Yobe ADC Structure, Pro-Atiku Group Dump Opposition for APC

 By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

A major political shift is unfolding in Yobe State as members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across the 17 local government areas of the state, alongside the Arewa Strategic Implementation Group for Atiku (ASIGA), have resolved to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Leaders and supporters of the two groups attended a political gathering in Damaturu on Saturday, where they made the announcement.

The coalition, led by Abubakar Garzali, called on Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Jawa to spearhead the mass movement into the APC, describing him as a key figure who built one of the strongest opposition structures in Yobe during the 2023 general elections.

The groups said their decision followed widespread consultations across the state and was influenced by what they described as persistent leadership disputes and legal uncertainties within the ADC at the national level.

According to the defectors, the political realignment also reflects their desire to support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and align with what they termed the prevailing national political direction.

ASIGA, which was originally established to support the 2023 presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar, formally announced the abandonment of its previous political objective in favour of backing the APC-led federal government.

The groups praised the administration of Mai Mala Buni for maintaining peace, political stability, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance in the state.

They also acknowledged the role of former Yobe governor and current minister of police affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, for what they described as his fatherly guidance and contributions to the political growth of the state.

In addition, the coalition declared support for Baba Malam Wali as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship succession project in Yobe, saying his emergence would ensure continuity, stability, and sustainable development.

Responding to the resolution, Prof. Jawa, who also serves as the Founder and National Coordinator of ASIGA, accepted the decision by the two groups to join the APC.

He commended members of the APC in Yobe for their political maturity, patriotism and strategic thinking, noting that the movement must evolve in line with current national realities.

Prof. Jawa stated that after wider consultations across Northern Nigeria, the group concluded that national interest requires “constructive support and partnership” with the APC-led administration under President Tinubu.

He therefore formally endorsed political alignment with the ruling party, describing it as a strategic step aimed at advancing the interests of Yobe State and the country at large.

Yobe APC Group Warns Aspirants Against Actions Threatening Party Unity

By Abubakar Aliyu, Damaturu

The Mobilisation Coordinating Unit (MCU) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has cautioned governorship hopefuls against actions capable of undermining the political stability and achievements recorded by the ruling party in the state.

The warning was issued on Friday in a statement released in Damaturu by the MCU Coordinator, Saidu Jakusko, who urged party members to remain committed to unity and peaceful political engagement ahead of future electoral activities.

Jakusko called on aspirants within the party to support the emergence of Baba Malam Wali, who was recently endorsed by prominent APC stakeholders in the state as their preferred governorship candidate.

According to him, Wali possesses the political experience, leadership qualities and administrative competence required to sustain the developmental strides recorded in the state under the APC-led administration.

The APC chieftain noted that the successes achieved in Yobe over the years were made possible through collective sacrifices, cooperation and commitment among party leaders and supporters.

He warned that any attempt to create division or disrupt the existing harmony within the party could threaten the progress already achieved and weaken the ruling party’s structure in the state.

The endorsement of Baba Malam Wali by some APC leaders had earlier sparked reactions from a number of governorship aspirants, who argued that endorsing a candidate before the party primaries was premature.

However, Jakusko stressed the need for party members and political actors to place the interest of the APC and the stability of the state above personal ambitions.

He also urged members of the party to remain law-abiding and continue to work for the success of the APC, while praying for sustained unity and victory for the party in future elections.

Arms Awareness Drive Reaches IDP Camps in Yobe, Targets Illegal Weapons and Community Safety

By  Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

A coordinated effort to curb the spread of illicit weapons in Nigeria’s Northeast has taken root in Yobe State. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partnership with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Community Development Service (SALWCDS) and the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, has launched a sensitisation campaign in displaced communities.

The outreach, held at the Abujan Mai Mala Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and the Mohammad Gombe farming community, combined advocacy on small arms proliferation with hygiene education and the distribution of food items to vulnerable residents.

The initiative forms part of a broader regional intervention that targets communities affected by conflict across the six states of the Northeast.

Speaking at the event, the North-East Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), who was represented by his assistant on strategic communication and information, urged displaced individuals to embrace unity despite the trauma of insurgency.

He encouraged residents to support peacebuilding efforts by fostering cooperation and vigilance within their communities.

The campaign, themed “Promoting Health and Peace in Our Communities,” seeks to address the persistent challenge of illicit arms circulation, which authorities say continues to fuel insecurity in the region.

The SALWCDS team leader, Bulus Seth Kazachat, said the program aims to educate residents on the dangers posed by small arms while promoting peaceful coexistence.

“Our goal is to ensure that communities understand the risks associated with illegal weapons and take responsibility by reporting suspicious movements,” he said.

Kazachat urged residents to alert security agencies whenever they notice individuals in possession of unlawful arms, stressing that timely information could prevent violence.

He added that while the group is working to improve the living conditions of displaced persons, the government and stakeholders need to provide more support.

“We cannot do this alone. We appreciate the support from SEMA, but we call for greater intervention to strengthen these efforts,” he said.

He pointed out that, in addition to raising awareness, the initiative aims to find ways to reduce the flow of illegal weapons into Nigeria, highlighting the severe effects of small arms in conflict-affected states like Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe.

The campaign underscores growing collaboration between government agencies and community-based groups in tackling insecurity while addressing the humanitarian needs of affected populations, particularly in regions severely impacted by violence and displacement due to the proliferation of illicit weapons.