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By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  A major political coalition representing all 17 local government areas of Yobe State has officially endorsed governorship aspirant Baba Malam Wali for the 2027 election, claiming that two prominent senators have agreed to step down in his favor. The Coalition of 17 Local Government Areas Progressive Movement (COLGAS) announced its unconditional support for Wali on Saturday during a solidarity gathering in Damaturu. Speaking at the event, COLGAS Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Musa Potiskum, declared that the coalition is "100 percent behind" Wali, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam. He commended Senators Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Musa Mustapha for what he described as their courage in accepting to step down from the governorship contest based on the choice of APC stakeholders in the state. Potiskum cited former Yobe Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Baba Mal...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The former Inspector General of Police, Alh. Usman Baba Alkali, has picked up his nomination form to contest for the governorship of Yobe State. Speaking with journalists in Damaturu, Alkali said he arrived in the state capital over the weekend to show the people that he is fully prepared to compete for the party’s ticket. According to Alkali, he met some of his colleagues who are also aspiring for the same position, and four of them had already purchased the form. He noted that this development means the proposed consensus agreement has failed. "I therefore obtained the form to join the movement.I am here in Damaturu to verify that the forms are valid, as I had to consult the rules and local authorities elsewhere. "No one has ever shown me where to sign or even asked me to speak. That is why I tell you that the consensus arrangement has failed. " I clearly understood what the national president of our party said that consensus mea...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The Yobe Youths Forum has thrown its weight behind Alhaji Baba Malam Wali as the consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general election in Yobe State. The endorsement was announced on Thursday during a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Damaturu. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the forum, Dr. Mohammed Alkali Dilala, stated that the youth of Yobe are speaking with a unified and purposeful voice. He explained that after extensive consultations and thoughtful deliberation, the group has declared its full and unwavering support for the aspirant endorsed by Governor Mai Mala Buni, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dr. Dilala emphasized that this decision was not made lightly, but rather followed deliberate engagements involving various youth groups, communities, and stakeholders who share a common vision for continuity, stability, and ongoing development in the state. Whi...

By Liman Amsami Alkali Drawing from the authoritative work Political Succession in Nigeria, edited by Dr. Otive Igbuzor, which argues that political succession is perhaps the most important type of leadership transition because it directly affects the stability, survival, and development of nations, I wish to examine the ongoing succession crisis unfolding in Borno State.  Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum now faces the most defining political battle of his second term—the choice of a successor—amidst fierce resistance from the camp of Vice President Kashim Shettima. The contest currently features several key figures. From the Vice President's side, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the incumbent Minister of Agriculture, stands as Shettima's preferred candidate, while Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represents Borno Central, also has his own political structure.  However, the Vice President's clear preference for Kyari has created a noticeable distance between Shettim...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The Yobe State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, has approved a total of ₦59,845,482,013.9 for previously granted project approvals. The decision, announced after the council meeting, highlightes the administration’s dual priority of accelerating infrastructure development while sustaining security gains. The ratified funds are overwhelmingly directed toward roads (₦34.1 billion), commerce and markets (₦8.58 billion), transport and energy (₦5.35 billion), healthcare infrastructure (₦5.54 billion), and the upgrade of the August 27 Stadium (₦3.35 billion). Key projects include the Kaliyari-Bayamari and Bayamari-Gaidam roads, modern markets in Jajimaji and Buni-Yadi, solar-powered streetlights across 11 LGAs, and generator installations for major hospitals. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies and local communities, noting that while relativ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu Baba Malam Wali, a former Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), is widely regarded as a seasoned administrator with over three decades of public service experience. Wali, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and began his career with the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA). He later served as Social Mobilisation Officer at the defunct Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER). The former SSG also worked as Principal Research Officer and subsequently Principal Private Secretary, now designated as Chief of Staff, to the Military Governor of Borno State. With the establishment of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP), a Federal Government and European Union-supported initiative, Wali was appointed Field Team Coordinator. He rose through the ranks to become Deputy Programme Manager and later Programme Manager, reflecting his...