A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Aisha Yesufu, on Wednesday disclosed that she begged former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to be the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s running mate four years ago.

Yesufu, who noted that some things take longer than they should, vowed never to be distracted in her support for Obi and Kwankwaso.

Posting on X, the activist wrote: “Some things in life take longer than they should. Like the saying goes, better late than never.

“4 years ago I literally begged @KwankwasoRM to be Peter Obi’s running mate.

“Now that it is happening, you think I am going to be distracted? No way. Let’s get it done.”

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has presented Certificates of Return to its governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The certificates were presented at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja, which brought together members of the interim National Working Committee, iNWC, the Board of Trustees, BoT, state chairmen, and governorship candidates.

The event was presided over by the National Chairman of the iNWC, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

Speaking on behalf of the state chairmen, Dupe Aisida, Esq., said,”The INWC is the oxygen of the party”, noting that the committee has been providing everything required for the sustenance of the party at the state levels.

He applauded the INWC for its vision and determination, adding that its focus on moving forward despite all odds has enabled the party to achieve this milestone.

According to him, “Even though nobody thought the party could survive the onslaught of the APC Federal Government which had made things difficult for both the opposition and the country, the INWC weathered the storm and kept the party on its feet.”

The high point of the event was the formal presentation of Certificates of Return to all gubernatorial candidates by the iNWC.

This presentation marks the official ratification of the candidates’ victories following the party’s recent primary elections.

Responding on behalf of the gubernatorial candidates, Barr. Benedict Etanabene said, “We did not take any risk by picking tickets under the Turaki-led PDP, because as a lawyer i know that this is the authentic and mainstream party.”

He also commended the PDP leadership under Turaki, adding that the only time Nigerians experienced meaningful leadership was when the presidential candidate of the party, Goodluck Jonathan, was at the helm of affairs as President of the country.

The gubernatorial candidate of the party for Adamawa State also commended the leadership for its impeccable management of the party.

Andrew expressed optimism that the party under the leadership of Kabiru Turaki will not only win at the state levels but will also secure victory at the national level.

The candidates assured the party of their commitment and pledged to continue supporting and working with the leadership ahead of the general elections.

Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan has called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders at the State Police Headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday, CP Gotan said all political actors must work collectively to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.

The police commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the police and other relevant security agencies before organising rallies, campaigns, processions or political gatherings across the state.

According to him, early notification would enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic and prevent clashes during political activities.

“Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time. The importance of cooperation between political actors and law enforcement agencies,” he added.

The CP also condemned the destruction, defacement and removal of opponents’ billboards, banners, posters and other campaign materials, describing such actions as unlawful and capable of provoking retaliation and political tension.

“Political competition should be based on ideas, policies and programmes, not on the destruction of property belonging to opponents,” he stated.

The commissioner advised political parties to avoid late-night rallies and campaign activities, noting that such events often pose security challenges, increase the risk of criminal activities and make effective monitoring difficult.

He said all campaign activities, rallies, public engagements and political communications must strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws, adding that no individual or political group is above the law.

Gotan also warned against thuggery, gangsterism and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs, saying violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.

He called on political leaders to caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace and urged them not to provide support or protection to individuals engaged in criminal conduct.

The police commissioner equally warned against hate speech, inflammatory remarks and inciting statements, saying such comments could provoke violence, deepen divisions and undermine the peaceful atmosphere required for a successful election.

He urged all stakeholders to embrace peaceful coexistence before, during and after the poll, adding that the people of Osun State deserve a free, fair, credible and peaceful election.