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PDP Wins Adamawa Guber Poll …CUPP Disowns Ganduje’s Endoresment …Says PDP’ll Recover Stolen Mandate
Ahmed Umar Fintiri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Adamawa State governorship re-run election.
To emerge victor, Fintiri polled a total of 376,552 votes to beat Jibrilla Bindow, incumbent Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 336,386 votes, amounting to a margin of 40,166.
Before yesterday’s supplementary election, Fintiri had polled 367,471 votes while Bindow had 334,995, leaving a margin of 32,476 votes and placing him in a quite comfortable situation, as only 40,988 votes were cancelled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He defeated All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate and incumbent Governor Mohammed Bindow in the results so far collated such that the governor cannot overturn the margin of lead. With 367,471 votes to Bindow’s 334,995 votes, Fintiri went into yesterday’s make-up election with a 32,476 votes advantage.
Thus, Bindow was required to get at least 41,000 votes from the available 49,377 cancelled votes, to be re-elected. This may be a tall order, if the results released at press time are anything to go by. Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials, security agents and other stakeholders arrived the various polling units on time prompting early commencement of the exercise.
For instance, in Aroo Maguwa PU Girei, APC polled 102 votes while PDP got scored 72 votes. In Vazili PU 009, Michika LGA, it was ADC 1, APC 561 and PDP 6. Others include: Jigalambu unit – APC 7, PDP 248; Fwa unit, Michika – APC 3, PDP 161; Didayo in Song LGA – APC 116, PDP 268; Unit 005, Karalbadi Duhu Mayowandu – ADC 5, APC 0, PDP 131 and SDP 1 In Guyuk Unit 001: APC 0, PDP 154; Kolbani Duhu/Mayo Madagali: APC 0, PDM 5, PDP 135; Kofarwaya PU 003, Girei Ward: APC 46, and PDP 168.
The supplementary election was the climax of the inconclusive election held on March 9. Though low turnout of voters characterised the exercise in Yola South LGA of the state, voting was peaceful under the watchful eyes of fully mobilised security agents.
At the end of the LGA announcement, PDP polled 10,480 votes while APC secured 1391 votes, leaving a margin of 9089. LGA: Mubi North APC 11 PDP 900 LGA: Michika APC 187 PDP 1113 LGA: Toungo PDP 86 APC 2 LGA: Numan APC 50 PDP 1548 LGA: Madagali APC 0 PDP 131 AFTER NINE LGAs, PDP: 5301, APC:1141 LGA: Guyuk PDP 717 APC 10 CUPP disowns Ganduje’s endorsement by Kano branch.
Meanwhile, the national headquarters of Coalition of United Political Parties,CUPP, has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the victory of Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in the governorship election by its Kano branch.
The coalition said it does not know the group, which claimed to represent it in the state while making the purported endorsement. In a statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, CUPP said contrary to the group’s claim of emerging from its fold, those who formed the group were “APC agents from Ganduje’s village.
“The national headquarters of CUPP has dissociated itself from a group that called itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Ganduje. “The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that make up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.
“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the protection of national interest. “CUPP is a national coalition focused on taking presidential power via constitutional means and protection of national interest and not for state jamboree. The mandate Ganduje stole will be retrieved and he should enjoy his interim second term without dragging CUPP into his quest for legitimacy.”
Meanwhie, the national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the victory of Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in the governorship election by its Kano branch.
The coalition said the group, which posed to represent it in the state while making the purported endorsement was not known by it.
A statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that contrary to the group’s claim of emerging from its fold, the persons who formed the group were agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, “APC agents from Ganduje’s village to came under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate.
“The national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dissociated itself from a group that called itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that made up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.
“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the protection of national interest,” it said in the statement.
CUPP said, “The coalition is not meant for any state jamboree as being witnessed in Kano.”
The statement read further: “For the avoidance of any doubt, the position of the CUPP remains that Ganduje is parading a stolen mandate that will be retrieved from him.
“The recruitment of APC agents from Ganduje village to come under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate is unacceptable, laughable and a show of the political inexperience of Ganduje which led to his disgraceful outing at the ballot in the first place.
“The coalition, therefore, has not, and will never endorse him because we will not be part of the illegality that foisted him on the people of Kano State who roundly rejected him as seen during the election.”
It explained that, “CUPP is a national coalition focused on taking presidential power via constitutional means and protection of national interest and not for state jamboree.
“The mandate Ganduje stole will be retrieved and He should enjoy his interim second term without dragging CUPP into his quest for legitimacy,” it added.
Earlier, a coalition of 42 registered political parties in Kano State, under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), had expressed support for the re-election of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the just concluded governorship election.
The CUPP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Nuhu Isah, who paid a congratulatory visit to the governor, expressed dismay over a purported news conference held in Kano where it was reported that the coalition condemned the entire process due to alleged electoral irregularities.
Isah, who is also the chairman, lnter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the 42 political parties were satisfied with the election outcome and would not challenge it at the tribunal.
“We are shocked to read the contents of the news conference discrediting the whole conduct of the process, security agencies, INEC and worst still the declaration to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
“We in CUPP comprising the representatives of the 42 political parties in the coalition, and joined by the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), categorically disown and disassociate the coalition from the sham press conference as well as condemn it in its entirety.
“We also express our dismay at the action of the conveners of the news conference for using the coalition to express personal and untoward views for whatever reasons and influence under the guise of CUPP,” he said.
He noted that the coalition monitored the supplementary election in Kano and in all sincerity believed it to be free, fair and peaceful.
Isah also acknowledged that there were pockets of violence in some polling units which magnitude were insignificant to warrant any call for cancellation of the election or legal redress at the tribunal.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.