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Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, today expressed appreciation with the healthy political developments in Yobe state ahead of the 2027 general elections. The President gave the commendation when he received Gov. Mai Mala Buni and the APC Governortorial candidate, Baba Malam Wali Mni, at the Aso Villa, Abuja. The President further commended Gov. Buni and other stakeholders of the party for the successful primary election that produced Malam Wali as the party's governorship candidate. He described Gov. Buni as a political strategist with invaluable strategies that has consistently contributed to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and remains a worthy treasure for the party. "With Gov. Buni at the helm of affairs, l have no doubt that Yobe state will always be delivered to the party. He said Yobe state is blessed to have a seasoned bureaucrat with huge wealth of experience, and who had consistently been part of the system as th...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  The Yobe Strategic Engagement Initiative for Bola Tinubu,Mai Mala and Wali (BMW) has Wednesday held its inaugural mandate convention, successfully uniting factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure overwhelming victories in the 2027 general elections. The convention, organised at the Art and Cultural Centre auditorium in Damaturu,the group pledge massive votes for Alhaji Baba Malam Wali (BMW) for governor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) for re-election, and all other APC candidates in the state. The YSEIB State Coordinator, Barrister Muhammad Saleh Ahmed, outlined three critical challenges hindering the APC's electoral performance in the state such as ;low voter registration and turnout, opposition strongholds, and internal party divisions following primaries. He revealed, according to INEC data, that Yobe has only 1.4 million registered voters, and the 2023 presidential election attracted fewer than 300,000...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  Dr. Mukhtar Yerima, MD/CEO of GENEEDXX NIGERIA LIMITED and the Betara of Gujba Emirate, has received three distinguished honours from prominent national institutions in recognition of his humanitarian service, social justice advocacy, and good governance commitment. The African Centre for Civil Rights,Social Justice and Good Governance presented Dr. Yerima with its Humanitarian Award, with Centre leader Dr. Bashir Shehu lauding him as "an exceptional leader whose passion for serving humanity inspires individuals and organizations across the country." The award ceremony highlighted Dr. Yerima's integrity and lasting societal impact. In a parallel recognition,Blueprint Media Group, Abuja, conferred its Humanitarian Award of Excellence on the philanthropist, citing his consistent contributions to peacebuilding, community development, and nation-building.  The media house noted that the award celebrates personalities whose service has ...

By Ibrahim Shaibu,Damaturu Two hundred young innovators from across Nigeria’s six northeastern states converged on the Yobe State capital this week to showcase how small grants and big ideas are tackling deep rooted governance challenges in their communities. The North East Youth Idea Summit, themed "Transforming Nigeria's Local Governance: Harnessing AI and Youth Innovation for Transparency," served as a celebration of grassroots problem solving. Organized by the Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative,the event highlighted a powerful truth, modest funding, when paired with youthful energy, can produce extraordinary results. Mu’azu Alhaji Modu, CEO of Spotlight, revealed that 25 exceptional youths were selected as Civic Innovation Awardees of Dr. Kole Shettima received $100 grants (roughly ₦140,000) each to launch community projects. The outcomes, he noted, have far exceeded expectations. "We gave them seed money, and they built superb d...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has distributed cash assistance to 40 vulnerable patients receiving treatment at two major health facilities in Damaturu as part of its Humanitarian Outreach Programme. Twenty patients each from the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support Hospital) and the Yobe State Specialist Hospital benefited from the intervention on Thursday. The funds were sourced through contributions and savings made by members of the chapel. Speaking during the disbursement, the Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Comrade Nabilu Balarabe, said the initiative reflects the chapel's commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society beyond its traditional role of reporting events and holding government accountable. "This is a community development project initiated by this administration of the chapel. We decided from day one that we would not only concentrat...

By Yusuf A Yusuf  In a decisive move to strengthen party unity, the Yobe State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accompanied by its governorship candidate, paid a crucial consultative visit to Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, at his Abuja residence. The high-powered delegation, comprising Yobe APC State Chairman Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka and the party's flagbearer Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, described the meeting as a cornerstone of their ongoing reconciliation efforts across the state. The visit carried deep political significance, serving as a symbolic acknowledgment of Senator Gaidam's towering influence as the undisputed political leader of Yobe State. Far from being a routine courtesy call, the gathering showcased political maturity, humility, and steadfast loyalty to the party's founding ideals. By honoring Senator Gaidam, whose visionary leadership and personal sacrifices cemented APC's dominance in Yobe, the current p...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Maiduguri  Security agencies operating in Nigeria's North East have formally agreed to dismantle operational silos, committing instead to a unified intelligence-sharing framework aimed at choking the supply of illicit weapons fueling insurgency in the region. The landmark decision emerged from a high-stakes strategy dinner convened in Maiduguri by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).  The gathering led by Director General DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd)marked the first time commanders from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, military, and state security apparatus sat side-by-side to codify a joint operational roadmap. Representing the DG, Brigadier General MS Adamu delivered a firm directive: isolated efforts must give way to collective action. "This is a family of security patriots," he stated, stressing that collaboration is no longer optional but an operational necessity. The centerpiece of the new approac...

By Ibrahim Shaibu Maiduguri In a decisive demonstration of the federal government's commitment to tackling the proliferation of illicit weapons in Nigeria's most conflict-affected region,the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), arrived in Maiduguri for a high-impact three-day official visit to the North East Zonal Centre. The visit signals renewed vigour in the Centre's mandate under the Office of the National Security Adviser to curb the devastating effects of small arms and light weapons on communities across Nigeria's troubled North East. Upon arrival in the Borno State capital, the former Deputy Inspector General of Police received a rousing reception from the North East Zonal Director of the NCCSALW, Major General Adamu Abubakar (retd), alongside senior management and staff. The warm reception highlighted the Centre's unified command structu...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has affirmed that security remains the unshakeable foundation upon which all sustainable development is built, reiterating his administration's unwavering commitment to peace and stability across the state. Governor Buni made this declaration on Wednesday during a high-level courtesy visit from the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North East Geopolitical Zone, DIG Zakariya Fera, alongside DIG Ibrahim Baba Zango in Damaturu. Represented by the acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, the Governor emphasized that lasting peace, economic growth, and social progress can only thrive in an environment of safety and stability. Highlighting the administration's track record, Governor Buni noted that security has consistently occupied the central place in the state's development agenda. Over the years, the government has forged a strong and productive partnership with the Nigeria ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in Yobe State has issued urgent calls for healthcare system improvements during its first media briefing of 2026, highlighting persistent gaps in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM). The briefing on Tuesday which brought together government officials, NGO partners, journalists, and community stakeholders in Damaturu, served as a platform to address challenges hindering progress in Nigeria's ATM response despite significant investments from the Global Fund and government initiatives. Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Mohammed Shehu, Yobe State ACOMIN Program Officer, emphasized the importance of community led monitoring in ensuring local control over international funds. He revealed that the initiative currently operates with 18 active community groups, including journalists, fund managers, representatives from the National Malaria Control Program, a...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  With the third and final leg of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) now underway, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has issued a last-minute appeal to residents especially women and young people to turn out in large numbers and secure their voter cards. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) launched this concluding phase on Monday, 11 May 2026, according to an announcement from the party’s E-Campaign and Voter Education arm. In a statement issued from Damaturu, the initiative’s founder, Dr. Adam K. Mohammad, confirmed that the registration period will run through Friday, 10 July 2026. “This is the moment for everyone who has recently turned 18, as well as those who missed earlier registration rounds, to act,” Dr. Mohammad said. The APC group reiterated its dedication to leaving no eligible citizen in Yobe State behind, with special outreach efforts targeting women and those registering to vote for the first...

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...