KÒLÁPÒ ‘Nedu

PLATEAU STATE: RECLAIMING OUR TOURISM POTENTIAL THROUGH NATIONAL UNITY, A SECURE ENVIRONMENT, AND INCLUSION Today, Tuesday, 10th November 2026, I arrived in Jos, Plateau State, as part of our ongoing nationwide series of town hall meetings. During our visit to Jos, we paid a courtesy call on the highly respected Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da (Dr.) Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR. We briefed him on our town hall meeting in Plateau State, which was convened to engage with our people and gain a deeper understanding of their most urgent concerns. His Royal Majesty received us warmly, offered his prayers and wise counsel, and expressed his hopes for a successful programme. He reaffirmed that traditional rulers serve as fathers to everyone and called for peace, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence as the next elections draw near. Following our visit to the palace, I proceeded to Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos, where I participated in an interview programme. We discussed the challenges confronting our beloved country, Nigeria, as well as the plans Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and I have developed to address these issues decisively when elected into office. I also visited the section of Terminus Market that was destroyed by fire several months ago. There, I spoke with business owners, traders, sellers, and buyers to learn firsthand how they were coping and rebuilding amid the prevailing economic conditions. I assured them that, under our leadership, we would work to ease the devastating economic hardship that the current administration’s policies have inflicted on Nigerians. At our town hall meeting, participants brought forward several pressing concerns, including the worsening security situation in Plateau State, safeguarding the integrity of the vote, youth unemployment, and access to financing for small businesses. One participant living with a disability also asked how our administration plans to support vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities. In response, I stressed that fulfilling our plans for Nigeria would first require us to secure the nation and unite our people behind a shared purpose. In particular, I assured the people of Plateau State that we would confront insecurity decisively and enable citizens displaced by violence who are currently residing in IDP camps to return safely to their communities. To our brothers and sisters living with disabilities, I reaffirmed our commitment to their care, inclusion, and wellbeing. A nation’s true measure of compassion is found in the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens. I also reiterated that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and I are committed to making substantial investments in vital areas of development, especially healthcare and education, while lifting our people out of poverty. In conclusion, I recalled the time when Jos and Plateau State more broadly ranked among the foremost tourism destinations for Nigerians and visitors from around the world. I reaffirmed our determination to revive the state’s tourism potential and restore it to its rightful place of prominence. I extend my special appreciation to His Royal Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, for his gracious hospitality, prayers, and valuable counsel. I also commend our dedicated party faithful in Plateau State for organising this program, as well as the people of Plateau State for their participation, warmth, and hospitality. A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK! -PO

A NEW DIMENSION OF TOXIC POLITICS IN NIGERIA The new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025, I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls' team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town. With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs. Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded. It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected. The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Do not Undermine Democracy I have received with shock the news of an order by the Federal High Court in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and all the actions he has taken. This is unsettling and surprising. I do not challenge the ruling of the court. The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law. My concern is that three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty. It is not good to have too many uncertainties about candidates and parties a few weeks before a presidential election. This instability is obviously engineered by the ruling party, just as they have done against me in the Labour Party and continue to do so to close down civic space for a robust campaign. It is also from the same rulebook that manufactures violence against us in our campaigns. One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders. I trust in the judiciary. As a public officer, I have shown deep respect for the judiciary. I appeal that we protect the integrity of democracy by not undermining the free and fair choice of candidates. The sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, in the midst of encroaching military rule in West Africa, should strengthen our resolve to protect opposition politics and not stamp out opposition parties. It is because of the importance of opposition to the sustenance of democracy that I have always promised that, as President, I will take a special interest in ensuring opposition parties are stable and thriving, and that opposition candidates are not persecuted out of electoral contests. This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO