Yobe Council Clears ₦59.8bn for Roads, Power, Markets and Healthcare

By Abubakar Musa, Damaturu

The Yobe State Executive Council has endorsed a total expenditure of ₦59.8 billion to fund a range of infrastructure and public service projects across the state.

The decision was reached at the council’s meeting held in Damaturu on Monday, where key proposals spanning multiple sectors received final approval.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the approvals cut across critical areas, including road development, healthcare delivery, energy, transport, commerce, and sports.

According to him, the largest share of the funds—₦34.1 billion—will go into road construction projects. These include the development of a 59-kilometre road linking Kaliyari to Bayamari, as well as a 53-kilometre stretch connecting Bayamari to Geidam.

He added that ₦8.5 billion has been earmarked for market infrastructure, covering the construction of the Jajimaji Modern Market and additional works at the Machina and Buni Yadi markets.

In the energy and transport sectors, Bego said ₦5.3 billion has been approved for the acquisition of 800KVA power generators and the installation of underground armoured cables and switchgear systems at the Government House in Damaturu.

The commissioner further disclosed plans to expand solar-powered street lighting across the state, with 2,200 integrated 100-watt units to be installed in all 11 local government headquarters, including Bara, Babbangida, Dapchi, Yunusari, Fika, Damagum, Nangere, Jakusko, Jajimaji, Machina and Yusufari.

Other energy projects include the construction of a 33KV transmission line from Bukarti to Kanamma, installation of transformer substations, and expansion of the electricity distribution network in Kanamma.

He noted that public health facilities will also benefit from improved power supply, with new generators to be installed at the Specialist Hospital, Family Support Hospital and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.

Bego said the council also validated ₦5.5 billion for healthcare-related projects aimed at strengthening service delivery across the state.

Additionally, ₦3.3 billion has been approved for ongoing upgrade works at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu as part of efforts to boost sports infrastructure.

He explained that the approvals reflect the government’s commitment to improving living standards through targeted investments in infrastructure and essential services.

Yobe APC Opts for Consensus Primaries, Backs Tinubu for Second Term

Abubakar Musa, Damaturu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has resolved to adopt a consensus approach for selecting its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This decision was disclosed by Ahmed Lawan while addressing journalists after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Damaturu on Thursday.

According to him, the consensus method will be applied across all elective positions in the state, including governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primaries.

“Our party has carefully reviewed the options provided under the Electoral Act, and we have agreed to proceed with consensus as our preferred method,” Lawan said. “This approach has consistently served us well in Yobe, promoting unity and reducing internal friction.”

He expressed confidence that aspirants who may not emerge through the process would align with the party’s collective decision, noting that internal structures exist to engage and reconcile all stakeholders.

Lawan also assured that the party was working towards a strong electoral outing in 2027, projecting millions of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside victories for APC candidates contesting legislative seats.

Earlier at the meeting, party leaders unanimously endorsed Tinubu as their candidate for a second term, reaffirming their loyalty to the administration.

In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni said Yobe had recorded significant gains under the current federal leadership, citing ongoing development projects and policy interventions as evidence of progress.

The meeting drew key party figures from across the state, signaling early efforts by the APC to consolidate its base ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Alleged APC Card Seizure Sparks Tension Ahead of Yobe Governorship Primaries

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

Tension is mounting within the Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that party officials are forcibly collecting members’ registration cards ahead of the upcoming governorship primaries in Damaturu.

The claims were made by a group, Yobe State Concerned Citizens (YSCC), which warned that the development could undermine internal democracy and disenfranchise delegates expected to participate in the exercise.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Damaturu, the group’s coordinator, Musa Ali Baba, alleged that the ongoing collection of membership cards was part of a broader scheme to influence the outcome of the primaries.

“We received disturbing reports that the APC leadership in Yobe is currently forcing members to surrender their registration cards,” Mr Baba said.

He added that the situation is unfolding barely days before the primaries scheduled for the end of April, raising concerns about transparency in the selection process.

Mr Baba further alleged that some party leaders had earlier attempted to promote a preferred governorship aspirant without conducting primaries, a move he said was resisted by party members and other aspirants.

According to him, the alleged seizure of membership cards—particularly from grassroots members—has triggered widespread concern across the state’s 17 local government areas.

He warned that the move could be a strategy to restrict participation in the primaries to a select group of loyalists, especially if the party adopts a direct primary system.

“If this suspicion proves true, it would amount to outright electoral manipulation, denying party members the right to freely choose their candidate,” he said.

The group called on the APC’s national leadership to intervene and halt the alleged practice, while urging members not to surrender their cards.

It also threatened legal action against anyone found confiscating membership cards from party members.

However, the APC in Yobe has denied the allegations.

The party’s State Youth Leader, Musa Muhammad Gulani, described the claims as false and politically motivated.

“No directive has been issued for the collection of membership cards from any APC member in Yobe State,” Mr Gulani said.

He accused unnamed individuals of attempting to create tension within the party and mislead the public.

Mr Gulani reaffirmed the party’s commitment to conducting a transparent and credible governorship primary, urging members and the public to disregard what he described as baseless allegations.