APC chieftain raises concern over drug abuse as Tinubu records landslide victory in Lagos primary

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and senatorial candidate for Jigawa South-West, Engr. Sani Garba, has expressed concern over the growing rate of drug abuse among youths in Northern Nigeria.

Garba made the remarks while reacting to the endorsement of Governor Umar Namadi for a second term by members of the APC in Jigawa State.

He described Governor Namadi’s emergence as the party’s sole candidate as a reflection of the confidence and satisfaction party members have in his leadership and administration.

According to him, the governor has continued to attract widespread support due to his commitment to development and good governance across the state.

Speaking on challenges confronting the region, Garba lamented that many youths, who are expected to become future leaders, are increasingly engaging in drug abuse, a situation he described as a major threat to the future of Northern Nigeria.

He attributed the growing problem to rising poverty and unemployment among young people.

“My greatest concern is youth empowerment, education, and improvement of security in the region,” he said.

The APC chieftain called for collective efforts to address the menace, urging parents, community leaders, and government agencies to work together to curb drug abuse and create opportunities for youths.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu recorded a landslide victory on Saturday in the APC presidential primary election held at Ward L2 in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, polling 4,996 votes.

The exercise took place at Ireti Nursery and Primary School, Mekwen Street, off Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, with party members turning out in large numbers for the direct primary election.

The APC presidential ticket for the 2027 general election is being contested by President Tinubu and businessman Sterlyn Osifo, prompting the party to organise a direct primary to select its flagbearer.

Voting commenced early under tight security, with party supporters and stakeholders gathering at the venue in solidarity with the President.

Prominent party leaders who monitored the exercise included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and party chieftain, Kola Peregrino.

President Tinubu arrived at the polling centre at about 11:35 a.m., shortly after voter accreditation was concluded.

Before voting commenced, Ojelabi commended party members for the orderly conduct of the exercise, describing the process as peaceful and well organised.

“The rewards of your loyalty to the party will yield proceeds in due course. Thank you for the wonderful support for our President and the APC,” he said.

“Today, we are here to re-elect the candidate of your choice. Let Nigerians know that APC is the best party in Nigeria,” he added.

At the end of the exercise, the ward returning officer, Martha Adikwu, announced that Tinubu secured 4,996 votes out of 5,163 accredited voters in the ward, confirming his decisive victory in the primary.