Today’s Headlines: Northerners Fight Over Tinubu, Atiku; 750km Route Intact, Can’t be Altered –Umahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections, with economic hardship, federal appointments and infrastructure development emerging as major issues. While some party members believe former Vice President Atiku Abubakar retains considerable influence across the North-West, North-East and North-Central, Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary Mohammed Sani Haruna argued that northerners should support Tinubu because of his historical backing for northern presidential aspirants. He also said the Kaduna APC planned to mobilise two million votes for Tinubu ahead of the October 24 campaign flag-off in the state.

Meanwhile, APC chieftain Dr Iliyasu Musa Kwankwaso maintained that voters would prioritise governance and development over ethnic and regional affiliations. He cited ongoing federal projects in the North as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the region. Haruna also attributed the party’s growing support in Kaduna to Governor Uba Sani’s inclusive leadership, although his claim that the APC controlled all elective positions in the state was challenged with reference to the 2023 election results.

Works Minister David Umahi has insisted that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains unchanged and construction is progressing across several states. He said surveying and design work was ongoing in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, while various sections of the highway had recorded progress. Umahi also disclosed that he had sought President Bola Tinubu’s approval to incorporate an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road to improve connectivity across the Niger Delta and address sections vulnerable to flooding.

The minister said construction was ongoing on several sections of the coastal highway, with some stretches recording over 40 per cent completion, while work on others was at different stages. He added that the Federal Government planned to build service lanes to improve accessibility. Umahi also revealed that Tinubu had expanded planned road projects in the North from about 700 kilometres to approximately 1,100 kilometres, insisting that the expansion would not affect the coastal highway’s approved route.

The Federal Government is working with state governors, transport unions and commercial operators to ensure commuters benefit from reduced fares through the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. The Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles said the programme had attracted over $2.5bn in private-sector investment, with plans to display approved routes and fares on participating buses to prevent overcharging. While some routes in Abuja, Borno, Enugu, Niger and Abia have recorded fare reductions, implementation remains uneven across the country.

Commuters in several states, including Imo, Jigawa, Bayelsa, Benue and Bauchi, are yet to experience significant relief because of limited CNG buses, inadequate refuelling stations and slow implementation. President Bola Tinubu had directed that transport fares be reduced from October 1, citing the lower operating costs of CNG vehicles. Meanwhile, some states are expanding their bus fleets or converting existing vehicles, but transport operators say more infrastructure and support are needed to ensure the savings translate into cheaper fares for passengers.

The 2027 elections in Kwara State will feature a contest for the Kwara Central senatorial seat between outgoing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Senator Salihu Mustapha, who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the party’s primaries. The governorship race will see APC candidate and State House of Assembly Speaker Salihu-Yakubu Danladi face PDP candidate Kawu Bolakale Agaka, who is backed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Other contenders include Abdulmumim Yinka Ajia Olayinka of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Zakareh Mohammed of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The APC has also replaced several serving lawmakers on its National Assembly candidate list. Senator Oyelola Ashiru was replaced by Adewoye Olalekan in Kwara South, while Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar was replaced by Kolo Baba Jiya in Kwara North. In the House of Representatives contests, Saidu Baba Ahmed replaced Mohammed Omar Bio for Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, while Mohammed Mamman replaced incumbent Ahmed Adamu Saba for Edu/Moro/Patigi. These changes have reshaped the party’s line-up ahead of the elections, with AbdulRazaq and Saraki’s political camps facing contests that will test their respective influence in the state.

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