The Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Ex-Councillors has expressed strong support for the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what it described as a thoughtful and strategic decision, according to a statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Sunusi Kata Madobi.

The forum said the endorsement followed a consultative meeting convened to review recent political developments, noting that the Governor’s action demonstrates a clear commitment to competence-driven governance and the consolidation of administrative stability, the statement added.

Members of the forum, who served across the 44 Local Government Areas, praised Governor Yusuf for prioritizing experience, loyalty, and grassroots connection in selecting his deputy, emphasizing that such attributes are critical to strengthening governance delivery and maintaining public trust, the group stated.

The forum further described Garo as a seasoned public servant with a strong background in party administration and political coordination, stressing that his experience positions him to effectively support the Governor in advancing the administration’s development agenda, according to the statement.

It added that the nomination was both timely and reflective of the Governor’s dedication to effective governance, noting that the decision shows a deliberate effort to align leadership capacity with the expectations of the people, the forum said.

Highlighting broader implications, the group noted that the move reinforces continuity, institutional strength, and inclusive governance, while expressing confidence that Garo’s experience will enhance executive coordination and improve service delivery, the statement read.

The forum also called on party members, stakeholders, and the general public to rally behind the nomination, urging collective support in the interest of unity, stability, and sustained development, according to the statement.

In addition, the group appealed to political actors to place collective progress above personal interests, warning that only cohesive leadership can deliver meaningful and lasting impact, the forum stated.

Reaffirming its position, the APC Ex-Councillors pledged unwavering support for the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and reiterated its commitment to promoting decisions that strengthen governance and improve citizens’ welfare, the statement concluded.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday said he is now a “freelance politician” with no direct ties to any political party.

Mohammed made the remark while hosting a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and stakeholders from the South-East in Bauchi.

The governor said the meeting centred on national unity and collaboration, noting that the discussions were not driven by partisan interests.

“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.

“Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion. We will not disclose everything we have discussed in terms of the ‘I’s and ‘t’s we have crossed,” he said.

He added that ongoing engagements among political actors were focused on possible realignment and cooperation ahead of future elections.

“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he added.

Mohammed described Obi’s visit as symbolic, saying it reflected efforts to build bridges across regions.

“He is talking about unifying the country, building bridges, and creating a new tomorrow for Nigeria. This is what we stand for as a state and as a people. We feel highly honoured by this visit,” Mohammed said.

Speaking earlier, Obi said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and strengthening collaboration across the country.

“My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation among stakeholders, particularly from the Bauchi state, in our quest to unite this country,” Obi said.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The DSS Arraigns El-Rufai over Ribadu’s Phone Interception Claim of State Services has arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawfully accessing a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, who had served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is being prosecuted on an amended five-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the commencement of proceedings presided by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, on Thursday, the prosecution informed the court that the charges had been increased from three to five counts.

When the case was called, DSS lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant to take his plea.

Aladedoye, however, told the court that a further amended five-count charge was filed on April 13.

The lawyer prayed the court to substitute it with the earlier three-count charge.

“We pray that the earlier charge be struck out, my lord,” he said.

Responding, El-Rufai’s counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, said he had been served with the amended charge and that he was not opposing.