A coalition of political support groups and stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has thrown its weight behind Shehu Sani as the consensus candidate for Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition, which comprises youth groups, women associations, party mobilizers, grassroots campaign structures and community leaders drawn from the seven local government areas of Kaduna Central, announced its position during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna.

According to the groups, the endorsement of the former senator followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders and supporters across the zone who considered Sani’s track record, accessibility and constituency projects during his tenure in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019.



‘Visible Achievements, Courage, and People-Oriented Representation’

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Convener, Comrade Musa Ibrahim, said the decision to support Sani was based on what he described as “visible achievements, courage, and people-oriented representation.”

He noted that during his time in the Senate, Sani facilitated several developmental projects across Kaduna Central, including the construction and equipping of primary healthcare centres, educational support programmes, rural infrastructure and empowerment initiatives targeted at youths and women.

According to him, many residents of the senatorial district still remember the former lawmaker for maintaining close contact with constituents and consistently speaking on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians both at the state and national levels.

“The coalition carefully reviewed the political situation in Kaduna Central and resolved that Senator Shehu Sani remains the most experienced, accepted and credible aspirant capable of uniting the party and delivering victory for the APC in 2027,” Ibrahim said.

He added that the groups were particularly impressed by Sani’s long-standing involvement in human rights advocacy, democratic struggles and grassroots mobilization, describing him as a politician with “deep connection to the masses.”

The coalition further argued that Sani’s return to the Senate would strengthen legislative representation for Kaduna Central due to his experience, national visibility and understanding of the challenges confronting the district.

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Women and Youth Speak: ‘We Believe in Sani’

In an interview, another stakeholder, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, said women and youth groups across the zone were supporting the former senator because of his inclusive style of leadership and accessibility while in office.

She stated that many beneficiaries of scholarships, empowerment schemes and social intervention programmes initiated during Sani’s tenure still identify with his leadership style.

“We believe Senator Shehu Sani has the capacity to effectively represent Kaduna Central again. He is accessible, outspoken and understands the needs of the people. That is why many groups have resolved to support him as consensus candidate,” she said

Appeal for Unity Ahead of 2027

The coalition also appealed to other aspirants and party leaders within the APC to work towards unity and avoid actions capable of creating divisions ahead of the elections.

According to the groups, adopting a consensus arrangement would help strengthen the party’s chances and ensure a rancour-free primary process in Kaduna Central.

Political observers believe the endorsement may further boost Sani’s growing political momentum within the APC following recent alignments and consultations among party stakeholders across the state.

Although the APC is yet to officially commence its primary process for the 2027 elections, political activities and consultations have continued to intensify across Kaduna State as aspirants position themselves for key elective offices.

Joshua Abu

Abuja

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Retired) OFR, has pledged to work closely with a coalition of youth and civil society organizations from Northern Nigeria, endorsing the use of social media platforms such as TikTok to promote national peace and counter misinformation.

The commitment came during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Wednesday by a delegation from the Forum for Youth Development, Unity & Peace Initiative (FYDUPI), in collaboration with the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), Ethnic Nationality Groups of Northern Nigeria, Christian Youth Alliance, and other affiliate civil society organizations.

The delegation, led by Comrade Abdul Danbature, who serves as the Forum Chairman and also as Arewa Youth President, was received warmly by the Minister and his team. The visit, described by both parties as productive and impactful, provided the platform for the group to formally present a proposal on strengthening national security through coordinated youth and community engagement across Northern Nigeria.

During the presentation, Comrade Danbature outlined key areas of collaboration with the Ministry. These included promoting peaceful coexistence among different religions and communities, uniting youth and women across the North, supporting community-based information sharing with security agencies, and strengthening grassroots peacebuilding efforts. The group also proposed collaborating with the Ministry to combat drug abuse among young people, promote the achievements of government and the military, and empower youth for productive engagement.

The Minister demonstrated keen interest and thoughtful engagement throughout the presentation. In his response, he expressed readiness to work with the Forum and its partners, emphasizing the critical importance of peace, unity, and continuous advocacy for social cohesion. He specifically highlighted the need to address ignorance, anomalies, and misinformation through education and sustained engagement.

In a notable departure from conventional official communication strategies, General Musa encouraged the delegation to harness social media platforms, including TikTok, as tools for promoting positive values and the public good. The endorsement signals a growing recognition within Nigeria’s security establishment of the power of new media in shaping public perception and countering extremist narratives.

The visit was further marked by a significant gesture, as the Minister presented the delegation with an award in recognition of the group’s initiative and its potential for long-term collaboration in support of national security and social stability.

The Forum and its partners described the engagement as highly fruitful. In a statement released after the meeting, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant stakeholders to deliver impactful, community-driven solutions that support peace, unity, and national development.

Comrade Danbature noted that the group remains dedicated to fostering a safer, more united, and resilient Northern Nigeria through inclusive engagement and strategic collaboration.

The partnership comes at a critical time when Northern Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, including banditry, communal clashes, and youth restiveness. By formally integrating youth and civil society into the security dialogue, the Ministry of Defence appears to be adopting a more decentralized and community-focused approach to peacebuilding.

Observers note that the inclusion of the Christian Youth Alliance and various ethnic nationality groups in the delegation sends a strong signal of interfaith and interethnic cooperation, which many believe is essential for lasting peace in the region.

The Ministry of Defence has yet to release an official implementation timeline, but sources close to the Minister indicate that working groups are expected to be constituted within weeks to operationalize the proposals put forward by the FYDUPI-led coalition.

Kaduna APC Stakeholders Endorse Shehu Sani for Senate Ahead of 2027 Primaries

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone have endorsed former senator, Shehu Sani, as their preferred candidate ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a meeting attended by commissioners, local government chairmen, party executives and key political figures from the seven local government areas in the zone.

The gathering, which took place at the Uba Sani Support Group office in Malali, Kaduna, drew a large number of supporters and influential stakeholders within the state.

Convener of the meeting and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders and stakeholders across the zone.

He clarified that the APC remains open to all aspirants, stressing that the party is not restricting anyone from contesting the primaries. However, he noted that stakeholders unanimously agreed to adopt Shehu Sani as a consensus candidate in view of his experience and political track record.

According to Lagos, the decision was driven by the need to present a candidate with proven capacity, credibility and national recognition.

“We have resolved that Shehu Sani is our choice for Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone. He is experienced, tested and widely known as a quality material to represent the good people of Kaduna in the Senate,” he said.

He further expressed confidence that the endorsement would strengthen the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, adding that the party would secure overwhelming victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

Other party leaders, including local government council chairmen and executives who spoke at the event, also highlighted Shehu Sani’s legislative experience and his perceived ability to attract development projects to the state.

In his response, Shehu Sani expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He particularly thanked Governor Uba Sani for his support, as well as the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs for coordinating the endorsement meeting.

The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central in the Senate from 2015 to 2019, pledged to provide quality representation if elected, promising to attract meaningful projects and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

He also called on residents of Kaduna State to support and vote for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the forthcoming elections, urging unity and collective action in the interest of equity, justice and fairness.

The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR has directed the commissioner Tertiary Education and the Managing Director, Greater Aba Development Authority to commence search for a temporary site for the location of a study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Aba, pending the building of a befitting Centre in the area.

The directive followed the request of the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma for a policy direction in citing a study centre of university in Aba.

Dr. Alex Otti added that Aba being a major commercial hub in the state cannot afford the luxury of being behind without a centre of NOUN.

He noted that “Open and distance learning over the years has transformed over the years using technology. Applications like the Google meet, zoom etc has facilitated meetings and the transfer of knowledge. In view of the role NOUN is playing in advancing education, it’s no brainer, Aba has to get a study centre.

“As a responsible government, the state is committed to educational development through the hiring, training and retraining of teachers. We will provide all the support you need (NOUN) for the actualisation of a centre in Aba”.

The Governor also Directed the commissioner Tertiary Education in the state Prof. Uche Uche in the direction of the Umuahia Study Centre of the university and see how the government can assist with the improvement of facilities for a better learning environment.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma who was on a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR at his country home in Umuehim, Nvosi Isiala-Ngwa South LGA Abia State, had told the Governor that NOUN does not only pride itself in education through open and distance learning alone but access and inclusiveness in all of its activities by carrying everyone along.

“The study centres are instruments of access and Aba being one of the largest cities in the country cannot be denied such access to education.

“NOUN as an institution that reflects federal character is willing to partner with any government or institution in creating access to education that allows people to express themselves freely” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Prof. Uduma underscores the importance of ODL globally necessitating currently other universities in the country operating a dual mode of education delivery.

He thanked the Governor for his hospitality and accepting to host him and the university management despite the demand of his office.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Igabi Federal Constituency, Hon. Hussaini Muhammad Jallo, has paid a strategic visit to former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani, declaring his support for Sani’s bid to return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmaker, during the visit held in Kaduna, described Sani as a seasoned legislator with a track record of effective representation, grassroots connection, and principled advocacy. He noted that the endorsement was borne out of the need to rally behind credible and experienced leaders capable of advancing the interests of the people.

According to him, Sani’s previous tenure in the Senate was marked by bold interventions on national issues, particularly in the areas of human rights, anti-corruption, and social justice. He added that the former senator remains a strong voice for the downtrodden and a dependable figure in Kaduna politics.

“The people of Kaduna Central deserve tested leadership. My visit today is not just symbolic but a clear statement of support for a man who has consistently stood with the masses,” the lawmaker said.

In his response, Sani expressed appreciation for the visit and endorsement, describing it as a demonstration of unity and shared vision among political stakeholders in the state. He reiterated his commitment to inclusive representation, promising to prioritize the welfare of constituents if elected.

Political observers say the endorsement may further strengthen Sani’s position within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as consultations and alignments intensify ahead of the party primaries.

The development is seen as part of broader political realignments in Kaduna State, where key actors are beginning to signal their preferred candidates for various elective positions ahead of the next electoral cycle.

By Abuja Advocates for Equity and Justice Forum

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a familiar yet increasingly urgent debate has resurfaced in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT): the question of equity, fairness, and rotational representation in the senatorial seat.

At the centre of this renewed conversation is a growing call by stakeholders—particularly from the Abuja South axis, comprising Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils—for what they describe as a long-overdue opportunity to produce the next senator representing the FCT.

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the FCT has been represented in the Senate by a mix of indigenous and non-indigenous politicians. Among them are Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe, Isah Maina, Usman Jibrin Wowo, Sidi Ali, Philip Aduda, and the incumbent, Ireti Heebah Kingibe.

A closer look at their tenures reveals a pattern that has now become the basis for agitation. While early representation rotated relatively evenly—with Khairat Gwadabe and Isah Maina serving four years each—later developments altered the balance significantly.

The emergence of Philip Aduda, who represented the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)/Bwari axis—commonly referred to as Abuja North—marked a turning point. Aduda held the senatorial seat for 12 consecutive years, the longest tenure in the history of FCT representation in the Senate.

In contrast, indigenous representatives from Abuja South, such as Usman Jibrin Wowo and Sidi Ali, served significantly shorter terms—approximately one year and three years respectively. Collectively, their tenure amounts to about four years, a disparity that has become a rallying point for proponents of zoning.

Beyond geography, the debate intersects with the sensitive issue of indigeneity in the FCT. Although the capital is constitutionally designated as a territory belonging to all Nigerians, indigenous communities—largely concentrated in Abuja South—have continued to demand greater inclusion in political representation.

Analysts note that while three of the six senators since 1999 are considered indigenous, their cumulative time in office falls short when compared to their counterparts from Abuja North or non-indigenous backgrounds.

“The issue is not just about who has served, but how long and from where,” a political observer in Abuja noted. “Equity, in this context, is both geographical and cultural.”

The debate has placed the spotlight on the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose internal philosophy emphasizes fairness, justice, and inclusivity.
Supporters of Abuja South’s agitation argue that the party’s credibility will be tested by its willingness to reflect these principles in its candidate selection process. They point to the APC’s broader reliance on zoning and political balancing as a mechanism for managing Nigeria’s diversity.

“There is a moral obligation on the APC to translate into action,” a party chieftain said. “Anything short of that could trigger internal dissent and electoral backlash.”

Complicating the situation is the current political configuration within the FCT. The APC state chairman is widely believed to be from Abuja North, a factor some stakeholders interpret as strengthening the case for micro-zoning the senatorial ticket to the southern axis.

Equally significant is the role of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose influence looms large in the evolving political landscape. Since his appointment, Wike has been credited with accelerating infrastructure development and initiating reforms in traditional institutions across the territory.

While his performance has attracted commendation, political watchers believe his stance could be decisive in shaping the APC’s 2027 strategy in the FCT.

“There is an expectation that the minister, given his emphasis on order and structure, would support a balanced arrangement,” another analyst observed. “Endorsing Abuja South could consolidate political gains and foster unity.”

The FCT remains strategically important—not only as Nigeria’s capital but also as a politically competitive territory. In recent elections, opposition parties have made notable inroads, often capitalizing on internal divisions within dominant parties.

Advocates of zoning warn that ignoring the equity argument could deepen fractures within the APC and create openings for rivals. Conversely, conceding the ticket to Abuja South, they argue, could galvanize grassroots support and improve the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.

Ultimately, the debate over who produces the next FCT senator reflects a broader tension in Nigerian politics—the delicate balance between merit, inclusivity, and political pragmatism.

Adding another layer to the conversation is the current distribution of federal appointments, which critics argue is skewed toward Abuja North, including the ministerial position.

Although the Nigerian Constitution does not mandate zoning, the practice has evolved into an unwritten principle for managing the country’s complex diversity. In the FCT—where questions of identity, ownership, and belonging remain deeply rooted—the stakes are particularly high.

As 2027 approaches, the decision before political actors, especially within the APC, goes beyond candidate selection. It is a defining moment that will test their commitment to fairness, equity, and justice.

For many in Abuja South, the message is unequivocal: the time for inclusion is now. Whether that demand translates into political reality remains to be seen.

By Abuja Advocates for Equity and Justice Forum

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a familiar yet increasingly urgent debate has resurfaced in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT): the question of equity, fairness, and rotational representation in the senatorial seat.

At the centre of this renewed conversation is a growing call by stakeholders—particularly from the Abuja South axis, comprising Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils—for what they describe as a long-overdue opportunity to produce the next senator representing the FCT.

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the FCT has been represented in the Senate by a mix of indigenous and non-indigenous politicians. Among them are Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe, Isah Maina, Usman Jibrin Wowo, Sidi Ali, Philip Aduda, and the incumbent, Ireti Heebah Kingibe.

A closer look at their tenures reveals a pattern that has now become the basis for agitation. While early representation rotated relatively evenly—with Khairat Gwadabe and Isah Maina serving four years each—later developments altered the balance significantly.

The emergence of Philip Aduda, who represented the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)/Bwari axis—commonly referred to as Abuja North—marked a turning point. Aduda held the senatorial seat for 12 consecutive years, the longest tenure in the history of FCT representation in the Senate.

In contrast, indigenous representatives from Abuja South, such as Usman Jibrin Wowo and Sidi Ali, served significantly shorter terms—approximately one year and three years respectively. Collectively, their tenure amounts to about four years, a disparity that has become a rallying point for proponents of zoning.

Beyond geography, the debate intersects with the sensitive issue of indigeneity in the FCT. Although the capital is constitutionally designated as a territory belonging to all Nigerians, indigenous communities—largely concentrated in Abuja South—have continued to demand greater inclusion in political representation.

Analysts note that while three of the six senators since 1999 are considered indigenous, their cumulative time in office falls short when compared to their counterparts from Abuja North or non-indigenous backgrounds.

“The issue is not just about who has served, but how long and from where,” a political observer in Abuja noted. “Equity, in this context, is both geographical and cultural.”

The debate has placed the spotlight on the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose internal philosophy emphasizes fairness, justice, and inclusivity.
Supporters of Abuja South’s agitation argue that the party’s credibility will be tested by its willingness to reflect these principles in its candidate selection process. They point to the APC’s broader reliance on zoning and political balancing as a mechanism for managing Nigeria’s diversity.

“There is a moral obligation on the APC to translate into action,” a party chieftain said. “Anything short of that could trigger internal dissent and electoral backlash.”

Complicating the situation is the current political configuration within the FCT. The APC state chairman is widely believed to be from Abuja North, a factor some stakeholders interpret as strengthening the case for micro-zoning the senatorial ticket to the southern axis.

Equally significant is the role of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose influence looms large in the evolving political landscape. Since his appointment, Wike has been credited with accelerating infrastructure development and initiating reforms in traditional institutions across the territory.

While his performance has attracted commendation, political watchers believe his stance could be decisive in shaping the APC’s 2027 strategy in the FCT.

“There is an expectation that the minister, given his emphasis on order and structure, would support a balanced arrangement,” another analyst observed. “Endorsing Abuja South could consolidate political gains and foster unity.”

The FCT remains strategically important—not only as Nigeria’s capital but also as a politically competitive territory. In recent elections, opposition parties have made notable inroads, often capitalizing on internal divisions within dominant parties.

Advocates of zoning warn that ignoring the equity argument could deepen fractures within the APC and create openings for rivals. Conversely, conceding the ticket to Abuja South, they argue, could galvanize grassroots support and improve the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.

Ultimately, the debate over who produces the next FCT senator reflects a broader tension in Nigerian politics—the delicate balance between merit, inclusivity, and political pragmatism.

Adding another layer to the conversation is the current distribution of federal appointments, which critics argue is skewed toward Abuja North, including the ministerial position.

Although the Nigerian Constitution does not mandate zoning, the practice has evolved into an unwritten principle for managing the country’s complex diversity. In the FCT—where questions of identity, ownership, and belonging remain deeply rooted—the stakes are particularly high.

As 2027 approaches, the decision before political actors, especially within the APC, goes beyond candidate selection. It is a defining moment that will test their commitment to fairness, equity, and justice.

For many in Abuja South, the message is unequivocal: the time for inclusion is now. Whether that demand translates into political reality remains to be seen.

By Fr. Joshua Yima Achir

The deepening crisis confronting Nigeria has compelled this open appeal to Catholics in positions of authority, with the hope that conscience, faith and responsibility will converge at a time the nation stands at a critical crossroads.
From rising insecurity to worsening economic hardship and entrenched corruption, the realities on ground have become too urgent to ignore. Across the country, lives are lost daily, families are thrown into mourning, and communities are gripped by fear. Hunger continues to spread, hope is fading among young people, and public trust in institutions is steadily eroding. These are not distant concerns but human tragedies unfolding in real time.
What confronts the nation today is not merely a political or economic challenge, but a profound moral test. It is a moment that demands more than policy responses; it demands conscience, courage and a return to the values that uphold human dignity and the common good.

A Moral Burden Of Leadership

As Catholics entrusted with public office, your responsibility goes beyond governance; it is a call to witness, to bring the light of faith into the realities of public life. Your positions are not separate from your beliefs; rather, they are a direct expression of them.
Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that every human life is sacred and must be protected. The persistent loss of lives and the inability to guarantee security reflect not just a governance failure but a grave moral crisis. Silence or indifference in the face of such suffering cannot be justified. Every Nigerian life, regardless of status, religion or region, carries equal dignity and worth.
The principle of the common good demands that leadership must serve all, not a privileged few. Governance must create conditions where every citizen can live, grow and thrive. Policies and decisions must be measured by their impact on the most vulnerable, not by political advantage or personal gain. At a time when millions struggle to survive, leadership must be reoriented towards justice, inclusion and human dignity.
Solidarity calls for more than distant concern. It requires leaders to stand with the people, to feel their pain, hear their cries and respond with urgency. True leadership cannot afford to be detached or indifferent while citizens struggle to survive. When leaders become distant, suffering deepens and trust erodes.
The preferential option for the poor further underscores the need to prioritise those most affected by hardship. Hunger, unemployment and displacement are not secondary issues; they are central moral concerns that demand immediate attention. The suffering masses must not remain on the margins of decision-making but at its very centre.
Subsidiarity also demands that governance be close to the people, responsive, accountable and rooted in their realities. When authority becomes too distant from those it serves, it loses both effectiveness and legitimacy.

Security As A Sacred Duty

The protection of human life remains the first responsibility of government. Yet, from rural communities to urban centres, Nigerians continue to live under the threat of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
Each life lost is more than a statistic; it is a profound violation of human dignity and a blow to the nation’s conscience. Behind every number is a name, a family, and a future cut short. The continued loss of lives represents not only a security challenge but a moral emergency that demands urgent attention.
The persistence of these attacks signals an urgent need for decisive, coordinated and transparent action. Security must not be reduced to political rhetoric or routine statements. It is a sacred duty that requires genuine commitment.
As leaders, you are called to ensure that every Nigerian can live without fear. This requires strengthening institutions, equipping security agencies with integrity and accountability, addressing the root causes of violence, and restoring public confidence in the system. To delay is to endanger more lives; to ignore is to risk complicity.

Economic Hardship And Human Dignity

Nigeria’s economic realities have reached a point where survival itself has become a daily struggle for many. Rising inflation, unemployment and deepening poverty have placed immense pressure on families, stripping many of the dignity that comes with honest living.
This hardship is not merely an economic issue; it is a moral crisis. When families cannot afford basic needs, when young people lose hope, and when honest work no longer guarantees a decent life, the dignity of the human person is under assault.
An economy must serve people, not the other way round. Policies must be designed to create opportunities, ensure fairness and provide social protection for the most vulnerable. Leadership must prioritise job creation, equitable distribution of resources and sustainable development.
The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, while the majority struggle, raises fundamental moral questions. Economic decisions must reflect equity, justice and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of all citizens. The true measure of leadership lies not in economic statistics alone, but in whether ordinary Nigerians can live with dignity, hope and a sense of possibility.

Confronting Corruption

Corruption remains one of the most damaging obstacles to Nigeria’s progress. It is not merely a legal issue but a moral failure that robs citizens of basic services, weakens institutions and deepens inequality.
Every act of corruption carries human consequences, denying children access to education, limiting healthcare, weakening infrastructure and perpetuating poverty. It is a betrayal of public trust and a direct assault on the common good.
Combating corruption requires more than public declarations; it demands integrity, transparency and the courage to hold individuals accountable. Public office must never be a platform for personal gain but a trust for service.
As Catholics, you are called to a higher standard. Integrity is not optional; it is essential. To tolerate corruption is to betray the people; to confront it is to serve truth and justice.

A Call To Conscience

Catholic teaching is not abstract theory; it is a call to action, especially for those engaged in public life. The Church teaches that the laity are called to shape the social, political and economic order according to moral principles. Your role in governance is therefore not separate from your faith; it is a direct expression of it.
You cannot profess faith and remain unmoved while people suffer. You cannot participate in sacred worship and ignore the brokenness of the society entrusted to your care. Faith must find expression in action.
This is a defining moment. Speak when silence is easier. Act when the cost is high. Stand firmly where justice demands. On security, act with urgency to protect lives. On the economy, place human dignity above all interests. On corruption, embrace zero tolerance and lead by example.
Choose courage over convenience, truth over silence and service over self-interest. Return to the moral teachings that guide both faith and responsibility, and allow them to shape decisions that affect millions.
History will record this moment. The people will remember the choices made. And ultimately, accountability will extend beyond human judgment.
Nigeria still holds on to hope. It is a hope that must find expression in leadership that is guided by conscience, strengthened by courage and committed to the common good. May that hope not be betrayed.

Abdullahi’s Youth-Driven Playbook for National Mobilisation

In a political era where connection with young people increasingly defines influence, few public officials have blended governance and grassroots engagement as effectively as Dr Mustapha Abdullahi. As Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Director of Youth for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Abdullahi has emerged as a compelling figure whose cap, quite fittingly, rests on both policy leadership and youth mobilisation.

At just under a decade into national prominence, Abdullahi represents a new generation of technocrats redefining public service. Appointed in 2023, he has not only overseen critical energy reforms but has also stepped beyond his technical mandate to energise a politically conscious youth base.

His role within the Renewed Hope Ambassadors has placed him at the intersection of governance and political communication. Rather than relying on traditional mobilization tactics, Abdullahi has adopted a more strategic approach—translating government policies into relatable narratives that resonate with young Nigerians. His engagements across forums, policy discussions, and youth-focused platforms have helped position governance achievements as tangible, everyday realities.

Central to his influence is his ability to connect policy with people. Under his leadership at ECN, initiatives around renewable energy, rural electrification, and sustainable development have not only advanced national goals but also created talking points that energise youth participation. These projects, while technical on the surface, serve as powerful tools for mobilising young Nigerians around the broader vision of development and continuity.

Beyond policy advocacy, Abdullahi has actively contributed to youth development through mentorship and community engagement. His involvement in grassroots sports promotion, talent development, and youth-inclusive programmes reflects a broader understanding that mobilisation goes beyond politics—it requires building trust, opportunity, and visibility for young people.

As Director of Youth in the Renewed Hope structure, his influence extends into shaping elite and professional youth opinion—an often overlooked but critical demographic. By engaging young professionals, academics, and industry stakeholders, Abdullahi has helped expand the movement’s appeal beyond conventional political bases, reinforcing credibility and intellectual backing for its agenda.

His recent activities further underline this dual role. From facilitating international partnerships aimed at boosting Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity to championing initiatives that promise job creation and innovation, Abdullahi continues to align national development with youth aspirations. Notably, discussions around establishing solar manufacturing capacity and attracting foreign investment into Nigeria’s energy sector reflect a forward-looking agenda that speaks directly to employment and economic inclusion.

In many ways, Abdullahi embodies a shift in Nigeria’s political ecosystem—where technocrats are no longer confined to boardrooms but are active players in shaping public sentiment. His ability to bridge policy outcomes with youth engagement makes him not just an administrator, but a mobiliser in the truest sense.

When the cap fits, it is worn with purpose. For Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, that cap represents a rare blend of intellect, influence, and youth connection—qualities that continue to define his growing relevance on Nigeria’s national stage.

Former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has officially picked up the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat.

The development signals his formal entry into the race ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle, as political activities continue to gather momentum within the ruling party.

Sani, a rights activist-turned-politician, previously represented Kaduna Central in the Senate and remains a prominent voice in Nigeria’s political landscape. His decision to secure the APC forms is expected to shape the dynamics of the contest in the district, given his grassroots appeal and political experience.

Party stakeholders and observers say the move could trigger heightened competition among aspirants jostling for the APC ticket in Kaduna Central.