By Samson Adeyanju

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has successfully passed the screening exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 governorship election and has been officially certified to contest the party’s primaries.

This was contained in the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.

The screening exercise was conducted on Sunday at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge, venue designated for the screening of incumbent governors seeking the party’s ticket for the forthcoming elections.

The screening committee was chaired by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Goshwe, who led the process to assess aspirants seeking to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

Governor Alia’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms were procured by the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Benue State Motorcycle Association.

Leaders of the two groups attributed their support for the governor to what they described as the remarkable transformation witnessed in the state under his administration, as well as his people-oriented style of governance. They said the governor deserved another term to consolidate ongoing developmental efforts across the state.

Political observers and stakeholders have described the certification as a major boost to Governor Alia’s political standing within the APC, particularly amid ongoing consultations and strategic alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Alia, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the APC, has consistently highlighted infrastructural development, security improvement, civil service reforms and social welfare programmes as key priorities of his administration.

His successful clearance by the screening committee is also expected to trigger increased political activities within the APC as preparations intensify for the next electoral cycle.

By Tony Abah

The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael ‘Leke Banjo, has called for a people-centred and morally guided energy transition in Nigeria, warning that development must not continue to benefit a privileged few while leaving vulnerable communities behind.

Speaking at the GreenFaith Nigeria Multifaith and Multisectoral Forum on Nigeria’s Just Energy Transition Plan held on May 7, Fr. Banjo said energy should not be seen merely as an economic issue but as a matter tied to “life, health, education, work, food security, industrial growth, national stability and human dignity.”

Addressing participants at the forum themed, “Faith, Justice, and Power: Advancing an Inclusive Just Energy Transition in Nigeria,” the Catholic priest welcomed members of GreenFaith Africa and other stakeholders, describing the gathering as a shared effort to defend creation and promote justice.

“We gather today not merely as advocates, policy actors or religious leaders, but as stewards,” he said. “We gather to ask a deeper question: what kind of future do we want to leave behind, and who will be allowed to share in it?”

Fr. Banjo stressed that true development should not be measured only by “megawatts, investment figures or economic indicators,” but also by how society treats “those on the margins of energy poverty” and communities already suffering the effects of climate change.

Drawing from Scripture and the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, he described creation as “God’s gift entrusted to our responsible care,” insisting that environmental stewardship must go hand in hand with development and innovation.

The cleric lamented the environmental degradation affecting different parts of Nigeria, citing oil pollution and gas flaring in the Niger Delta, desertification in the North, gully erosion in the South-East, and flooding in parts of Kogi State and Benue State.

“In our cities, plastic waste and poor sanitation have turned public spaces into sources of disease and avoidable hardship,” he said. “When we fail to keep the earth, the earth becomes wounded; and when the earth is wounded, human dignity is also wounded.”

Fr. Banjo called on governments at all levels to develop “clear, consistent and just policies” that would protect affected communities, expand access to affordable clean energy, support small businesses and create decent jobs.

He also urged investors and development partners to ensure that renewable energy investments are guided by conscience and accountability.

“The new energy economy must not reproduce old injustices in cleaner language,” he warned, adding that policies should encourage local capacity, community ownership, skill development and transparency.

Beyond government and institutions, Fr. Banjo challenged ordinary citizens to embrace environmentally responsible habits, including proper waste disposal, water conservation, tree planting and keeping public spaces clean.

“We must stop throwing refuse into gutters, streams and open spaces,” he said. “In these simple daily choices, we show whether we truly understand that creation is God’s gift and our common home.”

He commended GreenFaith Nigeria, GreenFaith Africa and The Kukah Centre for promoting climate justice and interfaith collaboration, assuring them of the continued support of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

“The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria stands ready to walk with you in this effort to protect creation, uplift the poor, and advance a truly just energy transition for our nation,” he said.

By Emmanuel Eko

The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND), and the Rebuild Nigeria Movement Worldwide (RNMW), have announced plans to carry out thorough consultations and assessments before endorsing any political party or candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of both organizations, former president and founder, Ambassador James Erebuoye, emphasized the need for caution and strategic decision-making following the experiences of the 2023 elections.

According to Erebuoye, several errors made by platform administrators and coordinators during the last electoral cycle nearly fractured the network, which he noted took over two decades to build across Nigeria and the diaspora.

“We will undertake proper diligence before deciding which political party or candidate to support in 2027, and we will also guide our eligible voters accordingly,” he stated.

He called on coordinators within both organizations to prioritize unity, peace, and discipline among members, warning against the dangers of religious intolerance and tribal divisions.

“This is about our one and only country, Nigeria. We must not allow religious bigotry or tribalism to derail our collective mission,” Erebuoye said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he described the process as a critical national assignment, urging members at home and abroad to remain committed and organized.

“Our goal is to mobilize not less than 20 million votes for the right presidential candidate we collectively decide to support,” he added.

Erebuoye also stressed the importance of defending Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as a serious responsibility that requires the active involvement of all members. He further called for intensified efforts to combat corruption, which he said has hindered the nation’s development for decades.

Addressing national security concerns, the CNND and RNMW founder urged the Federal Government to take stronger and more decisive action against terrorism and banditry.

“No amount of condolences can bring back those who have lost their lives. The priority of government now must be to secure citizens and put an end to these attacks,” he said.

He outlined a three-point priority for the government: tackling insecurity, eliminating entrenched corruption networks, and then focusing on economic recovery.

Erebuoye noted that improving security would naturally enhance economic growth, attract investment, and boost tourism.

“No foreign investor or tourist will be attracted to a country plagued by insecurity. Fixing the economy will be much easier once the security challenges are addressed,” he concluded.

The statement reflects growing political mobilization among diaspora networks as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.