News
Fix PDP Fix Nigeria Group Opposes Deployment of Soldiers to Zamfara Bye-Election, Calls for Recall of Soldiers
Joel Ajayi
The political advocacy group Fix PDP, Fix Nigeria has condemned the planned deployment of soldiers to Zamfara State for the bye-election scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, warning that such militarization of the electoral process undermines democratic norms.
In a statement signed by Aminu Muktar from Katsina State, the group called on the Chief of Army Staff to immediately recall the soldiers back to the barracks, stressing that elections are a civil matter and not a war.
“Election is a civil matter and not war. We need our soldiers fighting bandits and insurgents in many places where farmers cannot access their farms, children cannot go to school, businesses are shut down, and people travel in fear of kidnappers and being killed,” the statement read.
The group expressed concern that while ordinary Nigerians are under siege from rising insecurity across the North-West and North-East, the Army is being drawn into electoral assignments, diverting attention from its primary responsibility of protecting the country from internal and external threats.
Fix PDP Fix Nigeria argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and other civil security agencies are constitutionally mandated to provide election security, and that dragging the military into politics sends a dangerous signal about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure that soldiers are deployed only where national security demands their presence, not for elections, insisting that “our democracy must be defended by civil institutions, while our soldiers defend our borders and fight insecurity.”
With the Zamfara bye-election expected to draw close attention, civil society groups and observers have also raised concerns about the increasing militarization of polls in Nigeria.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
