Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
Barrister Ibrahim Birema has obtained a nomination form from the opposition peoples democratic party in Kebbi state to contest for the political post of a member federal house of representatives under Birnin Kebbi,Kalgo and Bunza federal constituency.
The young aspirant in a telephone interview with our correspondent said that he is taking a pause from the bar to venture into politics to broaden his scope of legal practice and to bring youth closer in the art of governance and/ or policy making processes that affects them .
Birema explained that with an impartial level playing field he can to a large extent change the narratives through purposeful and youth laden policies geared towards re- igniting a hitherto lost hope in the low chamber by scores of Nigerian youth who still feels unsatisfied with youth representation in the country.
” I have put in a deep well of experience in grassroots politics from University to also supporting visionary politicians, so I feel as a young lawyer I need a wider platform to practice in order to make positive impact in my professional calling”.
While urging Kebbi youth to see his acceptance of their persistent calls to join politics as a call for service not for personal gains saying politicians pursuing personal gains make no positive impact.
The son in law to former minister for special duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki admonished youth across the country to shun political money bags and imbibe the spirit of unity to advance the course of youth, while commending his inlaw for fatherly and moral support he pledged to deliver as expected.
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SDP Accuses INEC of Backing Expelled Chairman Shehu Gabam
By Ahmed Akanbi
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of showing undue sympathy to the expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam despite his suspension and expulsion over alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
After a meeting between the SDP National Working Committee, NWC, and INEC officials in Abuja, SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Abubakar Gombe questioned why Gabam’s name still appears on the commission’s portal as party chairman.
Gombe said Gabam was expelled for corruption, mismanagement of over ₦35 million in party funds, and breach of the party’s constitution, maintaining that the National Executive Committee, NEC, ratified the suspension and expulsion on March 9, 2026.
“Gabam is no longer a member of the SDP. The NEC approved and ratified his expulsion, and he ceased to be a member of the party from that day,” Gombe said.
He argued that Gabam was not a party to the court case INEC is relying on and therefore cannot benefit from the judgment.
According to Gombe, the suit came from a dispute involving an SDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State and had nothing to do with party leadership, saying Gabam tried unsuccessfully to join the matter at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
“The judgment INEC is relying on does not mention Shehu Gabam from beginning to end. He was not a party to the suit,” he said.
Gombe said the party notified INEC of the NEC meeting and disciplinary actions, and that the commission monitored the proceedings and acknowledged receipt of the documents.
He, therefore, expressed surprise that the INEC chairman claimed the commission did not receive the correspondence.
“To our surprise, INEC said it did not receive the letters, but we have duly acknowledged copies showing that the commission received all communications,” he said.
The SDP said internal matters, including discipline and leadership appointments, are the party’s responsibility, not INEC’s.
“It is not INEC’s portal that determines who becomes chairman of the party. The party has the constitutional right to manage its internal affairs,” Gombe added.
He said the SDP had held its national convention and presidential primaries, elected new NWC members, and ratified Gabam’s expulsion, expressing the party’s satisfaction with the meeting and hopes INEC will take the right decision.