DIRECT PRIMARIES: “THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE” — YILCHINI JAN BIDA CAMPAIGN

(BY WALBE OGAK)

As the political season unfolds, supporters and stakeholders have been urged to remain focused and avoid distractions arising from speculation and political noise making the rounds within the polity.

The campaign team of Chief Yilchini Jan Bida emphasized that the strength of democracy lies in the freedom of party members to make their choices peacefully, fairly, and transparently, stressing that the voice of the people will always prevail.

According to the statement, direct primaries remain a reality within the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that there is no automatic ticket for any aspirant irrespective of ongoing political speculations.

The campaign further stated that Chief Yilchini Jan Bida remains fully committed to the race and is highly encouraged by the growing support and confidence being expressed by card-carrying APC members across Plateau State.

It added that the aspiration continues to gain momentum with renewed confidence, unity, and clarity of purpose ahead of the 2027 political process.

“The light has come to stay,” the statement concluded.

Chief Ephraim Usman Moves Consultation to Mangu After Massive Bokkos reception

(BY WALBE OGAK)

Following the massive turnout ofAPC officials and party faithfuls who welcomed Chief Ephraim Usman to Bokkos Local Government Area, the Plateau Central senatorial aspirant is set to continue his consultations in Mangu today ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries.

The visit to Mangu forms part of his ongoing grassroots engagement and interaction with stakeholders and party supporters across the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone as political activities intensify within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chief Ephraim Usman, who has continued to attract support from various groups and political associates, was accompanied by members of his Government College Pankshin classmates, Set 95, alongside members of his campaign team and supporters.

Party faithfuls are expected to receive the aspirant in Mangu where discussions are likely to focus on party unity, inclusive leadership and strategies towards a successful APC outing in the coming elections.

Ahead of APC Primaries, Ephraim Usman Meets Bokkos APC Officials, Presents Manifesto

(BY WALBE OGAK)

As political consultations intensify ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, Plateau Central senatorial aspirant, Chief Ephraim Usman, alongside his campaign Director General and team, paid a consultative visit to APC officials in Bokkos Local Government Area where he presented his manifesto and solicited support.

During the meeting, Chief Ephraim Usman highlighted three critical issues central to his aspiration, emphasizing equality, inclusiveness, and the need to carry everyone along in the political process. He also canvassed support for the zoning of the Plateau Central Senate seat to Kanam Local Government Area, noting that Kanam remains the only local government in the zone yet to produce a senator.

Various speakers at the gathering described Chief Ephraim Usman as a humble and compassionate leader whose philanthropic gestures have endeared him to many people across the zone. They noted that his integrity, accessibility, and commitment to public service distinguish him as a credible candidate capable of representing the interests of Plateau Central effectively.

Addressing party officials and supporters, Chief Ephraim Usman appreciated the leadership and supremacy of the APC, while expressing gratitude for the warm reception accorded him by the people of Bokkos.

He reiterated his commitment to unity, equity, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that his political philosophy is rooted in service to the people. According to him, his experience as a commissioner and politician has exposed him to the needs and aspirations of the people of Plateau Central, which he said require purposeful representation and repositioning.

Chief Ephraim Usman also urged party faithfuls to be cautious of politicians who only identify with the people during election periods and disappear immediately after elections. He maintained that leadership should be rooted in constant engagement, accessibility, and genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

The senatorial aspirant was accompanied by some of his classmates from the Pankshin Old Boys Association drawn from across Plateau Central. The classmates described Chief Ephraim Usman as a well-articulated and visionary personality with the capacity to deliver quality representation if elected into office.

He further assured party members that, if elected, he would maintain continuous interaction with the people and ensure inclusive leadership by carrying everyone along in the affairs of governance.

Chief Ephraim Usman visit Bokkos, Seeks Royal Blessings Ahead of Campaign Flag-off.

(BY WALBE OGAK)

As part of activities marking the commencement of his political campaign, Chief Ephraim Usman paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the District Head, HRH Lawrence Madam, to seek royal blessings following his successful screening to contest in the forthcoming election.

During the visit, the Director General of the Campaign Organization, Hon. Jonathan Aminu, formally introduced Chief Ephraim Usman to the royal fathers, describing him as a credible and worthy aspirant committed to delivering purposeful representation to the people. He emphasized that Kanam Local Government Area has never produced a senator, stressing that supporting Chief Ephraim Usman would help promote equity and balance in political representation within the zone.

Responding, Chief Ephraim Usman expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for the warm reception accorded to him and his entourage. He assured the royal fathers of his commitment to advancing legislation that would strengthen and empower traditional institutions if elected into office. According to him, his experience as former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, coupled with his background from a royal family, has given him firsthand understanding of the challenges and needs facing traditional rulers across the state.

Traditional rulers from across Bokkos Local Government Area took turns to speak during the meeting, describing Chief Ephraim Usman as a worthy candidate deserving of massive support. The royal fathers commended his leadership qualities, accessibility, and contributions to the traditional institution during his time in public office, expressing confidence in his ability to provide effective representation if elected.

In their collective response, the royal fathers offered prayers and blessings for Chief Ephraim Usman, urging him to sustain the good works he started during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. They noted that he had done a lot for traditional rulers and expressed optimism that he would continue to prioritize their welfare and the development of the people.

Chief Ephraim Usman was accompanied on the visit by members of his campaign organization, friends, classmates, and prominent politicians from Bokkos Local Government Area, who joined him in seeking the blessings and support of the traditional institution ahead of the commencement of his campaign activities.

Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct Five in Fresh Attack on Furyam Takzul Community in Kanam

(BY WALBE OGAK )

Residents of Furyam Takzul community in Kantana Ward of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State have been thrown into mourning following a midnight attack by unknown gunmen who killed two persons and abducted five others, including women and children.

The incident, according to residents, occurred at about 12:00 midnight on Saturday when the attackers stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers who fled for safety. Sources within the community disclosed that the assailants invaded several homes during the operation before whisking away their victims to an unknown destination.

Speaking on the incident, the Village Head of Furyam Takzul, Alhaji Usman Ibrahim, confirmed the attack and described the situation as disturbing and heartbreaking for the peaceful community. He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the kidnapped victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Also reacting, the Youth Leader of the community, Haruna Khaled Furyam, condemned the attack and called on government and security operatives to urgently improve security in rural communities across Kanam Local Government Area. He said residents now live in fear following the repeated cases of attacks and kidnappings in the area.

The identities of the deceased victims had not been officially released at the time of filing this report, while efforts were said to be ongoing to trace the whereabouts of those abducted. Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

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.