Fusion 774 Endorses Mohammed Buratai for Borno Assembly Seat

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A support group within the All Progressives Congress, Fusion 774, has endorsed Capt. Mohammed Tukur Buratai for the Borno State House of Assembly seat representing Biu Constituency ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

The group announced its endorsement in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its National Coordinator Sadiq Jikta.

Fusion 774 described Mr Buratai’s decision to contest the seat as a move that reflects commitment to public service and democratic participation.

The group said the former military officer possesses the leadership qualities and experience needed to contribute to lawmaking and development in Borno State.

“Capt. Mohammed Tukur Buratai represents the kind of young and patriotic Nigerian our democracy requires at this critical moment,” the statement said.

“He served the nation with honour in the aviation sector, and his decision to seek elective office demonstrates his readiness to contribute to governance and community development.”

According to the group, the state needs legislators who can address issues related to youth empowerment, education, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.

Fusion 774 expressed confidence that Mr Buratai would bring fresh ideas and a strong understanding of security and governance issues to the state assembly if elected.

The group also noted that the retired military officer’s aspiration continues a legacy of public service associated with his father, Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

“His father served the country in the military, and now Capt. Mohammed Tukur Buratai is stepping forward to serve through democratic representation,” the statement added.

Fusion 774 called on residents of the Biu Constituency, party stakeholders and supporters of the APC to support the aspiration.

The group further pledged to mobilise grassroots support and encourage peaceful, issue-based campaigns throughout the election period.

It also urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in politics and leadership, stressing the need for competent and committed citizens to shape the country’s future.

Mailantarki declares for Gombe governorship under PDP, promises development

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A former member of the House of Representatives, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The declaration was made on Monday at the party’s state secretariat, where his representatives submitted a formal notice of his ambition to the party leadership.

Mr Mailantarki, who represented Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency after his election in 2011, was the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 election, where he finished third.

Speaking on his behalf, Adamu Bappa said the aspirant has a record of performance, particularly in Gombe North, where he served as a federal lawmaker.

“He is not new in Gombe politics. People are aware of his contributions when he served in the National Assembly. We are here to formally notify the party of his intention to contest,” Mr Bappa said.

He added that Mr Mailantarki would prioritise development if given the party’s ticket and subsequently elected.

The PDP state leadership, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Mohammed Adamu, acknowledged receipt of the declaration and urged the aspirant and his supporters to remain law-abiding.

Mr Adamu said the party had so far received three expressions of interest from governorship aspirants and stressed the need for unity among members ahead of the election.

“We want peace and unity among our aspirants because that is what is needed to defeat our opponents,” he said.

He assured that the party would conduct a credible primary to select its candidate.

“In no distant time, our candidate will emerge through a free and fair primary,” he added.

Mr Mailantarki’s declaration signals early political activity in Gombe State as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Gombe 2027: Former Balanga Deputy Chairman Declares Assembly Bid on APC Platform

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

Hon. Ali Philip Jisimah, a former Deputy Chairman of the Balanga Local Government Area in Gombe State, has declared his intention to contest for the Balanga South (Mona Ward) seat in the State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Jisimah, who also served as a personal assistant and later as a special assistant on protocol in the office of the deputy governor, said his decision to join the race was informed by his experience in public service and desire to strengthen representation at the grassroots level.

Speaking during an interaction with party supporters in Balanga South, he said his ambition is centred around effective legislation and attracting development to underserved communities.

“I have had the privilege of serving at the local government level and working closely within the executive arm. This has given me insight into governance and the gaps that need to be addressed, such as the need for better resource allocation and increased community engagement in decision-making processes.

The APC aspirant added that he would prioritise youth empowerment, infrastructure development and improved access to social services if elected.

Political observers in the area say his background in local administration and proximity to government operations may influence his campaign narrative, particularly among party loyalists in the constituency.

His declaration comes as political activities begin to gather pace ahead of the next electoral cycle, with parties expected to intensify consultations and internal processes in the coming months.