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By Ibrahim Shaibu,Damaturu In a bid to cushion economic hardship and spread festive joy, Hon. Saratu Sabo, Special Adviser to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on the Nigeria for Women Project, on Tuesday launched the distribution of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Sallah package for 500 vulnerable women and their families across the state. The flag-off ceremony, held in Damaturu, saw beneficiaries drawn from two categories. Some received N50,000 each, while others got N20,000 each, providing a total cash injection aimed at easing financial pressures and ensuring a memorable Sallah celebration. Governor Buni's aide described the initiative as a milestone in the administration's ongoing efforts to support the less privileged during festive periods. Speaking at the event, Hon. Saratu Sabo noted that the programme aligns with the core objectives of the Nigeria for Women Project, which focuses on empowering women, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening househol...

By Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election in Yobe State, polling a staggering 44,841 votes. The result was announced on Monday, 25th May 2026, at the Yobe State Party Secretariat in Damaturu by the State Primary Election Returning Officer, Hajiya Ma’am Kyari. According to the official collation, Rotimi Chibuki Amechi secured 300 votes, while Mohamed Hayatudeen garnered 365 votes. No other candidates contested in the state primary. Declaring the outcome, Ms. Kyari stated: "Having scored the highest number of valid votes cast, H.E. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, is hereby declared the winner of the ADC Presidential Primary Election in Yobe State." She commended party members, officials, and security agencies for ensuring a smooth and orderly process, and thanked all aspirants and their supporters for maintaining decorum. The Yobe State ADC governorship...

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka, has described the party’s presidential primary that brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power as an exemplary model of democratic practice. Speaking on Saturday at the Goge collation centre in Gadaka Ward, Fika Local Government Area, Gadaka was present both to cast his own vote and to monitor the conduct of the primary election. He praised the exercise for its openness and adherence to democratic norms. In a striking show of cohesion, all 8,490 delegates at the Goge collation centre voted in favour of President Tinubu. The unanimous decision, according to party insiders, underscored the widespread confidence that members have in the President’s leadership and the effectiveness of the APC’s consensus-building mechanism. Addressing journalists after the voting process, Gadaka highlighted the peaceful and orderly nature of the primary, noting that it strictly followed democratic guide...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, alongside a large crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, turned out in force on Saturday to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the party’s presidential primary. Chanting “Tinubu Our President, Tinubu for a Second Term,” party members lined up behind the governor in a strong show of solidarity. Governor Buni, who described the process as “free, fair and credible,” expressed satisfaction with the high level of participation. “The large turnout by party members is quite encouraging; it reflects the faith of the members in President Tinubu for a second term of office,” Buni said. He called on APC members across the state to promote unity and generate further support for all party candidates, while reaffirming their commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election.  The governor added that reports reaching his office indicated peaceful and massive participation ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka, cast his vote on Thursday at the Goge Collection Center in Gadaka Town, Fika Local Government Area.  He also oversaw the party’s governorship primary across the entire LGA. When ballots were counted, consensus candidate Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali emerged victorious with 7,181 votes. All other aspirants received zero votes, and several of them were notably missing from the exercise. Speaking to reporters after voting, Gadaka praised the strong turnout and called on Yobe residents to show the same energy in the upcoming general election.  "I am pleased with the large number of voters here today. It reflects our party members’ dedication to democracy,” he said.  He urged everyone to turn out just as strongly in the general polls to guarantee another APC victory. The primary was conducted peacefully across the state, reinfor...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  A governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Kashim Musa Tumsah, has strongly refuted ongoing rumours claiming he has withdrawn from the race, describing the reports as false and misleading. In a press release issued by his Campaign Media Directorate on Wednesday, Tumsah reaffirmed his commitment to contesting the upcoming APC gubernatorial primaries, insisting he remains a “bona fide aspirant” pursuing his ambition with courage and faith in the democratic process. The statement, which comes amid growing speculation about his candidacy, emphasized that Tumsah’s participation is driven by a firm belief in due process, fairness, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2026 as well as APC guidelines for direct primaries. “He remains resolute and determined to continue the struggle for what is right until justice is done,” the statement read, adding that his position is not borne out of person...

By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria's disaster response capabilities, Plan International Nigeria on Tuesday commenced a four day strategic message development workshop focused on flood preparedness and prevention. The high impact training brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including journalists, community leaders from Yobe and Adamawa states, staff from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet),the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and a security expert took place in Abuja. At the heart of the initiative is the Zurich 12-year project, which began in 2024. Implemented by Plan International Nigeria in partnership with Plan International Switzerland, the project is designed to build long term resilience in flood prone communities across Yobe and Adamawa two states that have historically faced devastating seasonal floods. Delivering a presentation at the event, Nubwa Ibrahim Bawuro, Social Behavioral Change Comm...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  Residents of Commissioners’ Quarters,one of the most prominent residential areas in Damaturu, have decried worsening water scarcity following the breakdown of a generator powering a major public borehole serving the community. The area, located within the Diop Estate axis of the Yobe State capital, is regarded as one of the most strategic and elite neighbourhoods in the state.  Among residents are top government officials, security chiefs, and political office holders, including the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Commissioner of Police, state commissioners, and a member of the House of Representatives, among other dignitaries. Despite its status and proximity to the seat of government, residents say they have been battling severe water shortages after the generator powering Borehole DA 48 developed faults. Many residents believe the situation exposes the wider collapse of public water infrastructure in...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state has been returned unopposed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Yobe East Senatorial zone. The governor, who was the sole aspirant, secured the ticket after a motion moved by the incumbent Senator, Musa Mustapha, and seconded by House of Representatives member, Hon. Lawan Shettima.  The chairman of the APC electoral committee, Ambassador Babagana Ajimi, then put the question to a vote, and Governor Buni was unanimously affirmed as the party's sole candidate. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, commended party members in Zone A for their peaceful conduct and cooperation with leaders. In his acceptance speech, Governor Buni expressed gratitude for the orderly process. "Let me also appreciate the Association of Zone A Political Office Holders and Public Officers, who generously contributed to purchase the nomination and expression of interes...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The ongoing Damaturu flyover project has reached over 93 percent completion and will be opened to traffic before the end of May, the construction firm handling the project has announced. Mr Fadi Abi Aad, Area Manager of Triacta Construction Company, disclosed this on Saturday during an inspection visit to roads and other critical infrastructure projects being executed by the Yobe State Government. According to Abi Aad, the continuation of the flyover and underpass project has also attained more than 30 percent completion, with a target to finish all works by December 2026. "Hopefully, all the area will be completed within the stipulated period," he said. He explained that workers are currently laying asphalt after completing retaining walls, earthworks, laterite filling, and compaction. "After the asphalt binder, we will construct walkways and carry out painting and other finishing works," he added. Abi Aad commended the Yobe M...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Tensions are escalating within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State as three governorship aspirants have openly broken ranks with any consensus arrangement, declaring that only a direct primary election can guarantee a credible candidate for the state's top seat. The three aggrieved party chieftains Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, and Bashir Sheriff Machina addressed journalists on Saturday in Damaturu.Their coalition, initially a G-6, has now been whittled down to a G-3, they confirmed. Speaking on behalf of the group, Barrister Tumsah dismissed the widely promoted claim of a unanimous consensus as false, insisting that the process was neither concluded nor transparent. "We are here to state clearly that the so called unanimous verdict was never achieved. The consensus exercise was not completed as required. It failed, and we are now exercising our right to demand a direct primary as provided by the El...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has officially debunked what it describes as a “misleading and concocted” list of purported consensus candidates for the State House of Assembly, calling on all party members to completely disregard the unauthorized publication. In a statement signed and made available to bluesky News by the Press Secretary to the State APC Chairman, Hajiya Sa'adatu Maina, on Friday 15th May 2026, reassured stakeholders that the so called consensus names circulating in some quarters are baseless and did not emanate from the party.  The development, according to party insiders, is the handiwork of mischief makers intent on causing confusion among aspirants and supporters. The party clarified that discussions on consensus building across the state are still ongoing in a peaceful and inclusive manner. "Should these consultations fail to produce an agreeable outcome, all aspiran...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on aspirants seeking various elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and party stakeholders to adopt consensus as the preferred mode for candidate emergence ahead of the party primaries. The APC primary elections are scheduled to commence on Friday, 15 May, with the House of Representatives primaries and climax on Saturday, 23 May, with the presidential primaries. Governor Zulum made the call on Thursday during a critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, stressing that consensus remains the most viable option for strengthening party unity. “Let me start by appreciating all our stakeholders for the support and commitment to advancing the course of our great party, APC, and our administration,” Zulum said. “As we prepare for the party primaries, which will commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants con...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  A massive turnout of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from all 17 local government areas flooded the streets of the Yobe State capital thursday to greet Governor Mai Mala Buni and the party's preferred governorship candidate, Baba Malam Wali, following their successful clearance screening in Abuja. The atmosphere at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport was electric as the two leaders addressed the sea of cheering party faithful. Governor Buni told the gathering that the overwhelming reception proved Yobe remains strong APC territory.  "We are one united family, and we must not allow political differences to tear us apart," he said. The governor urged supporters to steer clear of insults, name calling, and petty arguments, stressing that such behavior goes against the state's cultural values and will not be tolerated. He also praised party members for their unwavering trust in his administration and in...

By Alhaji Yusuf Damaturu  The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) marked its seventh anniversary with a strong call for national unity, urging Nigerians to embrace mutual respect, and harmony regardless of ethnic or religious differences. Held in Damaturu, the event celebrated the association’s founding on February 17, 2017, and highlighted its evolution over seven years of advocacy and community engagement. Addressing attendees, KACRAN National President, Hon. Khalil Mohammad Bello, said the gathering was not merely a celebration but a moment of reflection on the association’s journey and accomplishments. “We have existed for seven years, worthy of marking. During our evolution, we have achieved many wins. That is why we are here to review our journey and showcase our accomplishments," Bello stated. He stressed that KACRAN stands apart for its non discriminatory stance,welcoming every Nigerian irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or or...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Yobe South APC Christian Forum for Inclusive Governance has officially thrown its weight behind Alh. Baba Malam Wali,as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The endorsement was the high point of the group’s “Inclusive Governance for Collective Progress and Development Summit 2026,” where Christian stakeholders from Yobe South resolved to back continuity and reward inclusive leadership. In a communiqué signed by the forum’s Convener, Omale John Achimugu, the group described Wali, currently Secretary to the Yobe State Government, as a seasoned administrator with the competence and institutional memory to sustain the developmental strides of Governor Mai Mala Buni. The forum lauded Governor Buni for deliberately integrating Christian communities into governance, restoring peace, advancing infrastructure, and empowering youth. They noted that such inclusion has boosted democratic participation and fostered a sense of belon...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Yobe State Head of Service (HoS), Abdullahi Musa Shehu has disclosed that 3,000 civil servants participated in the 2026 promotion examination across the state. The HoS made the announcement in Damaturu while overseeing the conduct of the examination at Government Girls College, Damaturu. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service, Hamidu Musa Babi.According to Shehu, the examination was organised for all eligible civil servants due for promotion. He stated that officers on grade levels 7 to 9, 10 to 13, and 15 to 16 were invited to sit for the test, which took place simultaneously at three designated centres;Damaturu (Zone A), Potiskum (Zone B), and Gashua (Zone C). The Head of Service explained that the examination aims to enhance productivity and efficiency within the public service, as well as to familiarise civil servants with government policies and programmes. He further praised the qu...

By Adamu Ibrahim,Damaturu The Yobe First Movement, a forum for peace and development in Yobe State, has called for the immediate resignation of the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations of compromised neutrality ahead of the party’s primaries. The group made the demand on Wednesday during a press briefing in Damaturu, the state capital. The Director General of the movement,Lawan M.Ibrahim expressed grave concern over what he described as a breach of impartiality by the APC chairman. He alleged that the chairman recently appeared publicly alongside former Governor and Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam and Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni to endorse and raise the hand of a governorship aspirant,Baba Mallam Wali even before the aspirant had purchased his nomination form. The DG described the action as a unilateral endorsement and an attempt to impose a preferred candidate on the ballot. "The office of the State...

By Yusuf A Yusuf  The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to take the lead in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the Northeast region of the country. Major General Adamu Abubakar (retd), the North East Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), made the appeal on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Maiduguri, Borno State. In his address, Major General Abubakar congratulated the newly elected executives on the confidence reposed in them by members of the reputable network.  He stressed the urgent need for civil society organizations to intensify advocacy and public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers associated with the illicit spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). "The uncontrolled circulation of these weapons remains one of the major d...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  A leading governorship hopeful under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Kashim Musa-Tumsah (also known as KMT), has donated and fully installed a 16 KVA solar power system at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The state NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Rajab Mohammed, made this known while inspecting the newly installed facility in Damaturu. He noted that the aspirant had fulfilled his earlier pledge to supply reliable electricity to the press center to support its daily operations. "During his political visit to Damaturu a few weeks ago, he promised to support us with a solar power system," Mohammed said. "To God be the glory, he has kept his word. This is one of the hallmarks of a good leader." The chairman expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it would resolve the persistent power shortages affecting both the secretariat and its multi-purpose hall. According t...

By Abubakar Ahmed  Yobe state's prominent frontline governorship aspirant in the 2027 election, Kashim Musa Tumsah MFR has today, Monday 4/5/2026 submitted his expression of interest/nomination forms to contest the next governorship seat in the state at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja.  KMT arrived the party headquarters amidst fanfare and pageantry excorted by a large crowd shouting APC slogans. He was received by senior staff of the party who also cheerfully showed him to the office of the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalorima who received to process the document.  While addressing journalists shortly after submitting the forms, the development advocate explained that if elected as governor, he will take the state to greater heights through people-centered projects and empowerment opportunities.  On the issue of consensus purportedly reached by a select individuals, Tumsah maintained that there had never been any consensus on...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Small Arms and Light Weapons Community Development Service (CDS) group, in partnership with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), conducted an awareness campaign on Monday at the Abujan Mai Mala IDP camp and the Mohammad Gombe farm community. The event focused on small arms proliferation,hygiene, and food support for internally displaced persons under the theme "Promoting Health and Peace in Our Communities." Team leader of the CDS group,Bulus Seth Kazachat explained that the group’s objectives are to educate displaced communities on the dangers of small arms, promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and provide essential resources. He said, "Our expectation is that after sensitizing them on the risks, they will report any suspicious activity. If they see anyone wielding unlawful weapons, they should notify the proper authorities.  "We are also strivi...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The newly appointed Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, has declared that his leadership will transform the SSG's office into a bridge linking policy to action, decisions to outcomes, and governance to the aspirations of citizens. Speaking on Monday after officially assuming duty, Dr. Goje outlined a clear roadmap centered on policy coordination, accountability, teamwork, and measurable results moving beyond the usual pledge of loyalty. Describing the SSG's office as the "engine room of governance," he said it must drive administrative coherence and the effective functioning of the executive council.  "This responsibility demands not just accountability from the Secretary, but also integrity, foresight, and the ability to foster unity across the entire machinery of government," he stated. He reassured Governor Mai Mala Buni of his total commitment and loyalty to his administration's po...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  All 17 local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have thrown their weight behind former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Malam Wali, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The endorsement was made public during a stakeholders’ meeting held Monday at the Arts and Culture Conference Hall in Damaturu. The gathering brought together party leaders from state, local government, and ward levels. According to attendees, the decision reflects the genuine will of the party’s grassroots rather than a top-down directive. Speaking on behalf of the 17 local government APC chairmen, the Chairman of Yunusari Local Government Area, Bamariu Muhammad Kaltum, announced their full and collective backing of Wali’s candidacy.  He stressed that the choice has already been widely embraced by ward executives and ordinary party members across the state. While zonal chairme...