The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has told the government of the day that Nigerians seek and deserve the dividends of democracy rather than the violent deaths of numerous individuals and widespread devastation.

The party made the statement in response to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s acquisition of surveillance aircraft to enhance security operations within the state.

The two DA 42 MNG model aircraft are reported to possess the capability to identify targets from both high and low altitudes.

A statement issued by Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the National Chairman of the APM and also the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), emphasized that governance should prioritize the welfare of citizens.

He said that, if utilized effectively, the aircraft would support the efforts of the nation’s security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps, in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities in Oyo State.

The APM, under which Governor Makinde is reportedly campaigning for the presidency in 2027, urged governments to prioritize the safety of lives and property over political interests.

“The well-being of the populace is the essence of democratic governance,” the party stated. “Nigerians seek and deserve the dividends of democracy, not violence.

“Together, we will establish a robust, stable, progressive, equitable and dignified democratic society that future generations will take pride in.”

The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, says joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is like boarding Prophet Noah’s Ark.

Governor Namadi stated this while commenting after receiving the Minority Leader of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Ibrahim, who defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC.

Before his defection, Hon. Kabiru Ibrahim, who represents Birnin Kudu Constituency, was the only House of Assembly member from the opposition PDP.

Governor Namadi explained that in Jigawa, anyone interested in politics should join the APC.

“Today in Jigawa, if you want to engage in politics and you are not joining the APC, you are wasting your time.

“Therefore, the APC is like Prophet Noah’s Ark. Once it starts moving, if Allah helps you board, you have to thank the Almighty for giving you the opportunity to join.

“We thank Allah for the tremendous successes He has continued to grant us through the overwhelming support we are receiving from everywhere,” he said.

To Hon. Ibrahim, the governor said, “Your return brings to the end of opposition in the Jigawa State House of Assembly. No more opposition member. The whole state Assembly is now for APC.”

Earlier, Hon. Kabiru Ibrahim said he joined the ruling APC due to its good manifesto and the leadership style of Governor Umar Namadi.

He said that before his defection, he consulted his followers, who all agreed to join him, including some PDP ward and local government executives.

He promised to do his best to ensure the party remained victorious in the coming general election.

The state chairman of the party, Ahmad Garba, assured the lawmaker and other defectors of equal opportunities with other APC members.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over his comment that he was prepared to ‘fight to the finish’ politically.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party stated that Tinubu should direct that resolve against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers instead of the opposition.

The ADC said with the incessant killings and kidnappings in various parts of the country, Nigerians are looking to the President for decisive action against insecurity, not another political showdown with his opponents.

According to the opposition, Tinubu’s remarks were troubling, noting that they came during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, only hours after gunmen killed at least 30 people in Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Nigerians did not elect a Commander-in-Chief to become the nation’s chief issuer of condolence statements.

“Mr President, the fight Nigerians elected you to lead is not against the opposition. It is against the terrorists, kidnappers and armed criminals who continue to kill innocent citizens and destabilise communities across the country,” the ADC said in the statement.

According to the ADC, the attack on Naridon village left homes burnt, families displaced and yet another community devastated by violence, arguing that such tragedies demanded stronger action from the Federal Government.