Khalil and would resist any effort to alter the mandate given to him by party members.

According to the leaders, Khalil emerged victorious during the ADC gubernatorial primaries conducted on May 22, 2026, securing 55,851 votes against his closest rival, who polled 4,000 votes.

“The election was clear and decisive,” the stakeholders said in a position paper addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark. “There was a winner and there was a loser. The mandate freely given to Malam Ibrahim Khalil by party members must be respected and restored.”

 

The Kano ADC leadership argued that their endorsement of Khalil goes beyond the primary election results, describing it as a strategic decision rooted in Kano’s political significance and unique electoral realities.

They noted that Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political and economic centres, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and that the state’s electoral performance often carries implications for national elections.

According to the stakeholders, Khalil’s influence among Islamic scholars and religious institutions could strengthen the ADC’s prospects across the North-West region and contribute positively to the party’s presidential ambitions in 2027.

They also highlighted what they described as his broad grassroots appeal, claiming he enjoys support across different religious groups, social classes, and demographic categories.

“Khalil enjoys widespread acceptance among women and young people, many of whom regularly follow his radio programmes,” the statement said.

 

The stakeholders further praised Khalil’s longstanding commitment to the ADC, describing him as one of the party’s foundational figures in Kano.

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They credited him with helping establish party structures and ensuring the survival of the ADC during difficult periods, arguing that his loyalty and sacrifices positioned him as the most deserving candidate for the governorship ticket.

The statement also portrayed the Islamic scholar as a unifying figure capable of bringing together various Islamic groups while maintaining cordial relationships with Christian communities across the state.

According to the leaders, such qualities make him a credible alternative to what they called the “corrupt politics” associated with rival political forces.

 

A major focus of the briefing was the alleged interference of Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammed, former Deputy National Chairman (Values and Ethics) of the ADC.

The Kano stakeholders accused her of attempting to influence the conduct and outcome of the state’s primary election, including allegedly instructing the chairman of the election committee not to announce the results.

They further alleged that she had sidelined legitimate party stakeholders in favour of individuals loyal to her interests.

The leaders argued that the ADC constitution does not grant any national officer the authority to arbitrarily direct the affairs of state chapters.

“Being a national officer does not confer the power to dictate the affairs of a local chapter,” the statement declared. “The constitution clearly outlines the responsibilities of each organ of the party, and no provision empowers any deputy national chairman to superintend over state chapters.”

The Kano leadership also maintained that the office previously occupied by Naja’atu Muhammed no longer possesses substantive legal standing following constitutional amendments and decisions reached by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

They described any actions taken under that authority as “unlawful and constitutionally invalid.”

 

Responding to concerns that Ibrahim Khalil may lack the financial resources required for a competitive gubernatorial campaign, the stakeholders pointed to Kano’s political history as evidence that electoral success in the state is not solely determined by wealth.

They cited the victories of former governors such as Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi in 1979, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 1999, and Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003, arguing that each overcame financially stronger opponents through public support and credibility.

“If history teaches us anything, it is that Kano voters have consistently demonstrated a willingness to choose candidates based on character, integrity and principles rather than wealth,” the statement said.

 

The Kano ADC leadership concluded by urging the party’s national leadership to intervene immediately and halt what it described as continued interference in the affairs of the state chapter.

The stakeholders warned that ignoring the will of party members could trigger internal divisions and electoral setbacks, drawing parallels with challenges experienced by the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ahead of the 2011 elections.

They declared that the Kano chapter remains firmly committed to defending Khalil’s mandate and would no longer cooperate with directives linked to the alleged interference.

“The Kano State ADC is firmly resolved that Malam Ibrahim Khalil’s mandate must be respected,” the leaders stated. “We will no longer tolerate interference or cooperate with any assignment connected to these actions, regardless of who issues such directives.”

The statement was signed by former Kano ADC Chairman Alhaji Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo, and the party’s Administrative Secretary, Dr. Bala M. I. Takai, on behalf of members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team and other stakeholders across Kano State.

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EkitiDecides: Gov. Oyebanji Re-elected for Second Tenure

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, has emerged winner with 319,224 votes.

Oyebanji defeated his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Wole Oluyede, who scored 40,543 vote

Adenike Oladiji, INEC’s Chief Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the result on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

She said Oyebanji satisfied all the requirements in the election and was declared elected.

Giving a breakdown, Oladiji said the election had 988, 251 as total number of registered voters and 384, 949 as the total number of accredited voters across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

She gave the total number of votes cast as 382,109 while the total number of rejected votes was 6,332.

Speaking with journalists after the announcement, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, the APC Collation Agent, urged other contenders to join the governor in building a prosperous state.

“In every contest there will only be one winner.

” I think there should be that sportsmanship spirit with all of them.

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“I think nobody is a loser; we understand it’s just for everybody to come on board to support the governor in his developmental drive,” he said.

The breakdown of the parties that participated in the election and the votes scored are listed below:

COLLATED RESULTS FOR EKITI 2026 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

1. EMURE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI
RESULTS
ADC – 732
APC 14325
PDP – 851

2. EFON LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PRO. SUNDAY OJO
RESULTS
ADC -201
APC 8742
PDP 2051

3. IJERO LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OLANIRAN AKANNI
RESULTS
ADC 2026
APC 25506
PDP 2479

4. IKERE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF KEHINDE JAIYEOLA
RESULTS
ADC 245
APC 11116

5. EKITI SOUTH LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF KOLA OLADUNMOYE
RESULTS
ADC 1076
APC 14705
PDP 1800

6. IDO-OSI
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF AKINTUDE. MUTAKUBI
RESULTS
ADC 561
APC 17901
PDP 1449

7. EKITI WEST LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF BOLAJI STEPHEN
RESULTS
ADC 674
APC 28258
PDP 3644

8. ADO LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF TOYE FASIMINRIN
RESULTS
ADC 1054
APC 38026
PDP 3817

9. ILEJEME LG
COLLATION OFFICER – MOGAJI ANTHONY
RESULTS
ADC 578
APC 8984
PDP 1243

10. ISE-ORUN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – DR JOHN ISSA
RESULTS
ADC 365
APC 12908
PDP 1627

11. OYE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF JIDE POPOOLA
RESULTS
ADC 998
APC 18975
PDP 2891

12. MOBA LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF ADEGBOYEGA SULAIMAN
RESULTS
ADC 994
APC 20500
PDP 1572

13. AYEKIRE GBONYIN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OSHO BAMIDELE
RESULTS
ADC 314
APC 17133
PDP 1503

14. IKOLE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF SADIA FUNMILAYO ADIFALA
RESULTS
ADC 812
APC 26508
PDP 750

15. IREPODUN/IFELODUN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF MICHAEL ADEYEMI
RESULTS
ADC 511
APC 29278
PDP 2119

16. EKITI WEST LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OLABODE OLATUBOSUN
RESULTS
ADC 1730
APC 26359
PDP 2795

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