Antonio Cephas

LAGOS STATE_ : REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO PEACE, ELECTORAL INTEGRITY AMID POLITICAL INTIMIDATION Yesterday, 12th November 2026, I arrived in Lagos from Abuja to attend the commendation service of my very dear elder brother, Chief Sir Okey Ezibe, KSC, which took place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, as part of the activities leading to the funeral of the distinguished businessman and people-builder. At the close of the service, I proceeded to Oregun to join our supporters and participants at the Lagos State edition of our ongoing series of town hall meetings across the country. Earlier, I had been informed that a group of thugs had mobilised to attack participants who arrived early for the meeting. Let me reiterate that the political violence being enabled by certain political actors against our supporters is an ill wind that blows no one any good. Anarchy consumes everyone. We will remain law-abiding, even in the face of extreme provocation. Despite the disruption and the concerns surrounding the event, we proceeded with our town hall meeting. As usual, participants raised important questions and concerns about reviving the economy, reducing the high cost of living, tackling endemic corruption, addressing insecurity, caring for vulnerable citizens, and protecting the integrity of our elections. In my remarks, I emphasised that the first responsibility of any government is to secure the country and unite its people around a shared purpose. I also outlined our commitment to policies that will reduce the cost of living, improve the welfare of Nigerians, and aggressively invest in critical areas of development, particularly healthcare and education, while addressing poverty and the needs of vulnerable citizens. On the forthcoming elections, I reminded participants that protecting the integrity of the electoral process is a shared responsibility. Every effort must be made to ensure that votes are properly protected, from the polling unit through ward collation to the final collation and declaration of results. Our party, the NDC, will also fulfil the responsibility to deploy competent agents to polling units to observe and document the process. I encouraged our people to eschew violence while remaining peaceful, vigilant, and resolute in defending their democratic rights. I thank the organisers of the town hall meeting for their efforts. My appreciation also goes to our candidates in Lagos State for their continued dedication and to the good people of Lagos State for their participation and commitment to peaceful democratic engagement. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I had the honor of visiting Benue State, traveling from Makurdi, the state capital, to Gboko, where I paid a courtesy call on the revered Tor Tiv. I am profoundly grateful to His Majesty for the gracious welcome and for the opportunity to discuss the development, peace, and welfare of our people. I particularly commend the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. Father William Avenya, for his steadfast dedication to education. During my visit to the College of Nursing Sciences established under his leadership, an institution I have supported since its inception, I pledged an additional ₦10 million to help strengthen its operations. Supporting education and healthcare is an investment in our collective future. We then proceeded to Yelwata, where we stood in solidarity with the people and families affected by the tragic massacre. The pain endured by these families, especially the children who lost their parents, is profoundly distressing. To address some of their immediate needs, I committed ₦5 million for the construction of a borehole to improve access to clean water, as well as ₦10 million to support the education of children orphaned by the massacre. No child should be forced to let the tragedy that has affected their family determine the course of their future. Although no financial contribution can restore the lives lost or remove the suffering endured by their loved ones, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to renew hope, preserve dignity, and create opportunities for those affected. Education must continue to serve as a bridge to a brighter future for these children. The day concluded with a town hall meeting held as part of our continuing engagements across the country. I was joined by my elder brother and NDC Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as other candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State. These engagements enable us to hear directly from our people, gain a clearer understanding of their concerns, and consider practical responses to the challenges facing our communities and nation. We are firmly of the view that leadership begins with listening and must ultimately be judged by the meaningful difference it makes in people's lives. I remain firmly persuaded that leadership exists to serve. We must increase our investment in education, healthcare, security, and human development. Our goal must be to build a country in which every Nigerian, regardless of personal circumstances or place of birth, can live with dignity and realize their full potential. I would like to express my appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Before my visit, I sent him a message, and he personally returned my call to assure me that I would receive a warm welcome in the state. This exemplifies the true essence of statesmanship: placing humanity and mutual respect above political differences. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Benue State for their warm reception and hospitality. May God continue to bless Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A New Nigeria Is POssible! -PO