The Senator representing Jigawa North West, Senator Hussaini Babangida, has said that states across the country now have greater financial resources to address development needs, following economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during an interview, Babangida said the reforms implemented by the Federal Government are gradually stabilising the nation’s economy and strengthening the financial capacity of states and local governments.

According to the lawmaker, concerns about Nigeria sliding into a one-party state are misplaced, noting that the country’s diverse and pluralistic nature makes such fears unrealistic.

He explained that the Tinubu administration is focused on repositioning the economy through wide-ranging macroeconomic and microeconomic reforms, adding that Nigerians are beginning to see the impact of those policies.

Babangida noted that in the past, the funds released to states for socio-economic development were relatively small despite the huge responsibilities placed on state and local governments.

However, he said the current administration has significantly increased the financial allocations to states, thereby expanding their ability to undertake development projects and meet governance obligations.

“States now have more resources to work with. The administration has not only increased what states receive but has also improved their revenue base,” he said.

The senator also pointed to improvements in key economic indicators, citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics which, he said, show that inflation has declined compared to the levels recorded when the administration assumed office in 2023.

He explained that headline inflation, which stood at about 34 per cent at the time, has dropped to around 18 to 19 per cent, while food inflation has also moderated.

Responding to concerns that improvements in the macroeconomy have not yet translated into relief for ordinary Nigerians, Babangida said economic reforms often take time before their full benefits are felt at the grassroots level.

He acknowledged that there are challenges but described them as temporary, adding that the reforms would eventually deliver long-term benefits to citizens.

“The economy is gradually stabilising and the gains will cascade down to the microeconomic level,” he said, urging Nigerians to remain patient.

On political developments ahead of future elections, Babangida said political parties are capable of managing internal differences and balancing competing interests among members.

He dismissed worries about possible defections during party primaries, noting that political contests often attract different aspirants for various reasons, including testing popularity and offering service.

When asked about his own political plans for the 2027 elections, the senator declined to make any definitive declaration, saying his immediate focus is on providing effective representation for his constituents in the Senate.

“I am focused on the work I am doing now and ensuring I leave a lasting legacy for my people,” he said.

Babangida also commented on rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, warning that the situation could have serious implications for the global economy, particularly in the energy sector.

He noted that the countries involved control a significant portion of global energy supply, adding that disruptions in the region could lead to increased fuel prices and higher transportation costs.

According to him, the ripple effect of such developments could also impact food prices and the cost of living.

The senator, however, expressed hope that diplomatic engagement would prevail, urging the parties involved to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than conflict.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke and delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Amupitan said the visit underscores the strong relationship between the electoral body and the Air Force, noting that logistics and security remain critical to the successful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent support to INEC, particularly in providing airlift services and security assistance during elections across the country.

According to him, the collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that electoral materials and personnel are delivered promptly to remote and hard-to-reach areas, thereby enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.

He explained that presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2027.

Amupitan said preparations for the elections were already underway and assured that the Commission would share its detailed operational plans with the Air Force to ensure seamless coordination.

He also praised the Air Force for its support during recent electoral exercises, including the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory area council elections, and several by-elections conducted across the country.

The INEC chairman stressed that efficient logistics remain a key factor in delivering credible elections.

“As we prepare for the upcoming elections, we acknowledge the challenges ahead. However, with the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force, we are confident of creating a secure and orderly environment that will enable Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.

Amupitan further revealed that INEC would conduct off-cycle governorship elections later this year, beginning with Ekiti State in June and followed by Osun State on August 15.

He described the polls as important preparatory exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for sustained collaboration with security agencies.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting INEC in delivering credible elections.

He said the Air Force considers its partnership with the electoral commission an important contribution to democratic governance and national stability.

Aneke assured that the Air Force would continue to provide airlift support for both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by road.

He added that the service was working to ensure that its aircraft fleet is fully operational ahead of the election period, with some aircraft currently undergoing maintenance to enhance airlift capacity.

“We remain ready to provide support whenever required. Once there is a suitable landing area, the Air Force can deploy materials and personnel to the location,” he said.

The Air Chief also emphasized the importance of modern technology in strengthening election security.

According to him, the Air Force has developed capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance using drones and other aerial platforms, which could be deployed to monitor areas of concern during elections.

He further proposed joint preparatory exercises and simulation drills between the Air Force and INEC to test operational plans ahead of the polls.

Abubakar noted that such rehearsals would help identify potential challenges and improve coordination among agencies involved in the electoral process.

He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between INEC, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed Governor Dauda Lawal into the party, describing his decision to join the ruling party as a major boost for unity and political strength in the state.

In a statement issued on March 9, 2026, and signed by the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party expressed delight over the governor’s decision and that of his supporters to align with the party.

The statement, released on behalf of the state APC leader and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, alongside other party leaders, including Senator Ahmad Rufai Sani, former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, and former Governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, said the party leadership warmly received the governor.

It also conveyed the support of party executives under the leadership of the state chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, as well as other stakeholders across the state.

According to the party, Governor Lawal and his supporters are now recognised as full-fledged members of the APC and will enjoy all rights and privileges accorded to members of the party.

The statement added that the development would strengthen unity within the party and improve its chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also called on its members at all levels to support the development in order to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Zamfara APC expressed confidence that the move would promote greater unity of purpose and contribute to the state’s economic growth and development.