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Iyorchia Ayu: PDP’s Victories in FCT Area Council Election a Great Omen
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The Peoples Democratic Party won three out of the six Federal Capital Territory’s area councils in the just-concluded election.
The three area councils won by the PDP are Kuje, Bwari and the Abuja Municipal Area Councils.
In Kuje, the PDP’s candidate and incumbent chairman, Suleman Sabo, polled 13,301 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sarki Hamidu of the APC, who secured 7,694 votes.
The PDP defeated the APC to win the election in AMAC, the council housing all the three arms of the Federal Government, including the Presidential Villa.
The PDP candidate, Christopher Zakka, polled 19,302 votes to defeat Murtala Karshi of the APC who scored 13,249 votes.
The PDP won in 10 wards while the APC won only two.
The incumbent chairman and PDP candidate in Bwari, John Gabaya, defeated Audi Shekwolo of the APC.
Gabaya scored 13,045 votes, while Shekwolo had 7,697 votes.
Meanwhile, the APC candidate, Jubrin Abubakar, won in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Abubakar garnered 11,125 votes to defeat his opponent, Mohammed Kassim of the PDP who polled 9,597 votes.
In Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya of the APC defeated his closest rival, Haruna Pai of the PDP to win the keenly-contested election.
The council’s incumbent chairman, Chiya, polled 7,646 votes while Pai garnered 7,345 votes, a difference of 301 votes.
In Abaji area council, the APC scored 7, 289 votes to defeat the candidate of the opposition PDP, Alhaji Yahaya Gawu, who got 4, 062 votes.
However, the returning officer, Prof Gabriel Mordi, did not announce the winner, stating that the winner would be announced after the determination of pending court case.
Two APC chieftains, Abubakar Abdullahi and Mohammed Loko, are laying claim to the party ticket in the council, but the case is still before the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has described the party’s rebound in the election “a great omen under my watch as we lead the PDP back to winning ways and rebuilding Nigeria.”
A statement released by his media office on Sunday, read, “The victory of our great party, the PDP, signposts the promise of a better Nigeria under my watch, leading this team of dedicated and committed party members.
“The victory at the FCT polls of Saturday, February 12, 2022, represents a great omen under my watch as we lead the PDP back to winning ways and rebuilding Nigeria.
“This victory, which gave us the important Abuja Municipal Area Council, is a signal that Nigerians are tired of the woes and hardship of the moment, occasioned by the worsening socio-economic realities of today.
“This victory is dedicated to all leaders of our party, particularly the state governors, NEC members, NWC members as well as the millions of party members across the nation.
“What we have just achieved in Abuja, the seat of power, will be replicated in Ekiti and Osun State later this year, culminating in our takeover of power at the centre next year, to usher in a better, more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
“PDP is back to rescue Nigeria and the rescue begins from the seat of power in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.”
The Punch
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
