News
2027: SDP questions Bago’s re-election bid amid mass abductions
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Niger State has questioned Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's decision to commence his 2027 re-election campaign amid reports that hundreds of residents abducted by bandits are still being held captive across the state.
The party said the governor should prioritise efforts to secure the release of the victims, arguing that residents facing persistent insecurity deserve answers about their safety before another election campaign.
In a statement issued in Minna on Friday, the spokesperson for the SDP governorship campaign council, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, described the timing of the governor's campaign flag-off as insensitive to families whose relatives remain in captivity.
Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, urged Bago to suspend his re-election campaign until abducted residents were rescued and reunited with their families.
He claimed that more than 500 people, including women, children and men, were still being held by bandits in different parts of the state.
Giving a breakdown, Vatsa listed about 500 worshippers reportedly abducted during Friday Jummat prayers in Dakera community, Borgu Local Government Area, 16 Islamic students allegedly kidnapped from Maikujere in Rafi Local Government Area on October 30, 2026, and 47 women reportedly abducted from their farms in Mariga Local Government Area.
He alleged that about 30 of the worshippers abducted from Dakera had died in captivity, while the remaining victims were still being held by their captors.
The SDP spokesperson also raised concerns over the alleged abduction of a girl identified as Aisha from Lavun Local Government Area, who he claimed was kidnapped while returning from Kontagora after collecting her certificate.
According to him, the girl could be forced into marriage with one of her captors because her parents could not afford the ransom demanded for her release.
Vatsa said the cases listed by the party might not represent the full number of residents being held by armed groups across Niger State, adding that several other abductions might have gone unreported.
He questioned how the government could seek another mandate without adequately addressing the security situation confronting communities, insisting that the protection of lives and property remained its primary responsibility.
The opposition spokesperson also accused the governor of failing to visit communities affected by attacks to sympathise with victims and their families, despite the reported killings, abductions and displacement.
He particularly questioned the decision to schedule campaign activities in communities affected by banditry, arguing that residents needed the governor's presence during their moments of distress.
"When the people needed you as their leader for protection, you were not there for them. The question is, what are you going to tell them?" Vatsa asked.
He further criticised what he described as abandoned projects and a lack of visible achievements by the state government, attributing the extensive use of campaign banners to an attempt to draw attention to the administration's re-election bid.
The SDP spokesperson maintained that the governor should be judged by his record in office, particularly his handling of insecurity and other challenges affecting residents.
Efforts to reach the Niger State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, for the government's response to the allegations were unsuccessful, as calls placed to his telephone line were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
2027: SDP questions Bago’s re-election bid amid mass abductions
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, over his comments on its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying he lacks the moral authority to lecture others on national unity.
The party accused Wike of contributing to political divisions and instability through his political activities, particularly in Rivers State.
The NDC spokesperson for the National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, stated this in a statement in response to Wike's criticism of Obi over his action during the singing of the national anthem.
Wike had accused Obi of disrespecting Nigeria by remaining seated while the current national anthem was being sung at a town hall meeting in Lagos, but standing when the old national anthem was rendered.
He described the action as lawless and alleged that it showed Obi did not believe in Nigeria.
However, the NDC said Wike should examine his own political record before questioning Obi's commitment to national unity.
"Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. It is extraordinary that someone whose political conduct in and outside Rivers State has been widely associated with deep divisions, political upheaval and prolonged instability can suddenly appoint himself the moral referee of Nigerian politics," Ikokwu said.
The party also accused the minister of contributing to political controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State and engaging in political manoeuvring across party lines.
The party argued that Wike was in no position to preach political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership to others without first addressing issues within his own political camp.
"The singing of the old national anthem in Lagos was spontaneous and initiated by the people themselves. It was neither planned nor organised by anyone. If you watch another part of the video, you will also see that they went on to sing the current national anthem.
"Wike should stop distracting Nigerians with the anthem issue and focus on the failures of the government he is trying so hard to defend. What matters to Nigerians ahead of this election is the economy and the crippling hardship inflicted by the APC government," the statement said.
The party maintained that economic hardship and the state of the economy should take priority in discussions ahead of the January 16, 2027, election.
Wike has no moral authority to lecture Obi on national unity – NDC
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have demonstrated their attacking strength despite the absence of their leading striker, Victor Osimhen, following a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Sports247 reports that Tolu Arokodare delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice in the second half to help Nigeria secure all three points and overcome the challenge posed by the Tanzanian side.
Nigeria made an encouraging start to the encounter, with Alhassan Yusuf opening the scoring in the second minute after connecting with a move involving Ademola Lookman. However, Tanzania responded through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute to restore parity before the half-time break.
With Osimhen unavailable due to injury, attention was on how Eric Chelle’s men would approach the game without one of their most influential attacking players. The Galatasaray forward has remained a major figure for Nigeria, offering goalscoring ability, physical presence and experience in important international encounters.
However, Arokodare made the most of his opportunity, restoring Nigeria’s lead in the 53rd minute before completing his brace seven minutes later. His contribution demonstrated the attacking options available to the Super Eagles and provided encouragement for the coaching crew as they continue to assess their forward line.
Meanwhile, the absence of Osimhen has also raised discussions about Nigeria’s attacking depth and whether Arokodare can establish himself as a dependable alternative whenever the first-choice striker is unavailable. Although Osimhen’s importance to the national team remains unquestionable, the performance against Tanzania showed that Nigeria can still produce goals through other attacking options.
Sports247 gathered that Arokodare’s display could spark fresh conversations among Nigerian football supporters about the competition for the centre-forward position, particularly when Osimhen returns to full fitness.
With the Super Eagles set to face Tanzania again in the return fixture on November 17, attention will be on whether Arokodare can maintain his impressive form and continue making his case for a more prominent role in the Nigerian national team.
-
News4 days agoAPM holds Presidential Campaign in Plateau, Pledges Security and Economic Reset
-
News1 day ago
UNIJOS Appoints Patricia Lar as First Female Vice-Chancellor
-
News2 days ago
NiYA: Nigeria Awards ₦49m grants to 17 young entrepreneurs – Technology Times
-
News4 days ago
APM Flags Off State-by-State Campaign in Jos, Pledges Security, Economic Recovery
