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PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed advocates for competence over regional politics in 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party PRP, has urged Nigerians to prioritize competence, integrity, and vision over regional considerations when choosing leaders. Speaking in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the country's persistent challenges necessitate capable leaders, not those selected based on their origin. He highlighted that the PRP deliberately rejected zoning and regional entitlement, citing the emergence of former Cross River governor, Mr. Donald Duke, as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Baba-Ahmed, a prominent northern politician, stated his support for Duke, emphasizing that it is based on Duke's qualifications, not his southern origin. He noted that all three aspirants for the PRP presidential ticket were from the southern part of the country, with no northern aspirants participating. The PRP chairman criticized politicians who exploit ethnic and regional divisions, arguing that such practices weaken national cohesion and distract from governance. He stressed that Nigeria's future depends on embracing merit-based leadership and a political culture that rewards competence and performance, and expressed confidence that Duke's candidacy would appeal to voters across all divides.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called for increased private sector investment in military infrastructure, troop welfare, veterans' support, and national security. He made this appeal during a meeting with Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director and CEO of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative ASR Africa, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Shaibu emphasized that private sector partnerships are crucial for strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness, and accelerating national development. He commended Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, for his consistent support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria through corporate interventions. The Chief of Army Staff highlighted that investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, offer direct security and economic benefits by improving troop mobility, facilitating rapid deployment, enhancing logistics, stimulating economic activities, and denying criminal elements safe havens. He also stressed the strategic priority of caring for wounded soldiers and retired personnel, stating that quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems are essential for morale and combat effectiveness. Shaibu expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare and acknowledged ASR Africa's ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja, a project supporting the Niger
Khaled El-Enany, the Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killing of Mexican journalist Josué Martínez Contreras and called for an investigation. Martínez Contreras, founder and director of Noticias San Martín Texmelucan, was shot dead on July 16, 2026, in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla State. El-Enany urged Mexican authorities to bring those responsible to justice, stating that impunity for crimes against journalists emboldens perpetrators. Reports indicate that Martínez Contreras had posted a video in November 2025, claiming his life was threatened due to his reporting on security, municipal administration, and public services. According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, Martínez Contreras was the sixth journalist killed in Mexico in 2026 and the third in July alone. UNESCO promotes journalist safety through global awareness campaigns, capacity building, and coordination of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
Chinedu Obika, a member of the House of Representatives representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, disclosed that he assisted a fellow lawmaker in paying a ₦700,000 school fee for his daughter two months ago. Obika shared this during an interview on KAA Truths, addressing public perception that National Assembly members are overpaid. He stated that this incident demonstrates not all lawmakers benefit from the "personal enrichment" often attributed to the National Assembly. Obika emphasized that members who remain silent in the House are not necessarily being paid off, but may have little to show for their positions. He also challenged Nigerians to seek specific information regarding lawmakers' entitlements, asserting that all such details are publicly available, rather than relying on unverified claims.