News
Group Endorses Chun Ezekiel John for Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Seat, Pledges to Purchase APC Forms
A political support group, Progressive Minds of Zabot Ward in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, has endorsed Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John (CJ) for the Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency seat ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The group, operating under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also pledged to purchase the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the aspirant, citing his competence and leadership capacity as reasons for their support.
Speaking on behalf of the group, leader of the delegation, Hon. Elder Dung Stephen Gwong, said the endorsement followed a careful assessment of all aspirants, adding that Chun Ezekiel John emerged as the most suitable candidate to represent the constituency.
Gwong explained that the group, comprising over 2,000 APC members including men, women, and youths, was impressed by the aspirant’s vision and preparedness, particularly during a recent stakeholders’ engagement in Zabot where he outlined plans for inclusive and people-centered representation.
He emphasized that the decision was driven by the need for quality leadership, noting that Chun John possesses the experience, grassroots connection, and capacity required to effectively represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
“As a demonstration of our commitment, we will purchase the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for him and urge him to contest. We assure him of our full support,” Gwong stated.
Also speaking, Hon. Ayuba Hwere, a former Majority Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, described Chun Ezekiel John as a grassroots-oriented leader who has remained accessible and supportive to the people, especially during periods of insecurity.
On behalf of the women, the Ward Woman Leader, Mary Gyang, called for unity among members in support of the aspirant’s ambition, urging him to prioritize empowerment and security if elected.
Similarly, youth representative, Comrade Hwere David Ayuba, commended Chun Ezekiel John for his consistent efforts in empowering young people, noting that his leadership qualities have been evident even without holding elective office.
Responding, Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John expressed appreciation to the people of Zabot Ward for the endorsement, describing their decision to purchase his nomination forms as a rare demonstration of trust and confidence.
He said the gesture reflects the people’s belief in his vision and commitment to service, assuring them that he would not take their support for granted.
“I am deeply humbled by this show of support. It is a strong indication that the people desire a new direction, and I am ready to serve with dedication and purpose,” he said.
The aspirant added that the growing wave of endorsements across wards signals increasing momentum for his ambition, pledging to deliver effective representation if elected.
Nigeria’s Falconets have completed their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against South Korea U-20 in their final warm-up match in Poland.
Sports247 reports that the encounter provided Nigeria’s coaching crew with one last opportunity to assess the squad before the team begins its campaign at the global tournament.
Mary Mamudu put the Falconets ahead in the 29th minute, giving Nigeria a deserved advantage as the young West Africans looked to finish their preparations on a winning note.
South Korea, however, fought back after the interval and eventually drew level from the penalty spot in the 78th minute. Neither side could find a winning goal thereafter, leaving the two teams to share the spoils in a competitive final test.
The result means Nigeria conclude their Poland-based friendly programme with one victory and one draw, providing valuable match experience ahead of the World Cup.
The Falconets have been preparing extensively for the tournament following a successful qualification campaign in which they overcame Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 on aggregate and Malawi 3-2 on aggregate.
Nigeria will now shift their attention fully to their opening Group F fixture against Spain on September 7. The team will subsequently face China PR on September 10 before rounding off the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.
Nigeria remain the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, underlining the country’s remarkable consistency at the youth level.
The Falconets have also come agonizingly close to lifting the trophy, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. Their latest campaign therefore presents another opportunity for Nigeria to pursue a first-ever world title in the competition.
The draw against South Korea will give the technical crew plenty to analyze as the final preparations are completed, particularly with the opening game against Spain now approaching.
With the warm-up fixtures behind them, the Falconets can now focus on the task ahead in Poland. The preparations are over. The World Cup journey begins on September 7.
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