Margaret Inusa Yahaya has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She emerged through a consensus and affirmation process during the party’s governorship primary election held on Tuesday at the Tanjuriel Elite Stars Model Academy School Hall along Old Airport Road in Jos.
Party stakeholders, zonal leaders, supporters, and officials unanimously endorsed Yahaya following consultations and agreements reached across the party’s zonal congresses in the state.
Margaret Inusa Yahaya
Speaking with journalists after her emergence, Yahaya described her candidacy as a call to serve the people of Plateau State and not a contest based on gender.
According to her, leadership should be based on ability, competence, and the willingness to address the challenges facing the people.
She noted that this would be her second attempt at contesting for the governorship position, recalling that she previously contested in 2019.
“We are not talking about whether women can do better than men. It is about potential, ability, and the will to provide what the people need,” she said.
The SDP governorship candidate expressed concern over insecurity, killings, and economic hardship affecting communities across Plateau State, including Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Wase, and Bokkos local government areas.
She said her administration, if elected, would prioritise the welfare and security of the people under a “People First” agenda.
Yahaya also stressed the role of women in peacebuilding and governance, noting that women often bear the greater burden during crises and conflicts.
Describing herself as a pastor, mother, and ambassador for peace, she said her experience and compassion would guide her leadership style.
She called on residents of Plateau State to support the SDP, promising what she described as a new political direction for the state.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of the SDP, Zim Philip Jibi, described the party as a new dawn for the people of Plateau.
“Our message is simple and clear. Plateau people, there is a new dawn on the Plateau, and that new dawn is SDP,” he said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.
Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.
The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.
He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.
Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.
“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.
Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.
APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.
A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.
He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.
Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.
Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.
During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.
The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.
His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.
Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.
The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.
For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.
Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.
With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.