A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has strengthened the party’s support base across Northern Nigeria.

In a statement he personally signed on Saturday, Kwankwaso said the decision had boosted the confidence of APC members and supporters in the region following the submission of the Tinubu-Shettima nomination forms to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja.

According to him, retaining Shettima has also disappointed those who expected the President to replace the Vice President ahead of the 2027 election.

“President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima is the best development for the North and the APC. It has further united the region and strengthened the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.

Kwankwaso praised Shettima for what he described as his efforts to promote unity in Northern Nigeria and his support for the policies of the Tinubu administration.

“We have seen how Vice President Kashim Shettima has worked tirelessly to promote unity in the North despite attempts by some individuals to create division. He has also represented President Tinubu creditably at various international engagements,” he said.

The APC chieftain expressed confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket would receive massive support from Northern voters during the 2027 general election.

He added that the decision would not only improve the party’s chances in the presidential race but also strengthen APC candidates contesting governorship, National Assembly and other elective positions across the region.

“Retaining Shettima is a strategic decision that will further consolidate the APC’s support base in the North and enhance the party’s electoral prospects at all levels,” Kwankwaso added.

By John Alechenu

ABUJA – Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, has explained that the selection of Hajja Bintu Konto as his running mate for the 2027 election was driven solely by competence and national interest.

In a statement issued in Abuja, on Saturday Okereke described Konto’s nomination, ratified by the party’s leadership, as “another defining moment” in the party’s push for a “Nigerians First” government.

He said, “Today marks another defining moment in our collective journey to build a Nigeria that works for Nigerians. It is with gratitude to God and a sense of duty that I congratulate Hajja Bintu Konto as my Vice Presidential Candidate.”

The LP Presidential candidate said the decision was guided by one consideration- “the best interests of Nigeria and Nigerians.” This, he added aligns with the Labour Party’s commitment to competence, integrity, inclusion and transformational leadership.

He described Konto as a nurse, public health specialist, humanitarian and development expert with a career devoted to improving lives and strengthening communities.

According to him, “Her credentials, expertise and record in public health, humanitarian response and development made this choice compelling and timely,” he said. “I have no doubt she will add extraordinary value to our ticket and, by God’s grace, to governance.”

Okereke stressed that the LP campaign is built on a “Nigerians First” philosophy that places citizens’ welfare, security, dignity and prosperity above all else.

“Leadership must be guided not by sentiment, patronage, ethnicity, religion or gender, but by competence, character and capacity to deliver results,” he stated.

He said Konto was not picked because she is a woman, but because she is qualified and prepared to serve as Vice President.

“This shows our conviction that when merit counts, capable women will occupy their rightful place at the highest levels of leadership,” he said.

According to him, excluding women weakens national capacity. “Nations that use the talents of both men and women build stronger institutions and more inclusive democracies. Women are indispensable partners in building the Nigeria we want. Leaving them behind is like clapping with one hand.”

Okereke equally said Konto has demonstrated courage, resilience, compassion and professional excellence in service. “She represents the values of integrity, service, inclusion and transformational leadership we want in government.”

The LP candidate expressed gratitude to Labour Party leaders, including, Dr. Alex Otti; National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman; and National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, for supporting the ticket.

He also urged party members and Nigerians to support the effort to build a just, secure and prosperous country.

“Together, we shall restore trust, inspire hope and build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, dignity and prosperity,” he said

Several youths in Benin metropolis on Saturday shunned the Edo State local government election, opting to play football instead, as voter apathy and low turnout characterised the exercise across many polling units in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the youths, who are of voting age, said they decided not to participate in the election because they had little interest in the electoral process and believed there was no real political competition.

The election was conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to elect chairmen for the 18 local government councils and councillors for the 192 wards.

DAILY POST also observed that, besides the youths, some market women and traders shunned the election and instead went about their businesses.

The youths were seen playing football in Oredo and Egor Local Government Areas of Benin metropolis.

They were playing football on the field of Uselu Secondary School, the voting centre for Polling Units 1 to 10, Ward 8, Egor Local Government Area, while voting was ongoing.

A similar situation was observed in Ward 4 opposite Emokpae Primary School, Mission Road, and along Forestry Street in Ward 12 near the premises of the Edo City Transport Service, where several polling units were located.

The youths mounted goalposts and played football in different groups.

Speaking, one of the players, Samson Osagie, said he was not motivated to participate in the election, describing it as lacking genuine political competition.

According to him, the election had already been decided because the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the only major political party participating.

“We do not even know some of the candidates in the election,” he said.

Also speaking, Thompson Momoh attributed his absence from the polling unit to his inability to obtain his Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

“I just registered for my voter’s card and it is yet to be ready. If it is ready before the 2027 election, I will vote.

“Meanwhile, I joined the football match because there is a restriction order and I can’t go to work today,” he added.

On his part, Paul Omoregie said he participated in the football match because it was part of his regular weekend routine.

Omoregie explained that he played football at the venue every Saturday and that this Saturday would not be an exception.

Some traders were also seen at Oba Market, Lagos Street, Ebiwe, Mission Road and Forestry Street displaying their wares for sale while the election was in progress.