Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent incidents in Kaduna, Katsina, and other parts of the country, describing them as a dangerous assault on civic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku’s reaction followed Thursday’s invitation of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai and seven leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by the Kaduna State Police Command over alleged conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance.

In a statement issued on Friday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faulted the police action, warning that such moves amount to an attempt to silence opposition voices.

He also pointed to the attack on former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of a meeting of the Katsina Elders Forum on security reforms as part of what he described as a disturbing pattern.

“These incidents are not isolated. They signify a coordinated assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the essence of pluralistic democracy,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President cautioned that criminalizing opposition activities and undermining civic engagement risk pushing Nigeria towards authoritarian rule.

He urged citizens to recognize the urgency of defending democratic values, stressing that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy must be a shared responsibility.

The Coordinator Delta United for Progress, Chris Madu has said that the appointment of Ms. Isioma Theodora Ndah as the South-South Coordinator for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is not only a testament to her unwavering commitment to women in politics but also a mark of trust in her proven leadership and her ability to mobilise, unify, and inspire.

In a statement by Chris Madu he said; “It is official. The office of the APC National Women Leader has confirmed the appointment of Ms Isioma Theodora Ndah as the South-South Coordinator for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

He said; “appointed by Dr Mary Alile Idele, National Women Leader of the APC, Ms Ndah steps into this role with deep political experience, a strong voice, and an unshakable commitment to fairness and inclusivity. A daughter of Delta State, she has long been recognised as one of the strongest political voices of South-South women, a bridge builder whose work cuts across divides, and a leader whose truthfulness and courage command respect.”

“Her political journey speaks volumes. She was the APC candidate for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the 2019 elections. She is also the National Coordinator of the National Frontiers and Mobilisation Initiative and the driving force behind the Odinma Anioma Group, both frontline APC support groups.”

“Her relentless work has consistently strengthened the party, advanced the cause of women, and built followership that goes beyond politics it is service to people, especially women who have been left behind in the corridors of power,” Madu said.

According to him, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, now approaching its third reading in October 2025, represents a historic step towards balancing Nigeria’s political landscape.

“With this bill, women’s voices, long underrepresented, will finally find structured space and power in decision-making. And at the centre of this mission is Ms Isioma Ndah, whose new role will see her mobilise the South-South, galvanise women, and ensure the momentum does not fade.

“Her appointment is a merit to women, a strength to the APC, and a beacon of hope for millions of young women who now see that political leadership is not beyond their reach. Ms Ndah embodies the truth, resilience, and determination that this movement requires.

“In her, women find a unifier, the APC finds a dependable strategist, and Nigeria finds a new hope for inclusive governance.

“As the 2027 elections draw near, the name Isioma Theodora Ndah will not only stand as a Federal Representative-in-waiting but also as a living proof that women’s time in leadership is here, and it cannot be denied any longer.

“Isioma Ndah is more than an appointment. She is a voice, a movement, and a force,” Madu said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has dismissed former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that Christians make up less than 25 percent of the state’s population, describing it as false and misleading.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, CAN chairman in the state, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, said the assertion—made by El-Rufai during his appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television—contradicts verifiable data from the National Population Commission.

“As chairman of CAN in Kaduna State, I am outraged by Mr. El-Rufai’s claims, which are not only a gross misrepresentation of facts but also a manifestation of deep-seated animosity towards the Christian community,” Rev. Bawa said.

He also refuted El-Rufai’s allegation that Christian leaders in the state receive $20,000 for medical trips abroad, calling it “a fabrication designed to malign and discredit the Christian community.”

According to him, the former governor’s remarks amount to an insult to the dignity and integrity of Christians, who he said have made significant contributions to Kaduna State’s development.

The Christian body demanded an apology and retraction from El-Rufai, urging him to demonstrate a commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and understanding in the state.