News
Diket Plang Seeks Re-election, Solicits Grassroot Support Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang, has declared his intention to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for support and blessings from his constituents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Plang made this known on Monday, May 4, during a consultative visit to Pankshin Local Government Area, where he met with traditional, political, and party leaders as part of efforts to formally notify stakeholders of his ambition.
During the visit, the lawmaker presented his nomination and expression of interest forms to the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Golit Ngolong Ngas, seeking royal blessings for his re-election bid. He emphasized the importance of continuity, noting that a second term would enable him to consolidate on legislative efforts and deliver more dividends to his constituency.
According to him, his return to the Senate would ensure the completion and advancement of several key bills, including proposals for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Kanke, a National Eye Centre in Mangu, and an irrigation and water management institute, among others.
He also highlighted his achievements in office, including sponsorship of multiple bills, some of which have passed third reading, as well as motions addressing infrastructure and insecurity within the region.
“Four years is often not enough to fully maximize legislative opportunities. A second term offers the experience and network needed to attract more development to our people,” he said.
In his response, the Ngolong Ngas commended the senator’s performance and offered prayers for his success, urging political actors to embrace peaceful engagement and unity. He also advised on the need for understanding and cooperation within the political space to ensure continuity and development.
The senator also visited the Chairman of Pankshin LGA, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, who praised Plang’s humility and political trajectory, describing his leadership style as exemplary. He assured the senator of the council’s support and prayers for the success of his ambition.
Stakeholders, including party leaders and community representatives, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Plang’s experience and legislative strides position him for a more impactful second term.
A former APC chairman, Chief Maichibi Vwarji, described the visit as a demonstration of accountability, stating that the senator’s engagement with his constituents reflects strong grassroots connection and political responsibility.
Also speaking, a stakeholder, Evangelist Dr. Sam Mbok, noted that the senator’s return to seek blessings from traditional and political leaders underscores respect for local structures and the importance of community endorsement in the political process.
Support groups, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities from across the zone, pledged their backing for Plang’s re-election bid, citing his performance and inclusiveness in representation.
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.
Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.
"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said
The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.
Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.
Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.
Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.
2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas
-
News2 days agoUNIJOS Appoints Patricia Lar as First Female Vice-Chancellor
-
News3 days ago
NiYA: Nigeria Awards ₦49m grants to 17 young entrepreneurs – Technology Times
-
News2 days ago
Democrats launch Nvidia investigation, write scathing letter on Huang’s ‘scheme’ with Trump
-
Health3 days ago
Seven organisations pledge $65m to reduce maternal, newborn deaths in Nigeria
