Mu Rotshak, Mu Khishak Women Groups Declare Support for Bildr. Raphael Rume

The wife of Pankshin North State House of Assembly aspirant, Bildr. Raphael Rume, Mrs. Grace Rume, alongside the Campaign Director General, Nancy Nendirmwa Silas, has continued grassroots consultations with women groups across Pankshin Local Government Area. During separate meetings with the Mu Rotshak Group and the Mu Khishak Group, the women declared their solidarity and support for the aspiration of Bildr. Raphael Rume, citing his humanitarian services and empowerment programmes as key reasons for their endorsement.

The women groups commended the aspirant for his consistent support to women, youths, and vulnerable persons through various empowerment initiatives and philanthropic gestures, noting that many families across the constituency have benefitted from his interventions. They described him as a grassroots-oriented leader who has remained committed to community development even before seeking elective office.

Speaking during the engagements, the women pledged to mobilize support for his aspiration across Pankshin North, expressing confidence in his ability to provide quality representation if elected. Mrs. Grace Rume appreciated the groups for their encouragement and assured them of her husband’s commitment to women inclusion, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development, while the Campaign DG reaffirmed the team’s resolve to sustain consultations with stakeholders across the constituency.

Yilchini Jan Bida Commiserates with Victims of Fresh Attack in Bassa

FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME, PLATEAU STATE MOURNS AGAIN AS KILLINGS CONTINUE UNABATED

APC gubernatorial aspirant in Plateau State, Chief Yilchini Jan Bida, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent gruesome killings in Ngbrazong community of Irigwe land, Bassa Local Government Area, describing the recurring attacks across Plateau communities as tragic, painful, and unacceptable.

In a strongly worded condolence message, Bida lamented the continued bloodshed in parts of the state, particularly at a time communities in Bokkos and Bassa are still mourning victims of previous coordinated attacks.

According to him, the persistent killings of innocent citizens have become a disturbing reality that should trouble the conscience of every well-meaning Nigerian.

“At a time when families and communities in Bokkos and Bassa are still grieving from recent coordinated attacks, it is heartbreaking that another wave of bloodshed has again been unleashed on our people,” he stated.

The APC governorship hopeful condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric acts targeted not only at innocent citizens but also at the peace, unity, and collective humanity of Plateau State.

He stressed that no society can attain meaningful development under an atmosphere dominated by fear, insecurity, tears, and uncertainty.

Chief Bida sympathized with the bereaved families, the Irigwe nation, and all affected communities, assuring them of his prayers and solidarity during the difficult period.

He also prayed for quick recovery for those injured and comfort for residents displaced or traumatized by the violence.

The gubernatorial aspirant further called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward protecting vulnerable communities, apprehending perpetrators of the attacks, and restoring public confidence in the security architecture of the state.

“Plateau must not continue to bleed without accountability. There are no more words to describe our situation,” Bida lamented.

He prayed for God’s comfort upon grieving families and eternal rest for those who lost their lives in the attacks.

Bida Unleashes Statewide Grassroots Political Machine Ahead of Fierce APC Primaries Showdown

(By WALBE OGAK)

As the political climate ahead of party primaries gradually intensifies, Chief Yilchini Jan Bida appears to be shifting from symbolic political consultations to an organized statewide mobilization strategy capable of influencing the internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The inauguration of 24 State Constituency Coordinators for the LIGHT’S Movement at Dimpless Lounge in Jos is being interpreted by political observers as one of the clearest indications yet that the retired military officer is building a structured grassroots campaign architecture designed to penetrate every political ward and constituency across Plateau State.

More importantly, the move signals an understanding of modern electoral realities: governorship contests are no longer won merely through elite endorsements and media visibility, but through carefully coordinated grassroots structures capable of sustaining political momentum over time.

The coordinators, drawn from all 24 State Constituencies, now form the operational backbone of the movement at constituency level. Their appointment represents more than ceremonial recognition; it is a deliberate decentralization of political engagement aimed at embedding the LIGHT’S Movement within local communities ahead of the APC primaries and eventual governorship contest.

Political analysts note that the strategy reflects a classic “bottom-to-top” mobilization model often adopted by serious contenders seeking to challenge established political structures. By institutionalizing constituency coordinators early, Bida is positioning his movement to dominate local conversations, strengthen delegate influence, and expand voter penetration long before the official campaign season begins.

Observers have also pointed to his careful selection of seasoned politicians, experienced grassroots mobilizers, and men and women with proven track records in politics as another indication that the movement is preparing for a serious political battle. According to political watchers, the composition of the coordinators and support structure reflects strategic planning rather than symbolic appointments, suggesting that Bida is assembling a technically grounded and politically experienced team capable of delivering results across constituencies.

At the event, Chief Yilchini Jan Bida outlined the movement’s ideological direction and governance vision, emphasizing integrity, transparency, fairness, and commitment to service. The messaging appeared carefully calibrated to project the movement as not merely another political platform, but a reform-driven alternative seeking to reshape Plateau’s political culture.

The presentation of certificates of engagement to the coordinators also carried strategic significance. In political organization, symbolic legitimacy matters. Such recognition formally integrates the coordinators into the movement’s operational hierarchy, creating a sense of ownership, accountability, and political responsibility within their respective constituencies.

Observers say the LIGHT’S Movement is gradually evolving into a coordinated political network rather than a personality-driven support group. This distinction could prove crucial as the governorship race becomes more competitive.

Beyond the symbolism, the grassroots activation reveals three major campaign strategies already taking shape within the Bida political movement:

1. Constituency-Based Political Penetration

By establishing coordinators across all constituencies, the movement is creating direct channels for local engagement, intelligence gathering, voter education, and political mobilization. This ensures the campaign narrative reaches beyond urban centers into rural communities where electoral influence is often determined.

2. Early Structure Consolidation

Many aspirants traditionally delay grassroots structuring until election season. Bida’s early activation suggests a long-term organizational approach aimed at building loyalty, strengthening delegate relationships, and preventing political fragmentation ahead of the APC primaries.

3. Strategic Human Capital Deployment

The integration of experienced politicians and politically tested coordinators into the movement reflects a deliberate effort to combine grassroots energy with institutional political experience. Analysts believe this gives the movement operational depth and strengthens its ability to navigate both party politics and statewide electoral competition.

4. Narrative Ownership and Identity Branding

The consistent use of the “LIGHT’S Movement” branding reflects a broader communication strategy intended to create a recognizable political identity beyond party affiliation. In contemporary Nigerian politics, movements with strong identity branding often achieve stronger emotional connection with supporters and undecided voters.

Political watchers further argue that Bida’s growing grassroots engagements are gradually redefining the opposition space within Plateau politics. Having already been described by analysts as a “credible alternative” to the incumbent administration, his latest mobilization drive may intensify perceptions that his ambition is not merely exploratory but strategically organized for serious political contestation.

The movement’s expansion also comes at a period when many voters across Plateau are increasingly demanding leadership defined by accessibility, coordination, and grassroots inclusiveness. By combining consultations with traditional institutions and systematic constituency organization, Bida appears to be constructing a campaign model designed to blend elite legitimacy with popular participation.

Whether the strategy ultimately translates into electoral success remains uncertain, but one reality is becoming increasingly evident: the LIGHT’S Movement is no longer operating at the level of political speculation. It is evolving into a statewide political structure with growing visibility, operational coordination, and expanding grassroots influence.

Yilchini Bida’s Entry Reshapes Plateau’s 2027 Governorship Calculus

(WALBE OGAK)

Plateau State’s political terrain is beginning to realign as Commander Yilchini Jan Bida (Rtd) formally steps into the 2027 governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja is more than a procedural milestone—it is an early signal of intent backed by visible structure and mobilization.

Bida’s emergence comes at a time when Plateau’s political space is gradually opening up, with stakeholders across party lines weighing options ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle. By moving early, Bida positions himself within the first tier of aspirants seeking to define both the narrative and tempo of the APC’s internal contest.

The optics surrounding his submission were deliberate. Accompanied by a sizeable and diverse support base drawn from across the state, the outing served as a demonstration of grassroots reach and internal party alliances. In Nigerian political practice, such displays are rarely incidental—they are calculated signals to party leadership and undecided delegates that a candidacy has both traction and viability.

Political watchers and pundits have also weighed in on his decision, describing it as a bold and strategic move. They argue that contesting under the APC platform, especially at a time when the incumbent governor, Caleb Mutfwang, is expected to seek re-election, underscores Bida’s political courage. Analysts further note that his entry into the race offers Plateau voters what they term a “credible alternative,” effectively setting the stage for a competitive challenge to the incumbent administration.

His military background is already being projected by supporters as a central pillar of his candidacy. The framing is familiar: discipline, structure, and decisiveness as antidotes to governance challenges. Whether this narrative resonates broadly with Plateau’s electorate will depend on how effectively it is translated into a civilian governance blueprint that addresses economic development, security, and social cohesion—issues that remain central to voters.

Within the APC, Bida’s entry is likely to intensify early permutations. The party’s ticket will hinge not only on popularity but also on zoning considerations, elite consensus, and the dynamics between grassroots mobilizers and established power brokers. His ability to navigate these layers—while maintaining momentum—will be critical.

Beyond the party primaries, the broader electoral landscape cannot be ignored. Plateau has historically demonstrated a capacity for competitive politics, with shifting allegiances and strong opposition presence. Any serious contender must therefore build both intra-party consensus and cross-party appeal.

What Bida has achieved at this stage is visibility and early momentum. What remains uncertain is durability. As consultations deepen and more aspirants declare, the contours of the race will become clearer. For now, his formal declaration marks the beginning of what promises to be a defining political contest in Plateau State’s march toward 2027

Democracy Day: MUCABI to Launch Ali Bukar Dalori Youth in Politics Programme in Jos.

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative (MUCABI), a Jos-based non-profit organisation, has announced plans to launch the Ali Bukar Dalori Youth in Politics Programme as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration on June 12, 2026.

The programme, scheduled to be unveiled in Jos, Plateau State, is designed to mentor and equip young Nigerians with leadership values, civic knowledge, and practical skills needed for active participation in politics, governance, and public service.

According to the organisation, the initiative aims to bridge the growing gap between young people and the political process by creating opportunities for civic education, ethical leadership training, advocacy, policy engagement, and mentorship.

MUCABI explained that the programme would establish a mentorship network linking emerging youth leaders with experienced public servants, political actors, and community leaders within Plateau State and beyond.

The organisation further stated that participants would receive training on peaceful political participation, conflict prevention, and strategies aimed at reducing electoral violence among young people.

MUCABI noted that many youths are often exposed to political manipulation, intimidation, and violence during election periods due to unemployment, lack of orientation, and limited access to constructive political engagement.

“The programme is aimed at changing the narrative by encouraging issue-based politics, dialogue, tolerance, and democratic values among young Nigerians,” the organisation stated. “We believe young people must become ambassadors of peace during elections rather than instruments of violence.”

The organisation described the initiative as more than a training programme, stressing that it is intended to serve as a lasting leadership platform capable of inspiring generations of young Nigerians toward peaceful and service-oriented politics.

According to MUCABI, the programme is also intended to immortalize the contributions of Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori to youth development, democratic participation, and responsible leadership in Nigeria.

As part of preparations for the launch, the organisation disclosed that it has authored a leadership book documenting the life, public service journey, and political contributions of Alhaji Dalori.

The book, expected to be unveiled during the launch ceremony, will serve as a training resource for participants enrolled in the programme.

MUCABI also revealed that it has formally written to Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori seeking approval to use his name and legacy for the initiative, while also requesting his presence or goodwill message during the event.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of MUCABI, Nicodemus Samson Beska, said the initiative seeks to encourage young Nigerians to view politics as a platform for service, peacebuilding, and national development.

“We want young Nigerians to see politics not as a battleground, but as a platform for service, peacebuilding, and nation-building,” Beska stated.

He added that detailed implementation plans, including security arrangements and programme strategy, would be submitted to Alhaji Dalori’s office for review and approval ahead of the launch.

Applications for the first cohort of participants are expected to commence shortly after the official unveiling of the programme.

PROFILE 

FOREWARD IN HONOUR OF ALI BUKAR DALORI

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr.

These words capture the essence of Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori’s service to the people of Borno State, North east Nigeria and beyond. In a region tested by insecurity and natural disaster, his commitment has been measured not by rhetoric, but by action — from empowering thousands of young people with skills and opportunities to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with displaced families during the devastating Maiduguri floods and through the Boko Haram Insurgency.

I am very humbled to write the forward of this book titled: HON. ALI BUKAR DALORI: THE VISIONARY LEADER. I have known him as his teacher at the University of Maiduguri when he was studying for Advance Diploma in Public Administration (ADPA) as well as Masters in Public Administration (MPA). I have known him for more than ten years as a close friend and his teacher. It is with great elation that I salute the effort of Mr. Nicodemus Samson Beska for writing this book on one of the respected political elites in Borno State.

I have followed his work closely, particularly in two areas that define his impact. The first is youth empowerment. In a state where unemployment and idleness have too often been exploited for violence, Dalori invested in people. Through vocational training centers, ICT skill acquisition programs, agricultural grants, and direct mentorship, he turned hundreds of young men and women from dependents into entrepreneurs and community builders. He understood early that the authoritative allocation of values must prioritize the next generation, because without hope for our youth, there is no future for Borno. I have witnessed his interventions firsthand: vocational programs that turned jobless youths into entrepreneurs, and timely donations of food, shelter materials, and medical support when the 2024 floods left communities submerged. This book documents those milestones, but more importantly, it reveals the values behind them — compassion, resilience, and an unshakable belief in Borno’s future.

This observation provides an appropriate lens through which to assess the public service record of Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori in Borno State. Over the past decade, the state has contended with overlapping crises of insecurity, displacement, and environmental shock. In such contexts, the authoritative allocation of values which is the core function of politics as defined by David Easton is tested not merely by policy formulation but by responsiveness, prioritization, and tangible outcomes.

The book contain 167 pages and it is divided into 12 chapters. It is clearly written in English and the author employed a unique writing style that draws on simple quotations to illuminate an idea at the beginning of each chapter. The First Chapter of the book x-rayed the life and achievements of Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori. The chapter introduces his early life by tracing the genesis of his journey from humble beginnings. Chapter Two explored the beginning of his business journey while Chapter Three delved into his political journey. The author started by looking at Dr. Dalori political participation in his home town in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. It is his involvement with grass root politics that created the fertile ground for him to stive politically today. Chapter Four traces his rise from grassroots politics to becoming a prominent political figure in Borno State. Through a combination of hard work, vision, and perseverance, Dr. Dalori gradually gained the trust and support of his community, eventually securing an influential position that would allow him to shape public policy. The author clearly highlighted the socio-political achievements of Ali Dalori. He clearly set aside Chapter Five of the book to examine the political challenges and successes of this humble leader and a statesman.

In Chapter Six the business and political life of Dr Dalori was explicitly discussed. How he was able to navigate business and politics is worth noting. Readers of this work will learn how to balance these two extreme poles of business and politics. Chapter Seven assessed his contributions towards community development while Chapter Eight discussed his leadership philosophy. Chapter Nine of the text explored his future vision and aspirations. Chapter Ten was specifically designed to focus on Dr. Ali Dalori’s foundation. Chapter Eleven finally looked at Hon. Bukar Ali Dalori's legacy and the lessons from his political and entrepreneurial journey.

Deriving from the setting of this book, it is clear to deduce that this volume examines two domains in which Dalori’s interventions have been particularly salient. The first is youth empowerment. Scholarship on post-conflict recovery consistently identifies youth unemployment as a critical risk factor for instability. Dalori’s approach has emphasized human capital development through structured vocational training, ICT skill acquisition, agricultural extension support, and micro-enterprise grants {see Chapters 10–11 of this volume). The initiatives align with broader development frameworks that posit skill transfer and economic inclusion as prerequisites for sustainable peace in the Northeast

The second domain is disaster response, specifically during the severe flooding that affected Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas in September 2024 (NEMA). Natural disasters in fragile settings often expose gaps in institutional capacity. Dalori’s response was characterized by rapid mobilization of relief materials including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter as well as direct engagement with affected populations (see Chapter 8 of this book). From a governance perspective, such interventions raise important questions about the role of political actors in complementing state led humanitarian systems, and about accountability in the distribution of emergency relief.

What distinguishes this compilation is its attempt to move beyond hagiography. By documenting programs, beneficiaries, and implementation challenges (Chapters 5 & 7), the author provides a basis for critical analysis of what works, what remains insufficient, and how political agency intersects with structural constraints in Borno State. For students of political science, public administration, and development studies, the text contributes empirical detail to debates on subnational leadership, patronage versus policy, and the politics of post-conflict reconstruction.

Borno’s recovery is an ongoing process that will demand sustained scholarly attention and multi-stakeholder engagement. This book is therefore a timely contribution. It invites readers to evaluate evidence, draw comparative lessons, and interrogate the mechanisms through which political leadership can advance human security and social development. As Chinua Achebe reminds us: “The greatest challenge of leadership is to find a balance between ambition and humility.” In the pages that follow, readers are invited to judge how that balance has been pursued — and what lessons it holds for governance in complex emergencies.

I therefore recommend it to academics, policymakers, and civil society actors concerned with governance. It is also recommended for students of politics, Public Administration and every citizen interested in rebuilding the Northeast, this work offers lessons in responsive leadership.

Dr. Raphael Audu Adole

Department of Public Administration

Faculty of Management Sciences

University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Yilchini Jan-Bida’s Entry Reshapes Plateau’s 2027 Governorship Calculus

(BY WALBE OGAK)

Plateau State’s political terrain is beginning to realign as Commander Yilchini Jan Bida (Rtd) formally steps into the 2027 governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja is more than a procedural milestone—it is an early signal of intent backed by visible structure and mobilization.

Bida’s emergence comes at a time when Plateau’s political space is gradually opening up, with stakeholders across party lines weighing options ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle. By moving early, Bida positions himself within the first tier of aspirants seeking to define both the narrative and tempo of the APC’s internal contest.

The optics surrounding his submission were deliberate. Accompanied by a sizeable and diverse support base drawn from across the state, the outing served as a demonstration of grassroots reach and internal party alliances. In Nigerian political practice, such displays are rarely incidental—they are calculated signals to party leadership and undecided delegates that a candidacy has both traction and viability.

Political watchers and pundits have also weighed in on his decision, describing it as a bold and strategic move. They argue that contesting under the APC platform, especially at a time when the incumbent governor, Caleb Mutfwang, is expected to seek re-election, underscores Bida’s political courage. Analysts further note that his entry into the race offers Plateau voters what they term a “credible alternative,” effectively setting the stage for a competitive challenge to the incumbent administration.

His military background is already being projected by supporters as a central pillar of his candidacy. The framing is familiar: discipline, structure, and decisiveness as antidotes to governance challenges. Whether this narrative resonates broadly with Plateau’s electorate will depend on how effectively it is translated into a civilian governance blueprint that addresses economic development, security, and social cohesion—issues that remain central to voters.

Within the APC, Bida’s entry is likely to intensify early permutations. The party’s ticket will hinge not only on popularity but also on zoning considerations, elite consensus, and the dynamics between grassroots mobilizers and established power brokers. His ability to navigate these layers—while maintaining momentum—will be critical.

Beyond the party primaries, the broader electoral landscape cannot be ignored. Plateau has historically demonstrated a capacity for competitive politics, with shifting allegiances and strong opposition presence. Any serious contender must therefore build both intra-party consensus and cross-party appeal.

What Bida has achieved at this stage is visibility and early momentum. What remains uncertain is durability. As consultations deepen and more aspirants declare, the contours of the race will become clearer. For now, his formal declaration marks the beginning of what promises to be a defining political contest in Plateau State’s march toward 2027.

Komsol Longgap Steps Up Grassroots Consultations, Declares Senate Ambition

(By WALBE OGAK)

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, has intensified grassroots consultations across Plateau South Senatorial Zone, formally declaring his intention to contest for the Senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

As part of his engagements in Shendam, Longgap paid a courtesy visit to the Long Goemai, where he informed the traditional ruler of his senatorial ambition. The visit, according to observers, reflects his recognition of the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and development.

The senatorial aspirant also met with APC local government and ward chairmen from across the Southern Zone. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the need for unity, fairness, and diligence among party leaders, noting that a strong grassroots structure would be crucial to electoral success.

Longgap highlighted his achievements during his tenure in the House of Representatives, pointing to various developmental projects and constituency interventions across communities in the zone. He assured party stakeholders of his commitment to delivering greater dividends of democracy if elected to the Senate.

Some ward chairmen who spoke at the meeting commended his performance, describing his contributions as impactful and visible in their communities. They also praised his continued engagement with grassroots structures.

The former lawmaker further urged party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the APC, while supporting the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of future political contests.

In continuation of his visit, Longgap inspected a women’s skill acquisition programme he sponsored in Shendam. The initiative, which focuses on soap making and production of household items, is aimed at promoting economic empowerment and self-reliance among women.

Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. Longgap also donated 200 wrappers to the beneficiaries as part of his support.

He extended financial assistance to APC local government and ward chairmen to aid transportation, a gesture that was well received by party stakeholders.

Observers note that the series of consultations signals a strategic effort by the aspirant to consolidate grassroots support and strengthen alliances ahead of the forthcoming senatorial race.