The Historica Nigeria

2025

Kano, Politics

Kano APC Reiterates Unity, Ready to Receive Governor Yusuf

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has reiterated its readiness to receive Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the party ahead of his planned defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Kano State Party Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, who described the anticipated move as being guided by unity, reconciliation, and the collective interest of Kano State. Abbas stressed that the call for Governor Yusuf to join the APC is not based on political rivalry but on a sincere desire to build a more united and prosperous Kano. He said the party is open to welcoming the governor with respect and goodwill. He explained that upon his formal entry, Governor Yusuf and other NNPP stalwarts, including members of the National Assembly, State Assembly, State Executive Council, local government chairmen, elected councillors, political appointees, and party faithful, would be received into the APC under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. According to Abbas, the reception would take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective responsibility, aimed at strengthening the party and advancing development-driven governance in Kano State. Read Also: Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset NNPP Appoints Acting Chairman in Kano Kano 2027: Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Kofar Mata Emerge as Potential NNPP Candidates The APC chairman noted that the party’s position aligns with resolutions reached at its recent stakeholders’ meeting, which reaffirmed its openness to all Nigerians who share its ideals of unity, good governance, and sustainable development. He assured that Governor Yusuf, as a sitting governor, would be accorded due respect and necessary political support to enhance the party’s strength and promote policies that improve the welfare of the people. Abbas called on party members to remain calm, united, and focused, stressing that the APC continues to expand nationwide while consolidating internal cohesion. He expressed confidence that the anticipated defection would strengthen democracy, promote peace, and enhance political stability in Kano State. The chairman further stated that Kano requires unity rather than division, cooperation rather than confrontation, and development rather than political conflict, adding that the APC provides the platform to achieve these goals. Abbas concluded by saying that Governor Yusuf’s defection would boost the party’s chances of victory in the 2027 General Election and position Kano State to deliver a strong vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the anticipated defection as a testament to the president’s political strategy and dexterity in attracting opposition figures into the progressive fold, reaffirming the APC’s commitment to unity, progress, and victory.

Kano, Politics

NNPP Appoints Acting Chairman in Kano

Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya has emerged as the Acting State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State following the removal of the party’s former state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa. Abiya’s emergence was endorsed by the NNPP State Executive Committee (EXCO) after an emergency meeting held at the party’s state secretariat in Kano. Announcing the decision, the party’s Assistant Legal Adviser, Barrister Yusuf Mukhtar, said the appointment was made in line with the provisions of the NNPP constitution, adding that due process was duly followed. According to party sources, the development followed the submission of a formal resolution by the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee, recommending the sack and expulsion of Dungurawa from the party. Read Also: Kano 2027: Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Kofar Mata Emerge as Potential NNPP Candidates Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of N1.1bn Allegedly Withdrawn from Kano Account Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset It was gathered that the Dawakin Tofa EXCO, led by Hon. Abdullahi Ali Uban Iya Dawanau, transmitted the resolution earlier forwarded by the Gargari Ward Executive Committee to the state leadership. The resolution was said to have been adopted during the second executive meeting of the Gargari Ward, held two weeks after the general election, where Dungurawa was accused of engaging in anti-party activities. After reviewing the report and the accompanying documents, the State EXCO ratified the decision and subsequently approved Abiya’s appointment as Acting State Chairman. Party officials said the move was aimed at restoring internal discipline, strengthening unity, and repositioning the NNPP ahead of future political engagements in Kano State.  

Economy, News

Nigeria’s FDI Hits $720m as External Indicators Improve

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into Nigeria surged to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, marking the country’s strongest quarterly performance this year, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Data from the CBN’s Balance of Payments (BoP) Highlights show that FDI rose sharply from $90 million recorded in Q2 2025, representing a 700 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase. On a year-on-year basis, inflows also exceeded the $570 million recorded in Q3 2024, reflecting a 26.3 per cent growth. The report indicated that Direct Investment liabilities which capture foreign investment into the Nigerian economy stood at $0.72 billion in Q3 2025, the highest level recorded so far this year. “Direct Investment (DI) into the economy recorded a much higher inflow of US$0.72 billion in Q3 2025 as against US$0.09 billion recorded in Q2 2025,” the CBN stated. The sharp rebound comes amid lingering concerns over weak investor confidence, elevated macroeconomic risks, and constrained capital inflows that have characterised recent years. Read Also: Kano Businessman SKY Urges Governments to Prioritise Poverty-Reducing Projects Stakeholders Call for Suspension of New Tax Law Over SME Concerns No Delay as Nigeria’s New Tax Laws Begin January 2026 — FG CBN data further revealed that the rise in FDI coincided with improvements in Nigeria’s external sector. The country posted an overall balance-of-payments surplus of $4.60 billion in Q3 2025, while external reserves increased to $42.77 billion at the end of September 2025, up from $37.81 billion at the end of June. The financial account also shifted to a net lending position of $0.32 billion, compared to net borrowing of $6.90 billion in Q2, indicating increased accumulation of external assets during the quarter. According to the apex bank, movements in the financial account were driven by higher direct investment inflows, improved participation in domestically issued instruments earlier in the year, and increased reserve asset accumulation. FDI is widely regarded as a stronger indicator of investor confidence because it reflects long-term equity participation and reinvested earnings, rather than short-term speculative flows. Although the inflows remain modest relative to Nigeria’s investment potential and historical performance, the Q3 outcome represents a notable shift from the subdued levels recorded over several quarters. However, the report also highlighted continued repatriation of reinvested earnings by domestic banks on their foreign assets, contributing to a wider primary income deficit of $2.95 billion in Q3 2025. This trend underscores the persistent impact of profit outflows on the current account, despite the improvement in headline FDI figures. The increase in FDI occurred during a quarter in which Nigeria recorded a current account surplus of $3.42 billion, supported largely by crude oil and refined-product exports as well as steady diaspora remittances. Crude oil export receipts rose to $8.45 billion, while refined-product exports increased to $2.29 billion. The CBN also noted a continued decline in refined fuel imports. These developments helped strengthen foreign exchange liquidity and boost reserve accumulation, key factors influencing investor appetite for long-term capital exposure. (Nairametrics)

Kano, News

Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of N1.1bn Allegedly Withdrawn from Kano Account

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of over N1.1 billion allegedly illegally withdrawn from the Kano State Federation Account domiciled with United Bank for Africa (UBA). Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday after granting an ex parte application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The motion was argued by ICPC counsel, Oluwafunke Bada. The judge held that the application was meritorious and consequently ordered that the sum be forfeited temporarily to the Federal Government. He further directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national daily to enable any interested party to appear before the court and show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited. Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until January 21, 2026, for a report of compliance. Court documents showed that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2634/2025, was filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the sum of N1,109,230,000 domiciled in an ICPC recovery account. The suit was dated December 3 and filed on December 8, 2025, by Z.S. Nass, an Assistant Director at the ICPC. The anti-graft agency stated that the funds were recovered in the course of investigating a petition alleging financial impropriety involving the Kano State Federation Account and were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Read Also: DG Protocol Rogo Urges Kwankwaso, Gov. Yusuf to Defect from NNPP to APC Kano 2027: Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Kofar Mata Emerge as Potential NNPP Candidates Stakeholders Call for Suspension of New Tax Law Over SME Concerns In an affidavit deposed to by an ICPC Anti-Corruption Assistant, David Nelson, the commission said it received a petition dated August 19, 2024, from concerned citizens of Kano State. The petition alleged that N2.3 billion was withdrawn in cash from the state’s federation account and allegedly used for purposes unrelated to government business. According to the affidavit, investigations revealed that on November 9, 2023, the Accountant-General of Kano State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, authorised the payment of over N1.1 billion to two Bureau de Change companies, Namu Na Kune Global Resources Ltd and Kazo Nazo Global Concept. The ICPC further alleged that letters of authority submitted to the Kano State Government, purportedly for the supply of diesel, were signed by the managing directors of A.Y. Maikifi Oil & Gas Ltd and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd. However, both managing directors reportedly told investigators that the contracts referenced in the letters did not exist and that no supplies were made to the state government. The commission alleged that the funds paid to the two companies were converted to foreign currency and later handed over to officials linked to the Kano State Government. It added that a total sum of N1,109,230,000 was recovered from the companies in two instalments between February and March 2025. The ICPC urged the court to preserve the recovered funds pending the conclusion of investigations and final determination of the case, a request the court granted through the interim forfeiture order. (NAN)

Abuja, Kano, News

Deputy Senate President Barau Attains PhD in Corporate Entrepreneurship

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Corporate Entrepreneurship from Maryam Abacha American University (MAAU), Republic of Niger. The development was disclosed in a congratulatory statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Ismail Mudashir, and shared on social media. According to the statement, Senator Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, successfully defended his doctoral thesis on December 22, 2025. His dissertation, titled “Entrepreneurial Orientation and Financial Performance of SMEs: The Moderating Role of Environment,” focuses on the role of entrepreneurship in strengthening the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises. Read Also: N7 Million Paid to Ex–Kano Municipal LGA Chairman as Withheld Entitlement — Barau Jibrin Mudashir described the achievement as another milestone in the academic and public service career of the lawmaker, noting that it reflects his strong commitment to knowledge acquisition and capacity building. “Despite his tight and demanding legislative schedule, Senator Barau was able to successfully combine public service with rigorous academic work, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and resilience,” the statement read. The aide added that the PhD further reinforces Senator Barau’s profile as a legislator with keen interest in education, entrepreneurship, and national development. Senator Barau I. Jibrin represents the Kano North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Feature, Kano, Politics

Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano Recent commentaries on the possible defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reignited intense political debate across the state. While some analyses argue that such a move could weaken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political arithmetic in Kano, a critical factor often understated is the enduring influence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the undisputed leader of the APC in Kano State. Dr. Ganduje’s political relevance in Kano is neither accidental nor fleeting. As a two-term governor, former Deputy Governor, and now the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ganduje commands a vast, structured, and disciplined political following that cuts across wards, local governments, and senatorial districts. His political base is institutional, not sentimental, built on years of grassroots mobilisation, governance experience, and party loyalty. Contrary to claims that APC supporters in Kano remain irreparably bitter over past political contests, Ganduje has consistently demonstrated the capacity to manage post-election grievances and reassemble party structures after defeat. Following the 2023 elections, it was Ganduje’s leadership that prevented the APC from fragmenting in Kano, maintaining cohesion among stakeholders, lawmakers, and party faithful at a time when political emotions were at their peak. This ability to stabilise the party remains central to APC’s survival and future competitiveness in the state. More importantly, Ganduje’s leadership offers President Tinubu a tested political framework in Kano—one anchored on structure rather than speculation. While the Kwankwasiyya movement thrives largely on personal loyalty to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the APC under Ganduje operates on party ideology, institutional memory, and political continuity. This distinction matters significantly in electoral calculations, especially in a politically complex state like Kano. On the sensitive issues often cited as obstacles ranging from trader grievances to the emirate question, Ganduje’s political strength lies in his deep understanding of Kano’s socio-cultural balance. As governor, he navigated these delicate fault lines with caution, ensuring that political decisions did not entirely alienate major blocs. His experience places him in a better position to manage reconciliations, negotiate compromises, and neutralise tensions than any sudden political realignment driven by short-term interests. Read Also: Kano 2027: Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Kofar Mata Emerge as Potential NNPP Candidates Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje: Encomiums for a Leader Defined by Service and Simplicity Stakeholders Call for Suspension of New Tax Law Over SME Concerns Furthermore, Ganduje’s relationship with key APC figures in Kano, including Senator Barau Jibrin and other party stalwarts, has largely been characterised by strategic accommodation rather than rivalry. This internal balance is crucial. Without Ganduje’s coordinating role, the APC risks internal contradictions; with him, the party retains a unifying figure capable of harmonising diverse ambitions under a common platform. In essence, any discussion of APC’s future in Kano that downplays Ganduje’s role misses the political reality on the ground. Whether or not Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defects, the APC’s true electoral strength in Kano rests on Ganduje’s leadership, organisational depth, and loyal followership. He remains the political anchor capable of translating President Tinubu’s national strategy into workable local outcomes. As Kano’s political landscape continues to evolve, one fact remains constant: Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is not a peripheral actor in the APC’s Kano equation; he is its central pillar. Any political arithmetic that excludes this reality risks misreading Kano entirely.

Economy, National, News

Stakeholders Call for Suspension of New Tax Law Over SME Concerns

Professionals, academics, civil society actors, and representatives of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kano have urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the recently gazetted Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. The appeal followed a one-day stakeholders’ dialogue held at the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Sunday, 21 December 2025, in collaboration with the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Kano Chapter. The dialogue brought together tax administrators, economists, SME operators, and civil society actors to discuss the impact of the new tax law on small businesses, sub-national economies, and constitutional governance. While participants acknowledged that the NTAA aims to expand the tax net, simplify tax administration, and promote digital compliance, they warned that structural and procedural challenges such as weak public awareness, low SME digital readiness, and poor record-keeping could place undue burdens on small businesses. Stakeholders expressed serious concern over alleged discrepancies between the versions of the NTAA passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted version, the inclusion of punitive clauses, limited public consultation, and foreign technical partnerships that may compromise Nigeria’s fiscal data sovereignty. In a communiqué delivered by Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Sarari and signed by representatives of Kano professional bodies, including Engr. YZ Yau, Dr. Muhammad Awwal Haruna, and Engr. Murtala Gara, participants called on the relevant authorities to suspend the implementation of the NTAA pending a comprehensive legislative review, ensure full constitutional scrutiny, protect national tax data from foreign access, remove punitive clauses, introduce SME-friendly incentives, and enhance capacity-building to encourage voluntary compliance. Read Also: Ex-FIRS Boss Calls for Cancellation of Gazetted Tax Law NNPCL Restores Escravos–Lagos Pipeline After December Explosion National Grid Restored After Nationwide Power Collapse Highlighting data protection concerns, Engr. Rabi’u Haruna warned that national tax information may have been exposed to foreign partners in violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act, which safeguards data privacy and ensures responsible handling of national data. The stakeholders further cautioned that implementing the contested tax laws without addressing these concerns could trigger litigation, constitutional challenges, and a loss of public trust in Nigeria’s tax system. They pledged continued collaboration with civil society organizations and SME associations to pursue lawful remedies should transparency and legislative integrity continue to be undermined.

Kebbi, News

Kebbi Police Restore Order After Hospital Explosion in Bagudu

The Kebbi State Police Command has assured residents that security has been fully restored following a loud explosion at the General Hospital in Bagudu early Tuesday. The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman. According to the police, a joint security team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and local vigilante groups promptly cordoned off and secured the affected area. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) specialists were also deployed to conduct a detailed assessment of the scene. Read Also: Kano State Condoles Death of Legal Advocate Maryam Abubakar End of an Era: Prominent Nigerians and Global Icons We Lost in 2025 At 76, Ganduje’s Journey Reflects Service, Leadership and a Life Dedicated to Humanity The command confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident. While a building within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage, occupants had evacuated the area before the explosion occurred. The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police has ordered additional tactical deployments to maintain public order and safety. A thorough investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion. Residents are advised to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity of the hospital to allow security agencies to operate effectively. The police further stated that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

Kano, Politics

Kano 2027: Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Kofar Mata Emerge as Potential NNPP Candidates

Speculation continues to mount that Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is considering defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Political activities in the state have intensified as supporters and party loyalists appear divided over the potential move. On Monday, during a press briefing, the NNPP State Chairman, Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, urged party members and supporters to remain loyal to the NNPP and resist any temptation to join the APC. Read Also: NNPP Ward Executives Expels Kano Chairman Dungurawa Kano APC Chairman Meets Social Media Representatives, Urges Unity Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje: Encomiums for a Leader Defined by Service and Simplicity However, shortly after his appeal, leaders of the party’s Gargari Ward in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area reportedly held a meeting and announced the removal of Dungurawa from the party, citing allegations that he had caused divisions among party members. Meanwhile, images have surfaced showing Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, alongside the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, as potential gubernatorial and deputy candidates for the upcoming 2027 elections. This development indicates that even if Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defects to another party, these figures could contest on behalf of the NNPP in the next election.

Kano, News

Kano State Condoles Death of Legal Advocate Maryam Abubakar

The Kano State Government has expressed shock over the death of Barrister Maryam Abubakar, Director of Programme at the Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), describing her passing as a great loss to the legal profession and the civil society community. The State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, announced the development in a statement, noting that the late Barrister Maryam was a committed legal practitioner and a passionate advocate for justice, accountability, and women’s rights. He said her dedication to the promotion of the rule of law, social justice, and good governance distinguished her as a woman of integrity and selfless service, whose contributions would be deeply missed by colleagues and the wider society. Read Also: End of an Era: Prominent Nigerians and Global Icons We Lost in 2025 On behalf of the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Waiya extended heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of CAJA, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Kano and Ungogo branches, the civil society community in Kano, and the family of the deceased. He prayed that Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and give her family, friends, and associates the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

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