The National Democratic Congress, NDC, in Zamfara State has expressed concern over the resurgence of banditry in parts of the state and criticised the Federal Government over what it described as inadequate protection of lives and property.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Gusau by the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Murtala Gusau, the state chairman, Surajo Garba Maikatako, commiserated with communities affected by recent attacks in Zurmi, Maradun and Anka local government areas.

The party also sympathised with security agencies over the death of three police officers killed in an explosion along the Bagega-Anka road.

“The NDC sympathises with security agencies over the death of three police officers as a result of an explosion, and with communities in Zurmi, Maradun and Anka over the resurgence of banditry activities,” the statement said.

According to the party, persistent attacks on communities reflected leadership challenges and underscored the need for improved security measures.

The NDC also expressed concern over comments attributed to the state governor during a BBC interview, in which he reportedly said he did not promise to end insecurity during his election campaign.

The party further commiserated with the Zamfara State Police Command and the families of the three Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, officers who died in the line of duty.

“The party received with shock the death of three gallant EOD police officers. It is an unfortunate incident. Security agencies were advised to step up efforts in the fight against insecurity,” the statement added.

Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, has told Ekiti voters that Nigeria has entered one chance, urging them to use the ballot box to change the country’s direction.

Aregbesola made the remark on Thursday at the party’s mega final rally held at the ADC secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, ahead of Saturday’s June 20, 2026 governorship election.

Addressing supporters, Aregbesola said Nigerians are facing economic hardship and governance challenges, adding that citizens have a responsibility to determine the country’s future through their votes.

He urged women, youths and other eligible voters not to stay away from the polls, expressing confidence that the ADC would emerge victorious in the election.

Also speaking, the ADC governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Ambassador Dare Bejide, assured residents that his administration would fulfil all campaign promises if elected. He urged voters to come out in large numbers to support the party.

The event was attended by the ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu; former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; the party’s National Financial Secretary, Dr. Mani Balarabe Rufai; Engr. Jide Adeniji and other stakeholders.

A former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Information in the State, Akin Omole, alleged that the party encountered difficulties in securing public facilities for earlier campaign activities, but said the challenge would not prevent victory.

Speaking with journalists, the ADC candidate for Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Funsho Ayeni, described the turnout at the rally as evidence that Nigerians are tired of insecurity, poverty and poor governance.

Ayeni urged eligible voters, particularly youths, to exercise their civic responsibility and use their Permanent Voter Cards to shape the future of Ekiti State, insisting that the ballot remains the most effective tool for demanding better governance.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced it will not be participating in the forthcoming local government election in the state.

The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on Thursday in Ibadan.

The local government election in the state has been fixed for December 2026, but the APC, in its argument, described the decision to conduct the election as illegal, ill-conceived and self-serving.

Sadare said the decision will further worsen the current situation of things at the grassroots level in the state, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy.

He alleged that such action means that Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving the office.

“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything. He has feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years and the people cannot wait for him to leave in May for the third tier of government to regain their freedom.

“The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House and he knows he cannot do this after the conduct of the 2027 general elections, which outcome would strip him of all political power and influence.”