A political support group under the banner of Progressive Mind of Zabot Ward in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John (CJ) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The group publicly endorsed his ambition to represent Barkin Ladi-Riyom Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strong show of commitment, the group also promised to purchase the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the aspirant, describing him as a credible and capable leader with the vision to deliver quality representation to the people of the constituency.
Leading the group, Hon. Elder Dung Stephen Gwong said the Progressive Minds of Zabot Ward, made up of over 2,000 APC members across men, women, and youths, had carefully assessed all aspirants and found Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John best suited to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
He explained that the endorsement followed a thorough evaluation of the aspirant’s vision, competence, and readiness, especially after his recent stakeholders’ engagement in Zabot, where he clearly outlined plans for effective and people-centered representation.
Gwong noted that the group’s decision was driven by the need for quality leadership, stressing that Chun John possesses the capacity, experience, and grassroots connection required to deliver meaningful representation at the National Assembly.
As a demonstration of their commitment, he announced that the group would purchase the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the aspirant, urging him to step forward and contest while assuring him of their full support.
Hon. Ayuba Hwere, a former Majority Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a grassroots leader who is always present and supportive, especially during times of insecurity, noting that his closeness to the people and consistent interventions make him fit to represent the constituency.
On behalf of the women, Mary Gyang, the Woman Leader, urged members of the ward to rally behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John, calling for unity in support of his ambition. She appealed to the aspirant to prioritize empowerment and security if elected, and prayed for God’s guidance and success in his political journey.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Comr. Hwere David Ayuba described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a resilient and impactful leader who has consistently empowered young people through various initiatives, noting that even without holding elective office, he has demonstrated strong leadership and capacity, making him a worthy choice to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
Responding, Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John expressed deep appreciation to the people of Zabot Ward, describing their endorsement and decision to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms as a rare show of love and confidence in his vision.
He said the gesture came as a surprise, noting that the willingness of an entire ward to take such responsibility reflects their belief in his capacity to deliver and their commitment to the movement.
The aspirant assured the group that he would not take their support for granted, pledging to justify the trust reposed in him if given the opportunity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
He further emphasized that the growing endorsements from different wards signal that the time is right for a new direction, adding that he is ready to step forward and serve the people with dedication and purpose.
The event was concluded with a special prayer for the aspirant for Gods divine guidance and protection towards his political ambitions.
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Bala Yusuf, a native of Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, for allegedly attempting to kill a driver and steal his vehicle.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Habib.
According to the statement, the suspect hired the driver to transport him from Abuja to Jos. Upon arriving in Jos, the suspect allegedly persuaded the driver to continue the journey to Bauchi under the pretext of visiting his family.
The statement said that after reaching Bauchi, the suspect allegedly laced the driver’s food with sleeping pills and attempted to flee with the vehicle, which was valued at about N5 million.
“The suspect was apprehended in possession of the vehicle, while the victim was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for medical attention,” the statement added.
The command further stated that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident before the suspect is charged to court.
The member representing Pankshin Kanam Kanke constituency, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has said his achievements in office should be the primary basis for judging his leadership, declaring that his record of service speaks for itself as he embarked on his ward-to-ward consultations across his constituency ahead of the APC primary election.
Gagdi made the remark during his recent visits to federal wards, in Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke LGAs, where he met with party members, traditional leaders, and constituents.
Addressing stakeholders in the various wards, the lawmaker said he prefers to rely on his track record rather than make fresh promises, insisting that residents have already seen the impact of his representation.
“My record speaks for me. The people have seen what I have done already. If given another opportunity, I will do even better than what I have done in the last seven years,” he said.
He cited ongoing and completed projects across the constituency, including the modern primary healthcare centre in Gyangyan and community hall projects in several wards, as evidence of his commitment to development.
Gagdi who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, also stressed that leadership must remain rooted in the grassroots, explaining that his consultations were designed to keep him connected to the people who elected him into office.
“This visitation is not even about campaigning. It is about keeping in touch with the people who voted me into office. I do not want to feel too big to relate with the people the way I have always done,” he added.
He urged constituents to reject divisive politics and instead prioritize performance, capacity, and tangible contributions to community development when choosing leaders.
According to him, his interventions have also included educational support programmes, empowerment initiatives, and payment of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for students across the constituency.
Gagdi further assured residents of continued development support in communities such as Dawaki, Nemel, and Kabwir, including planned community hall projects where land has already been secured.
He also pledged neutrality in future local government chairmanship contests, while reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity, and progress in the constituency.
Party leaders across the visited wards commended his developmental efforts and expressed support for his continued representation, calling for unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ward-to-ward consultations, according to him, are part of efforts to strengthen grassroots trust, consolidate support, and maintain close contact with constituents ahead of the party’s primary election.