Engineer Buba Galadima, a leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket as a “healing ticket” that could help unite Nigeria and address the country’s long-standing divisions.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Galadima said he and other members of the Kwankwasiyya movement supported Obi because they believe his partnership with Kwankwaso offers the best chance to rebuild the country.

“It is our belief that this is the only ticket that can salvage Nigeria. Not only salvage it, but it is a ticket we call the ‘healing ticket,’ designed so that we can forget the past,” Galadima said.

He explained that the alliance was created to strengthen ties between the North and the South-East, adding that Obi should be seen as a Nigerian leader rather than a candidate representing one ethnic group.

Galadima said the group had spent more than two years working to improve understanding between both regions. According to him, the effort has helped reduce tensions and encouraged dialogue.

He also said Obi had promised to focus on security, agriculture and education if elected president, while involving members of the alliance in tackling the challenges.

“Peter Obi has agreed that if he becomes the President of Nigeria, he will not only address these three issues personally, but he will make us part of those who will work on these issues,” he said.

Responding to critics, Galadima argued that there was no reason to attack those supporting Obi, noting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had previously chosen running mates from the South-East.

He admitted that ethnic and religious politics had contributed to Nigeria’s divisions but insisted the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was focused on national unity.

“This ticket is not about Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, Islam, or Christianity. This ticket is about Nigeria,” he said.

Galadima added that, if elected, the alliance would prioritise job creation, agriculture, skills development and local manufacturing to revive the economy and reduce unemployment.

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Buba Galadima, has explained that the North aligned with Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

The NDC chieftain the region believes an Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket offers the best chance of rescuing Nigeria and promoting national reconciliation.

Galadima stated this while speaking on  Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday.

According to him, the decision to back Obi was based on political calculations rather than ethnic or religious considerations.

He described the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as a “healing ticket,” saying it would help Nigerians move beyond past divisions and foster national unity.

Galadima said: “We aligned with Obi and we have a reason. In politics, you do mathematics, and you calculate; it is our belief that that is the only ticket that can salvage Nigeria.

“Not only salvation; it is a ticket we call the healing ticket, such that we can forget the past. After all, a lot of people call us names because we brought Obi.

“I don’t want to mention tribe or religion in my politics, but we are being called a lot of names. You may never know. We’ve been having this fight in this part of the country.”

Kebbi State Government has vowed to ensure those responsible for the deadly farmers-herders clash in Gulma, Argungu Local Government Area, are brought to justice, while condoling with families of the eight victims killed in the violence.

Deputy Governor, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida, conveyed the government’s condolences during a visit to the community on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, sympathising with the bereaved families and praying for the repose of the victims.

Tafida described the incident as unfortunate and assured residents that those responsible for the killings would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He also urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid reprisals, stressing that the government would not tolerate any act capable of threatening peace and security in the state.

Speaking during the visit, Chairman of Argungu Local Government Area, Aliyu Sani Gulma, said the violence began after cattle allegedly strayed into a farmland belonging to one Aminu Ala and destroyed crops.

According to him, an argument reportedly ensued between the farmer and the herder, during which the farmer was allegedly stabbed to death.

The incident triggered reprisals by residents, who killed the herder and set his body ablaze.

Gulma said the violence later spread to members of the herders’ community despite the intervention of security agencies.

He added that two more bodies were later recovered on the outskirts of Gulma, bringing the death toll to eight, comprising one farmer and seven herders.

The council chairman commended the state government for the swift deployment of security personnel, saying the intervention helped restore calm in the affected community.

Also speaking, the Emir of Argungu, represented by the Kokanin Kabi, Kabiru Abdullahi, described the incident as tragic and appealed to farmers and herders to embrace peaceful coexistence.

A representative of the Fulani community, Aliyu Usman, also called for dialogue and tolerance to prevent future clashes.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has warned that the party will not accept any form of election rigging or manipulation during the 2027 governorship election.
Pantami spoke on Wednesday while meeting PDP members and supporters in Nafada and other local government areas of the state.

Addressing supporters in Hausa, he urged the Gombe State Government and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process when campaigns begin.

He said, “No one has yet been born who can change our election results in Gombe State. Not this time around, the people will cast their votes, and it will count.”

Pantami said the PDP would focus on issues during its campaign rather than insults or confrontation.

According to him, “Gombe electorates are very wise now, they will not allow their votes to be wasted.”

He also encouraged residents not to be intimidated but to participate in the election and vote according to their choice.

The PDP candidate said the party is determined to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through the ballot and lawful democratic processes.

Pantami further accused the APC-led state government of failing to improve the lives of residents, alleging that government contracts are being awarded to only a small group of people.

He thanked supporters for backing his candidacy and urged them to maintain the momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

Oyo State Government has paid tribute to civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the operation that led to the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would remain etched in the memory of the state.

In a memorial message shared on its official X account on Wednesday, the government celebrated the safe recovery of the victims while expressing sorrow over the loss of lives recorded during the rescue mission.

“While we express gratitude for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA, we also wish to honour those who lost their lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We commit to supporting them during this trying period. May their souls rest in peace,” the state government stated.

As part of the tribute, the government released an “In Memoriam” list featuring the names of civilians and security operatives who died during the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota abduction incident.

Those honoured include:

Civilians

Mr Michael Oyedokun

Deacon John Olaleye

Mr Joel Adesiyan

Mr Oluwasegun Akanni

Military and security personnel

Lieutenant F. A. Isaac

Mr Adigun Saibu

Mr Isa Saliu

Mr Rafiu Ayuba

One unidentified soldier

The pupils and their teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, after armed men attacked three schools located in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA.

They were eventually rescued after spending approximately 57 days in captivity following a joint operation involving security agencies.

The attack had earlier claimed the lives of two teachers; Mr Michael Oyedokun and Mr Esiyan Adegboye, during the abduction. While Adegboye’s remains were recovered and buried after the incident, Oyedokun’s body has not yet been found.

Oyedokun’s family has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and relevant security authorities to intensify efforts to recover his remains so he can receive a proper burial.

The rescue mission itself also resulted in the deaths of some security personnel who participated in the operation to secure the release of the victims.

The Oyo State Government commended their bravery, reaffirming its commitment to standing with the families of those who lost their lives and ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes are not forgotten.