As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

It is time for introspection by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the activities of those elected on its platform at the Federal and subnational levels.

The performance of the Tinubu Administration, including that of governors after two years, will come under the searchlight at a summit billed for the Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will rally the party behind his Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) and the bold reforms of his administration in a speech that will define the summit, which is the first of its kind in the 11-year history of the APC.

Performance in key areas such as Health and Social Welfare, Works and Infrastructure, Finance and Economy and Internal Security will be critically examined.

It will also “serve as a mid-term assessment of the administration’s policies and programmes”.

“The intention is to see to what extent we have met our electioneering promises to Nigerians and look into the areas of improvement in the next two years before the curtains drop on the first term,” a top party official said last night.

The APC is putting together arrangements which has over 2,500 participants, including members of the Federal Executive Council, governors, ministers, special advisers, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former governors and lawmakers and party leaders led by National Chairman Alhaji Umar Ganduje.

Heads of government agencies will also participate.

A source said former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a professor of law, is expected to play an active role at the event.

Some of those to speak at the summit are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Nigeria Governors Forum chair AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, Progressives Governors Forum chair Hope Uzodimma, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume and Ganduje.

Ministers Mohammed Idris (Information) will give an overview, while Muhammad Ali Pate (Health), Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior), Dave Umahi (Works) and Olawale Edun (Finance) will lay bare the activities of their ministries for review.

Ribadu will give an insight into the battle against insurgency and banditry, and Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman will deliver a paper on policy formulation.

It was learnt that a panel of discussants who will dissect the ministers’ presentations will include Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; House of Representatives Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Senator Binta Masi Garba.

APC publicity secretary Felix Morka said last night that the meeting is the first of such in the party’s history.