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Notable leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have demanded the retention of the 2021 convention’s zoning arrangements, insisting that the National Chairman must remain in the North-Central.

The PDP leaders, who met in Abuja on Monday night, under the auspices of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, also called for the conduct of a fresh South-East Zonal Congress, congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States as well as Local Government congress in Ekiti State.

They also demanded that the outcome of the South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22, 2025 and recognised by the court be respected.

In the communique of the meeting, read by the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, the PDP leaders cautioned that “failure to comply with the resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”

Among those who attended the meeting were the FCT Minister, PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, former Governors of Abia, Benue, Ekiti and Enugu States, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and Martins Ameawhule.

Also in the meeting were serving and former members of the National Assembly, North Central and South South National Vice Chairmen, Abdulrahman Mohammed and Dan Orbih, as well as Abia, Benue, FCT, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States PDP Chairmen, among others.

The Communique read; “We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), having met to review the state of our great party and assessed the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, do hereby express our collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law – values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its survival depends.

“We reaffirm our belief that leadership positions within the party must remain open, inclusive, and competitive, while ensuring regional equity in accordance with the PDP’s long-standing traditions.

“In the spirit of unity and progress, and mindful of the party’s historical role as a custodian of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, we considered it imperative and expedient to make the following observations and convey our demands to the party leadership and the National Working Committee (NWC) as we prepare for the National Convention.

“It is our observations that the PDP stands at a defining crossroads where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance. That unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements. That a credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity.

“We call on the National Working Committee to urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with judgments of the courts.

“That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted.

“That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State and recognised by the court be respected.

“That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement.

“That on zoning of party offices, whereas; we agree with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, we further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.

“Consequently, the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention.

“It is pertinent to caution that failure to comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.

“The PDP was built on the foundation of inclusivity, fairness, and justice. Therefore, to reclaim its pride of place as the leading opposition and the true alternative for Nigerians, the party must now rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility.

“We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party and resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment — a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity.

“Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing local government election in the state.

He also hailed President Bola Tinubu for making sure that the election was conducted, saying; “since the Supreme Court has said there is nothing like caretaker committees in local governments, if there are no elected people, funds will not come from the Federation accounts to the local government accounts. So, if the emergency rule is lifted and there is no local government election, we will still have the same problem.”

Wike commended the people of the state for turning out in large numbers to participate in the ongoing local government election.

He spoke while addressing journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom), Obia/Akpor Local Government Area.

“I want to thank RSIEC for carrying out a successful conduct of local government elections. Let me make it clear that this is a local government election and I expect particularly the media to have done their homework very well in knowing where the residential areas and commercial areas are.

“When you go to commercial areas, you don’t expect a large turnout of people but when you go to residential areas, of course, you expect people to turn out.

“This is my community, I can see the turn out of people in this particular unit, so it is in other units.

“But If you go to where you have commercial activities, you don’t expect much people,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the people of the state are happy to participate in the local government election.

Wike added: “Rivers people are happy to have their own people contesting elections, so I’m very happy with the turnout of people and I have gotten a lot of reports from the rural areas that people came out very well to participate in the election, so I’m happy.”

He dismissed fears that the Supreme Court might set aside the ongoing local government election.

“There was no election by law, the Supreme Court said there was no election. Today we are holding an election that is why you see people coming out to cast their votes.

“If you do something that is not known to law, of course, it will be set aside and now that the process is very clear and known to law,nobody is worried. All the people are doing is just to come out and cast their votes for whoever they want to represent them at the local government,” he said.

Wike said with the conduct of the polls, local governments are sure of getting their funds directly from the federation account as directed by the Supreme Court.

He pointed out that the successful conduct of the election would go a long way in stabilizing the grassroot level.

Wike further added: “That is why we have to thank Mr President for making sure that this election is conducted. First of all, if election is not conducted, you know that the Supreme Court has said there is nothing like caretaker committees in local governments and if there are no elected people, funds will not come from the Federation accounts to the local government accounts.

“That means that if the emergency rule is lifted and there is no local government election, we will still have the same problem. Now that the local government election is holding, it means that there will be elected people and they will get funds directly from the federation account.

“Everybody must standout to support this particular election in order to stabilize the grassroot level. By the time the emergency rule is lifted in September, it means that the governor and state Assembly will come back, so without local government it will not have been complete.

“So we are very glad that today we are conducting this election and by the end of the day, elected people will emerge, sworn in, and we will know that we have elected representatives at the grassroot level.”

The decision of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone the presidency to the South, and retaining the National Chairman of the party in the North has been described as another clear vindication of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and the G-5’s position in 2022.

The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who reacted to the zoning, asked; “Now, that the party has realised its mistake of not listening to Wike and the G-5 in 2022, and have chosen to do what they said, three years after, have they not been vindicated now?” 

“Recall that the FCT Minister and the G-5 had insisted that the presidential candidate of the PDP and its National Chairman must not remain in the same zone, insisting that since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from the North had emerged as the presidential candidate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North must resign to pave the way for a National Chairman from the South. Ayu, however insisted on not resigning, with Atiku and his group backing him. Aftermath of this was the electoral misfortune the party suffered in 2023, followed by instability after the elections.

“But today, the NEC resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket be zoned to the South.

“Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit? 

“Sadly, they know the truth. Wike simply said, take the chairmanship to the South if you want to gain the presidency, but they said no, they must take the two, and the PDP lost!

“They have realised the mistake they made in 2022 and are correcting it in 2025. But is it not too late already, bearing in mind that the only way the zoning can be justified is for the South to conclude its eight years, while the presidency returns to the North in 2031?

State Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Governors, National Assembly members, serving and former National Working Committee members and other notable stakeholders from the Southern Nigeria have disowned the meeting scheduled for Lagos today, by some group in the party with the aim of zoning positions. 

The PDP leaders dismissed “any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting as neither binding on, or reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria,” adding that “Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”

This was contained in a press statement signed by the State Party Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatuis Ikem, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon O. K. Chinda.

Others were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Barr. Mudi Erhenede and others. 

The statement titled; “Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” read; “The attention of the undersigned State Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the South and some critical stakeholders has been drawn to a meeting nichodimously summoned in Lagos today 21st August 2025 by some persons purporting to do so on behalf of PDP Members of the South tagged “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit” convened by the Admin Secretary, Zoning Committee of the PDP at the behest of the Chairman Zoning Committee (H.E Senator Duoye Diri) at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

“The said meeting tagged “a summit” was allegedly convened in the name of the three geo-political zones of Southern Nigeria — South East, South South, and South West.

“It is highly regrettable and indeed deeply disturbing that such a meeting was convened without the courtesy of inviting several State Chairmen from the South East and South South, as well as the duly elected National Secretary and Deputy National Legal Adviser of our great party. Even more troubling is the inexplicable exclusion of several national officers, eminent leaders, and critical stakeholders of the PDP. Shockingly, the Minority Leader in the National Assembly and other principal officers of our party from the South-South and South-East were also deliberately sidelined and denied participation in a meeting where such far-reaching and sensitive decisions on zoning, power rotation, and political equity are to be discussed.

“Equally concerning is the deliberate omission of most former governors from the South East and South South, who, by every standard of history, pedigree, and institutional memory, remain critical stakeholders in any conversation about the future direction of our party. Such a brazen disregard for established structures and statutory organs of the PDP not only offends the spirit of collective decision-making but also risks undermining the very foundation upon which our party was built.

“The PDP, since inception, has been anchored on the values of inclusivity, equity, consultation, and collective responsibility. Any process that deliberately sidelines key stakeholders, ignores the legitimate authority of national officers, and excludes elected leaders and ranking lawmakers erodes trust, fuels division, and threatens party cohesion at a time when unity is most needed.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting as neither binding on, or reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria. Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.

“More particularly, the said summit is premature and targeted at protecting the interest and selfish ambition of a select few as the Zoning Committee set up by the 101 NEC is yet to present its report for ratification by the party.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, and electoral fortunes of the PDP and call upon all well-meaning leaders and stakeholders to resist any attempt to manipulate zoning arrangements through exclusionary tactics or clandestine maneuvers. The South East and South South zones, alongside our counterparts in the South West, remain united in the pursuit of fairness, justice, and equity — the very ideals that have sustained our party’s relevance and credibility over the years.

“As custodians of the mandate entrusted to us by our members, we remain resolute in defending the integrity of the PDP and ensuring that any decisions affecting Southern Nigeria within the PDP are reached through proper consultation, transparency, and inclusiveness, in line with the established democratic ethos of our party.

“We call on the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), and all stakeholders of the party to disregard any outcome of the said meeting which is not only illegal but divisive.

“Take notice that where any iota of regard is given to the outcome of the purported meeting, we shall not hesitate to take appropriate steps in line with our party constitution to resist same with full force.”

Baring any last minute change of plans, a former Senator in Ekiti State, Biodun Olujimi, will defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next few days.

Sources who are privy to this plan told our reprepreseting Ekiti South Senatorial District is targeting ambassadorial appointment and those who promised her of slotting her in for the Ekiti State slot insisted that she must decamp to the APC.

Meanwhile, the move is said to be facing stiff resistance from some leaders of the APC in the State.

Olujimi was said to have made her intention to move to the APC known to some of her loyalists, a few weeks ago, but notable leaders of the party, especially in the Ekiti South Senatorial District have rejected her.

One of the party leaders who will not want his name mentioned, said there was nothing the former Senator will bring to the party other than crisis. 

He said Olujimi was responsible for the collapse of the PDP in Ekiti State, and it would be suicidal to have someone like that in the APC.

“The moment Ayo Fayose left office as Governor in 2018, Olujimi engineered a rebellion against him under the guise of repositioning the party. That rebellion led to the collapse of the party and we won’t allow such character to come and pollute our party. 

“Besides, we don’t need her to win elections in Ekiti South. We have been winning without her, so what’s she bringing?

“She tried to come to the APC before the 2023 elections, but the moment she saw that she was not going to be awarded the APC senatorial ticket, she beat a retreat and took the PDP ticket to contest against our party.

“Even when we defeated her freely and fairly, she still went to court against our party. Is that the kind of desperate person we will allow into our party? Absolutely no.”

Also, within the PDP, the planned defection is being met with feeling of betrayal, especially by those in the camp of one of the PDP State Chairmanship aspirants, Funsho Ayeni, as well as those who saw her as part of the new coalition.

Olujimi was among those who propelled Ayeni to throw his cap in the ring to contest the chairmanship. 

She was said to be among those who attended the Abuja meeting in which the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was unveiled as the party for the coalition.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, is already blinded by the spirit of her impending electoral woe, and can never see the positive transformation going on in Abuja and the FCT satellite towns. 

Olayinka said “it is funny that someone who is impersonating by using the name of Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, that is no longer her husband, believes that jumping from one television station to the other to disparage the FCT Minister will revive her dead political career.”

The Senator had said yesterday, on a television program that President Bola Tinubu’s biggest mistake was making Wike Minister of FCT.

Responding, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson challenged Ireti to go to communities like Saburi, Dei Dei, Kabusa, Ketti, Yangoji, Pai, Gomani, Gishiri, Kwaita, Yebu, Yangoji, Sukuku, Ebo, Ushafa and others that now have good roads, to mount the rostrum and tell the people that President Tinubu made a mistake by appointing Wike as FCT Minister. 

“Most importantly, she can also visit traders in the Apo Mechanic Village, whose dream of being relocated to a permanent site is being fulfilled more than 15 years after, as well as those residing along Apo-Wasa road, and tell them it was a mistake that Wike was appointment as FCT Minister.

“In Abaji, Federal Capital Territory University, Abaji (FCTU), a university established close to 15 years ago, but was abandoned, is now witnessing a massive infrastructural development. Also, general renovation of 22 schools have been done in the last 12 months while renovation of more 40 others is ongoing.

“As expected of someone already blinded by the spirit of a coming defeat, Ireti, alias Kingibe won’t see all these. Reason is, she knows that in 2027, she won’t be able to retain the Senate seat she accidentally got in 2023. She knows that the factor that got her to the Senate is no longer available and she is desperate to use attacks on Wike to gain political leverage.

“Unfortunately, Wike is not in the comity of frustrated politicians like Ireti ‘Kingibe’ who is treating her aides like slaves, refusing to pay their wages and entitlements for months,” Olayinka said. 

While counseling Ireti to get real and stop impersonating, Olayinka said, “At 71, a woman should have a clear identity, use her legitimate names, and stop using the name of a man she is no longer married to.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo to concentrate on the development of the State, rather than dissipating his energy and resources to probe of his immediate predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

Wike, who was speaking in Benin, Edo State, yesterday evening, said probing the former governor will achieve no meaningful results, adding that it was better for Governor Okpebholo to deploy his time and the State resources towards achieving his developmental goals Edo State and its people. 

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister Wike said; “If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me, but what I suffered in ensuring that he returned for a second term and how he paid me back is now in the past.

 “We must pass through this process in life, move on for the development of Edo State. Don’t do it, I’m the one that should have told you pursue this man, I know what I passed through.

“I should be the one to prosecute Obaseki but what is it in life when God has given you position. If it were to be his power, you won’t be here, but God has told him, you don’t have it and I have given it to whom I want to give.”

Facing former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Wike said; “Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through, I know the sufferings, you suffered and it was like a humiliation to you. I was part of it because I humiliated you.

“I apologized on national TV to you, sorry for what I did to you, leave it and let them carry their wahala and go, focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day.”

Wike was in Benin, Edo State yesterday, to commission the New Edo Line terminal, which is the second phase of the Edo State Benin Central Bus Terminal, today. The event was however cancelled owing to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told the Interim Spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, that the greed and desperation for power of people like him brought the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to its present state. 

Olayinka, who counselled Abdullahi and his co-travellers in what he called “the coalition of confusion” to be honest enough that they were only hungry and angry to grab power for their own selfish interest, rather than lying that they were interested in the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Abdullahi, had said yesterday, that himself and others were aggrieved that Wike allowed himself to be used to destroy the PDP, which he described as one of the most powerful political parties in Africa.

Responding, Olayinka asked if it was because of Wike that Abdullahi left the PDP in 2014, or because he fell out with Senator Bukola Saraki, the man who raised him politically, from Special Assistant to a Minister.

He said; “As usual, in his deceitful manner, Abdullahi failed to mention that the political waka-about of himself and Atiku, his present emergency political leader contributed to the misfortune of the PDP. Or is it not on record that it was the political treachery of Atiku that frustrated the collective efforts of the PDP members in Lagos State to win the State in 2003?

“As a minister in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, why did Abdullahi leave the PDP for the APC then? Was it because the government he was part of failed and Nigerians were angry? 

“As National Publicity Secretary of the APC, did he leave the party in 2018 because of Wike or because he saw that his thirst for power could no longer be quenched in the party?

“When in 2019, Abdullahi ran unsuccessfully for nomination as the PDP governorship candidate in Kwara State, was it because Nigerians were angry? Even in 2023, that he got the PDP senatorial ticket, he still lost the election to his APC rival.

“If after serving as Special Assistant, Special Adviser and Commissioner in Kwara State and as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the people of Kwara State could still not trust Abdullahi enough with the PDP governorship ticket and later a Senatorial mandate, it simply means that he is a political liability and this reality he must face.

“Therefore, methinks that he should stop being deceitful and tell Nigerians the truth as to his penchant for ‘Political Jumpology’, rather than the same rhetoric of ‘we want to rescue Nigeria.’

“Abdullahi also said their coalition is not just anti-Tinubu, but more focused on saving Nigeria’s democracy. Haba nah! What manner of lie is this? 

“How can a gathering of people like Atiku Abubakar, a serial decampee whose boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo described as patently corrupt, Nasir El-Rufai, the promoter of body bag politics who as Governor of Kaduna State was busy going on his bended knees to pay terrorists, Hungry Rotimi Amaechi, under whom the judiciary in River State was shutdown for over one year, Dino Melaye, who couldn’t vote for himself in his own election, and other frustrated politicians be about saving democracy?

“Let Abdullahi and his coalition of confusion stop lying to Nigerians. They selfishly want power for themselves and their cronies, but too bad, they won’t get it.”

A youth coalition under the banner of the Zamfara APC Integrity Network (ZAIN) has strongly rejected the speculated defection of Governor Dauda Lawal from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as a political liability with a trail of poor governance.

In a statement signed by its president, Comrade Murtala Sani Gummi, and made available to journalists in Gusau on Monday, the group said it had credible intelligence suggesting that Governor Lawal was lobbying to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in a bid to realign with the centre and retain political relevance.

The group, however, warned that such a move would backfire, noting that the APC in Zamfara and across Nigeria “cannot afford to inherit a non-performing politician whose leadership has worsened the socio-economic conditions of Zamfara people”.

“We want to make it categorically clear that Governor Dauda Lawal is not welcome in the APC. He is a huge liability, and any attempt to accept him into the party will damage our chances in 2027. Zamfara has suffered under his administration. The streets are not safe, civil servants are groaning, and there’s no tangible infrastructure to speak of,” Gummi said.

The group described Lawal’s rumoured defection as a desperate political move “designed to mask his failures and ride on President Tinubu’s growing popularity in the North”.

“Whereas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong leadership, especially with the gradual stabilisation of the economy and renewed military operations in the North-West, Governor Dauda Lawal’s performance has been abysmal in all ramifications,” the statement added.

ZAIN alleged that under Governor Lawal’s watch, insecurity has escalated, salaries are delayed, and government institutions have weakened.

“What Zamfara needs is visionary leadership — not recycled politicians jumping from party to party for personal survival. APC is rebuilding its structures, and we cannot afford to dilute that progress with someone whose record in office has been marked by blame games and inertia,” Gummi added.

The group urged the national leadership of the APC not to entertain the idea of accepting Lawal into the party, cautioning that such a move would dampen youth mobilisation efforts in the state.

“We are already building strong grassroots structures across all 14 local governments in Zamfara to ensure APC’s victory in 2027. Bringing Dauda Lawal into our fold will discourage the young people who believe in the President’s vision but reject failure at the local level,” Gummi added.

The group further noted that the APC youth wing in Zamfara is committed to supporting credible candidates who can align with the performance of President Tinubu and deliver real dividends of democracy.

“President Tinubu is working. The projects are visible. But Governor Lawal has no track record to show. His defection will be viewed as an opportunistic ploy and must be resisted.”

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and its determination to defend the party’s integrity in Zamfara State.

“As youths, we have the numbers, the energy, and the will. We will not allow anyone to hijack our structure and create division within the fold. The APC of 2025 is not a dumping ground for underperforming politicians.”

The North West Youth Network has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing the move as a clear reward for competence and a boost for youth inclusion in governance.

In a statement on Sunday, the group said Danfulani’s appointment had restored the confidence of young professionals across the North West in President Tinubu’s readiness to identify and empower credible technocrats regardless of age or political weight.

“We applaud President Tinubu for this well-considered appointment. Yazeed Danfulani is a tested, trusted, and transformative leader. His emergence is a strong signal that this administration is serious about driving economic growth through capable hands,” said Bashir Kawu, National Coordinator of the North West Youth Network.

Danfulani, a respected agribusiness expert and public finance professional, has since resumed duties as Managing Director of NAIC — the federal agency responsible for agricultural insurance and risk mitigation for farmers nationwide.

Kawu said the appointment will revitalise NAIC and refocus its operations on practical support for farmers, particularly those in underserved rural communities.

He described the president’s decision to entrust Danfulani with a critical role in the agricultural sector as “a masterstroke,” particularly at a time when the government is pushing for food security and economic stability.

“For too long, young farmers in the North West have been left out of key agricultural interventions. With Danfulani in charge of NAIC, we expect to see a shift — one that gives rural farmers real protection and opportunities to scale,” he said.

In what it described as a “vote of confidence” in President Tinubu’s leadership style, the group also pledged to mobilise massive grassroots support for the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We are not just showing appreciation — we are already on the move. Our mobilisation campaign has begun across the seven North West states. Our goal is clear: to deliver no fewer than 10 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027,” Kanu declared. 

According to him, structures are being set up in local governments and wards across the region to coordinate outreach, register first-time voters, and build a broad coalition of youth voices in support of the administration.

“This is about numbers and vision. With the right leadership, our region can become the agricultural powerhouse of Nigeria — and we believe President Tinubu sees that. Our support for him in 2027 will be massive and well-organised,” Kawu said.

Yusuf said the mobilisation campaign was already gaining momentum, with sensitisation drives, door-to-door engagements, and townhall meetings being held across rural communities.

“We are going beyond social media. We’re speaking directly to the farmers, the traders, the students — people who need to see that this administration is working. And we are showing them through the likes of Danfulani,” he said.

The network urged Danfulani to justify the confidence reposed in him by ensuring NAIC reaches the grassroots and directly supports smallholder farmers, especially women and youth-led cooperatives.

“This is not the time for bureaucracy. We need action. We expect to see inclusive agricultural insurance that covers dry season farmers, livestock owners, and agritech startups. Let NAIC become a household name, not just an agency with an office in Abuja,” he stressed.

The group also appealed to other federal agencies to emulate the NAIC appointment by prioritising merit, professionalism, and regional balance in leadership selection.

“We are watching. Young people across this country are watching. Every appointment speaks. The message from Danfulani’s appointment is that President Tinubu listens. And we are ready to respond with loyalty and results,” Kanu added. 

He concluded by reaffirming the North West Youth Network’s commitment to working with stakeholders, traditional institutions, and community leaders to ensure that youth voices remain visible and influential in national discourse.

“Our vote pledge is not a slogan. We will deliver the votes, because we believe in what this administration is building. And we will not stop until the North West is fully counted in the future of Nigeria,” the statement added.