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APC House of Representatives Primary: Esther Danboyi Campaign Alleges Irregularities, Demands Fresh Elections in Affected Wards
The Divine Mandate for a Renewed Hope Campaign Organization of Hon. Esther Bitrus Danboyi has alleged widespread irregularities in the just-concluded APC House of Representatives primary election for Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, calling on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate the exercise and order fresh elections in affected wards.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Media Director of the campaign organization, Noro Stephen, said the campaign remained committed to democracy, justice, equity, fairness, and the rule of law, but expressed concern over what she described as disruptions and manipulations that marred the primary election process.
Stephen commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, party members, security agencies, and electoral officials for their roles in ensuring peace during the exercise despite challenges encountered.
She, however, alleged that reports from voters, ward officials, and evidence gathered from the field indicated that the election was characterized by widespread irregularities across several wards in Jos South and Jos East Local Government Areas.
According to her, elections in Jos South LGA were successfully concluded in only five wards including Gyel A, Gyel B, Zawan A, Kuru A, and Kuru B, while other wards reportedly experienced disruptions that allegedly compromised the credibility of the process.
She specifically mentioned Vwang, Turu, Giring, Zawan B, and Bukuru wards, where political thugs allegedly linked to supporters of another aspirant disrupted the process, snatched result sheets, intimidated voters and agents, and interfered with the collation of results.
The campaign organization further alleged that similar incidents occurred in Du District, particularly in Du and Shen wards, where voting was reportedly progressing peacefully before being disrupted.
In Jos East LGA, the campaign claimed that elections were concluded in only three out of the ten federal wards, while wards such as Shere East, Shere West, Federe, Jarawan Kogi, Maijuju Doss, Fobur A, and Fobur B allegedly failed to conduct credible elections due to disruptions and irregularities.
The group maintained that hundreds of party members were disenfranchised, adding that the outcome announced could not be said to reflect the genuine wishes of party members.
Among the concerns raised by the campaign organization were the alleged manipulation and snatching of result sheets, intimidation and harassment of voters, disruption of voting processes, disenfranchisement of party members, and violations of internal party democracy.
The campaign called on the APC National Working Committee to immediately investigate the reported irregularities, review ward reports and testimonies, sanction those responsible for disrupting the process, nullify results from affected wards, and conduct fresh and credible elections where voters were allegedly denied the opportunity to participate.
The organization stressed that its position was not driven by personal animosity but by a commitment to protecting democracy, justice, transparency, and accountability within the party.
“We remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to pursuing all constitutional and party mechanisms in seeking redress,” Stephen stated.
Also speaking, Director General of the Campaign Council, Hon. Daniel Kinbeng Mancha, alleged that Hon. Esther Bitrus Danboyi won the primary election conducted on Saturday, May 16, but claimed the process was manipulated in favour of another candidate.
Mancha said the campaign monitored results from across the constituency and believed the outcome did not reflect the actual votes cast. He disclosed that the campaign had already submitted a petition to the APC Appeal Committee and expressed confidence in getting a fair hearing.
The campaign organization called on the APC leadership to act swiftly and impartially in resolving the matter, insisting that justice, fairness, transparency, and accountability must prevail in the interest of democracy and party unity.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on Nigerians to strengthen support for breastfeeding by creating enabling environments for mothers at home, in communities, healthcare facilities and workplaces.
The ministry made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, ahead of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The global event, observed annually from 1 to 7 August, will be commemorated this year under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Mr Bako said the theme highlights the need to build on proven strategies that have improved breastfeeding practices while advancing better nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
He described breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health, noting that it provides optimal nutrition for infants, strengthens immunity and supports healthy brain development.
“Breastfeeding supports healthy brain development, improves child survival and contributes significantly to human capital development and national productivity,” he said.
Mr Bako added that promoting and protecting breastfeeding also reduced healthcare costs, while advancing food security and social equity.
The ministry emphasises that every mother deserves the support needed to breastfeed successfully.
“Families, healthcare providers, employers, communities and policymakers all have critical roles in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive adequate care, encouragement and workplace support,” he said.
Mr Bako reiterated the ministry’s recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
He also emphasised the introduction of appropriate complementary foods from six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years old or beyond.
He noted that breastmilk remained the ideal food for infants because it was safe, readily available, affordable and hygienic, while providing the first line of protection against many common childhood illnesses.
READ ALSO: UNICEF advocates exclusive breastfeeding to protect children against diphtheria
According to him, increased breastfeeding also helps families avoid the high financial burden associated with infant formula and preventable diseases.
Mr Bako said activities lined up for the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week would be held nationwide and include a national commemoration on 3 August.
Other activities, he said, include a media conference by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, community outreach programmes among others.
He called on Nigerians to support mothers in breastfeeding according to national recommendations.
“Collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria,” Mr Bako said. (NAN)
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