2027: BAM solicits support for Abejide’s re-election, cites developmental gains

Bashiru Abdul Mohammed (BAM), Special Adviser on Public Communications to Hon. Chief (Elder) Leke Abejide, has urged constituents in Yagba East/West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency to support the lawmaker’s return to the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election.

Bashiru made the call on Sunday in Abuja while addressing journalists at a press conference, stressing that sustained representation would help consolidate the constituency’s legislative influence and developmental progress at the National Assembly.

He described Abejide as an experienced politician and an accomplished legislator, noting that the push for a third term was driven by the lawmaker’s performance in lawmaking, oversight responsibilities and constituency-focused interventions.

According to Bashiru, Abejide’s impact at the national level, particularly through his oversight functions involving the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has attracted widespread recognition beyond his constituency.

He recalled that the lawmaker received the National Award of Excellence in 2025 as the Most Outstanding Legislator from North Central Nigeria from the Movement Advocacy for Good Governance and Leadership Forum (MAGOLF).

READ ALSO:Abejide kicks off N1bn food, relief items distribution, pledges N710m community support

Abejide was also honoured with the Distinguished Award of Excellence in Recognition of Humanitarian Services, Legislative Excellence and as a Worthy Ambassador by the Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association, Kogi State Chapter.

Bashiru highlighted Abejide’s legislative contributions, including his role in the repeal of the old Customs Act and the passage of the Nigerian Customs Service Act, 2023 as well as his sponsorship of the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

He explained that the lawmaker has consistently driven reforms in trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling strategies, customs modernisation and the implementation of the E-Customs project.

According to him, Abejide has also ensured effective oversight of customs commands, focusing on budget compliance, revenue performance, welfare of officers and proper regulation of Free Trade Zones to protect local industries.

Bashiru disclosed that the Customs Service surpassed its ₦5.07 trillion revenue target in 2024 by generating over ₦6.1 trillion, while the 2025 revenue target has been set at ₦10 trillion.

He further stated that Abejide has chaired public hearings on the E-Customs initiative, championed the deployment of modern technology to enhance border security, and initiated probes into illegal operations within bonded terminals and Free Trade Zones nationwide.

On constituency development, Bashiru said Abejide has remained committed to grassroots empowerment across Yagba Federal Constituency.

“These include over ₦1 billion in widows’ support, feeding programmes and empowerment initiatives; ₦710 million in development support to 71 communities; and the inauguration of the Lion Squad security outfit to combat terrorism and insecurity in the area.

“Other interventions, he said, include the donation of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines and security vans to the Lion Squad, financial and material support to vigilante groups, provision of hundreds of millions of naira in non-interest loans to business women through the Leke Abejide Foundation, and the extension of the school feeding programme to Kabba/Bunu Federal Constituency.”

The media aide also listed projects such as the installation of solar streetlights, construction and rehabilitation of asphalt roads, sponsorship of free WAEC registration for students, donation of SUVs to party leaders and traditional rulers, and facilitation of federal employment opportunities for Okun indigenes into MDAs.

He described Abejide as a national asset whose influence has grown beyond Yagba Federal Constituency to other parts of Kogi State, attributing this to the lawmaker’s performance and wider acceptance.

Bashiru argued that returning Abejide to the House of Representatives would ensure legislative experience, stronger representation, enhanced leadership roles, increased access to constituency projects, deeper federal presence and greater inclusion of Yagba indigenes in MDAs and parastatals.

He therefore appealed to the people of Yagba East, West and Mopamuro to evaluate Abejide’s record and capacity and grant him a third mandate to sustain development and effective representation.