2026 - The Historica Nigeria

2026 Convention: APC Appoints Masari, Reassigns Uzodimma

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 6, 2026

The All Progressives Congress has reconstituted the leadership of its 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee, appointing former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, as the new chairman. In the revised arrangement, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who was earlier named to head the committee, has been reassigned to serve as treasurer. The ruling party also announced an expansion of the committee’s membership from 73 to 90 members, a move it said was aimed at accommodating more party stakeholders ahead of the planned national convention. Read Also: APC Unveils 73-Member Committee For March National Convention Among the newly added members are Senator Barry Mpigi and other prominent chieftains of the party. According to the party, the reconstitution forms part of a broader review of the committee’s composition to reflect zoning considerations and address other strategic exigencies connected to the preparations for the 2026 national convention. The party maintained that the adjustments were necessary to ensure inclusiveness and effective coordination as it intensifies preparations for the convention.

Feature, National

“The Road of Broken Promises”: Documentary Probes Kaduna–Abuja Highway Crisis

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 6, 2026

A new investigative documentary has raised fresh concerns over the prolonged delay and rising human cost associated with the reconstruction of the Kaduna–Abuja highway, revealing that more than 200 people were killed in road crashes along the route between 2023 and 2025, with hundreds more sustaining injuries. The documentary, titled “The Road of Broken Promises,” was produced by Political Advantage Platform, a digital media organisation and producer of The PAPShow podcast. It was released earlier this week and has since sparked renewed public debate on accountability and infrastructure delivery. According to the documentary, despite billions of naira reportedly expended on the highway project, the critical road corridor which links Nigeria’s capital to the northern region remains incomplete, exposing motorists to persistent danger. The production combines documented facts, field investigations, expert analysis, and interviews, tracing the history of the project from the initial contract award to the series of delays that have characterised its execution. Read Also: Lere: A Historic Fulani Settlement and Cultural Crossroads in Kaduna Of particular concern are revelations from former engineers of Julius Berger, who provided insider accounts on the project’s early stages and operational challenges. The documentary also details efforts made by the producers to obtain responses from Julius Berger and the Federal Ministry of Works, highlighting issues of transparency and public communication. The documentary further alleges that the company currently handling the project lacks a functional website, verifiable email address, or identifiable physical office, raising questions about oversight and due diligence in the award and continuation of the contract. Political Advantage Platform described the documentary as an exposé aimed at drawing national attention to the safety implications, governance gaps, and humanitarian consequences of delayed infrastructure projects. Members of the public are encouraged to watch the full documentary on the YouTube channel of Political Advantage Platform and across its social media platforms under the handle @papshowng. Link: https://youtu.be/hXjQRYj7Ae8?si=HYJddclfEN90vhjo

Kano, News

2027 Elections: Kano Records Over 267,000 New Voters, Urges Increased Participation

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 6, 2026

The Kano State Government has stepped up efforts to boost civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting a target of at least four million newly registered voters across the state’s 44 local government areas. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Kano on the state’s ongoing voter mobilisation and registration efforts. According to him, 267,790 eligible residents have successfully completed their voter registration between August 2025 and date and are currently awaiting the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards. While describing the figure as encouraging, the Commissioner said the number represents only a fraction of the state’s electoral potential, stressing that intensified mobilisation is required to meet the four-million voter target ahead of the 2027 elections. Comrade Waiya explained that to accelerate the process, the Kano State Government, in August 2025, constituted a high-powered sensitisation committee tasked with mobilising residents on the importance of continuous voter registration and Permanent Voter Card collection. Read Also: INEC Expands Political Space, Laments Declining Voter Turnout INEC Finalises Timetable for 2027 General Elections APC is a Living Party, Ganduje Says as Kano Govt Joins Ruling Platform He said the committee is made up of the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Commissioner for Livestock Development. Other members include special advisers, officials of the Hisbah Board, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, the National Association of Nigerian Students, and other relevant stakeholders. According to the Commissioner, the committee has been mandated to engage communities across all 44 local government areas with the objective of ensuring that no fewer than four million Kano residents are registered and prepared to participate in the 2027 general elections. Beyond voter registration, Comrade Waiya also highlighted ongoing development efforts by the state government, revealing that more than 900 projects are currently being executed across Kano State. He said the projects cut across critical sectors and are evenly distributed across the local government areas to promote inclusive development and improve the welfare of residents. The Commissioner urged Kano residents to continue supporting the present administration in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, noting that sustained public cooperation is essential to the successful implementation of government programmes. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to transparency, citizen engagement, and democratic participation, and called on all eligible residents to take full advantage of the continuous voter registration exercise.

National, News

Association of Radiographers Rejects Illegal Appointment of Board Registrar

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 5, 2026

The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria has restated its firm position on the ongoing process for the appointment of the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, insisting that the exercise must strictly comply with the provisions of the law. The position was taken at a duly convened meeting of the Council of the Association held on January 30, 2026, in Kano, in collaboration with the Advisory and Radiography Stakeholders Committee. In a press statement signed by the President of the Association, Musa Y. Dambele, and the National Secretary, Alhaji Modu Ali, the Association said it remains fully committed to the rule of law, due process, and professional self-governance as provided under the Radiographers Registration Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Association explained that the enabling Act, particularly Section 7 subsection one, clearly vests the authority to appoint the Registrar or Secretary of the Board in the Governing Board of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, with mandatory institutional involvement of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria. According to the Association, any recruitment or appointment process conducted outside a duly constituted Governing Board is inconsistent with the provisions of the Act regulating the profession. Read Also: Retreat: BUK Professor Advocates Ethical, Inclusive Digital Journalism Engineers Urged to Harness Northwest Biomass as COREN Demands Certified Leadership Censorship Board Mediates Fulani Concerns, Builds Cooperation With Filmmakers Following extensive deliberations, the Council of the Association unanimously ratified and endorsed its earlier letter to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, titled Appeal for the Constitution of the Governing Board of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria and Request for Suspension of the Ongoing Recruitment Exercise for the Position of Registrar or Secretary of the Board, describing it as the collective and official position of the Association taken in good faith and in defence of the law. The Association also rejected any illegal, backdoor, administrative, or extra-statutory screening, shortlisting, or appointment process for the position of Registrar or Chief Executive of the Board that does not strictly comply with the enabling Act. It further called for the immediate inauguration of the Governing Board of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria to enable it lawfully discharge its statutory responsibilities, including the transparent appointment of a substantive Registrar or Chief Executive, particularly as the tenure of the current Registrar draws to a close. The Association stressed that all its actions on the matter are guided solely by the need to protect institutional integrity, professional autonomy, and public confidence in radiographic practice in Nigeria. It clarified that its position is not adversarial and is not directed at any individual or institution, but is driven purely by respect for the law and the long-term interest of the profession and the Nigerian health system. The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders, while reserving its right to pursue all lawful means to prevent any action capable of undermining the statutory framework governing the radiography profession. The Association concluded by calling on all stakeholders to support a lawful, inclusive, and credible process in the appointment of the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, assuring the Federal Government and the Nigerian public of its continued cooperation in advancing quality healthcare delivery and professional standards in the country.

Abuja, News

Sheikh Kariballah Commends Ganduje During Inspection of Abuja Islamic Centre

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 5, 2026

Umar Idris Shuaibu The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Tuesday afternoon led a high-level visit to the ongoing construction site of a Central Mosque and Islamic Centre he is building in Abuja. He was accompanied by a renowned Islamic scholar and Leader of the Qadiriyya Order in Africa, Sheikh Kariballah Sheikh Muhammad Nasiru Kabara, as well as the Director-General of the National Performance Management Centre (NPMC), Hon. Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi. The visit was aimed at inspecting the level of work done and obtaining a comprehensive briefing on the progress of the project, which is one of Ganduje’s flagship religious and educational initiatives. Read Also: Cleric Urges Muslims to Purify Souls, Submit Fully to Allah The Central Mosque and Islamic Centre, currently under construction in the Federal Capital Territory, is designed to promote Islamic education, moral development and religious harmony, reflecting Ganduje’s long-standing commitment to advancing faith-based, educational and social development across the country. During the inspection, Sheikh Kariballah Sheikh Muhammad Nasiru Kabara expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, commending Ganduje for his dedication to religious service and community development. He also offered special prayers for Ganduje, seeking divine reward and continued guidance for his efforts in promoting Islamic values, education and moral upbringing in Nigeria.

National, News, Politics

INEC Expands Political Space, Laments Declining Voter Turnout

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 5, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election, increasing the total number of registered political parties in the country to 21. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the development on Thursday during the Commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties. According to Amupitan, the DLA successfully emerged from a rigorous verification process, while the NDC was registered in compliance with an order of the Federal High Court. Despite the expansion of Nigeria’s political landscape, the INEC chairman expressed concern over persistent leadership crises within several political parties, describing them as a threat to constitutional democracy. “Our collective commitment to the integrity of the electoral process is being challenged by the unfortunate and increasingly frequent leadership disputes within political parties,” Amupitan said. Read Also: APC is a Living Party, Ganduje Says as Kano Govt Joins Ruling Platform INEC Finalises Timetable for 2027 General Elections Why the Killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Matters for Libya He noted that such conflicts often result in protracted litigations that overburden the judicial system and distract the Commission from its core responsibilities, including voter mobilisation and election management. “Sometimes, one wonders whether it is even necessary to continue registering or retaining some political parties, given the recurring leadership struggles and court orders recognising different individuals as party leaders,” he added. Amupitan also lamented the steady decline in voter turnout during presidential elections, revealing that participation dropped from 53.7 per cent in 2011 to 43.6 per cent in 2015, further declining to 34.7 per cent in 2019 and hitting a record low of 26.7 per cent in the 2023 general election. He stressed that technology alone could not address voter apathy, noting that public trust is often undermined by perceptions of poor democratic dividends and doubts about the value of citizens’ votes. INEC also reaffirmed its readiness to conduct the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, with 1,680,315 registered voters expected to participate across 2,822 polling units. Looking ahead, the Commission confirmed preparations for the Ekiti State governorship election slated for June 20, 2026, and the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026. To safeguard the integrity of upcoming elections, INEC announced plans to conduct a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise aimed at cleaning up the voters’ register of 93.4 million entries by removing duplicate and deceased records. In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, urged INEC to maintain neutrality and strictly adhere to party constitutions to avoid perceptions of bias. Dantalle also renewed calls for major electoral reforms, including the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and the empowerment of INEC to conduct all elections nationwide. He further advocated for mandatory real-time transmission of election results to the IReV portal and suggested that all elections be held on the same day to reduce costs, prevent bandwagon effects and curb voter fatigue.

Katsina, News

NAOWA takes cancer prevention awareness to members in Katsina

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 5, 2026

By Abbas Bamalli The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 17-Brigade chapter, Katsina, has organised a cancer awareness campaign and lectures for members in the state to commemorate the 2026 World Cancer Day. Speaking during the event in Katsina on Wednesday, the Commander, 17-Brigade Nigeria Army, Brig.-Gen. Maikarfi Ibrahim, noted that cancer remained a major public health challenge globally. Ibrahim, represented by his Chief of Staff, Col. NA Yakubu said that its impact cuts across age, gender, and profession. He said that however, through awareness, early detection, and collective support, the burden of cancer within communities, could significantly be reduced. He commended the choice of the theme, and the commitment shown by NAOWA in drawing attention to cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection issues that affected not only their families but the wider society. Read Also: UNDP empowers 200 Katsina youths with solar installation skills ”Within the military community, where discipline, readiness, and family stability are critical to operational effectiveness, the health and well-being of our spouses and families cannot be overemphasised. ”Activities such as this lecture series therefore play a vital role in educating, sensitising, and empowering our women with the knowledge required to take proactive steps towards safeguarding their health. ”I commend the NAOWA leadership at all levels, particularly the 17-Brigade chapter, for sustaining this noble initiative,” he said. Ibrahim added that the association’s dedication to advocacy, education and support for cancer prevention aligned perfectly with the Nigerian Army’s broader welfare objectives and collective commitment to a healthy and resilient military family. He encouraged all participants to actively engage with the resource persons, ask questions, and apply the knowledge gained beyond the forum. In her opening remarks, the NAOWA Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Jamimah Ibrahim, said the event aimed to encourage prevention, promote early detection, and support those affected by cancer. ”World Cancer Day reminds us that cancer is not just a medical condition, but a human challenge that touches families, communities, and nations. ”Every year, millions of lives are affected by cancer, and many of these cases can be prevented or successfully treated if detected early and properly managed. ”Today, we gather not only to reflect on the burden of cancer but also to renew our collective commitment to fight against it,” she said. She added that cancer does not discriminate, as it affects the young/old, rich/poor, and through education, awareness, and access to quality healthcare, its impact can be reduced. ”As a zone, we must take proactive steps in supporting cancer prevention strategies such as regular health screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. ”Eating balanced diets and engaging in physical activity, supporting vaccination programmes. Therefore we must also break the stigma surrounding cancer,” she further said. (NAN)

Africa, Feature, International

Why the Killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Matters for Libya

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 4, 2026

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in the northwestern city of Zintan, family members and associates have confirmed. He was 53. The killing, which occurred on Tuesday, has renewed attention on Libya’s fragile security situation and its unresolved political crisis more than a decade after the fall of the Gaddafi regime. What Transpired in Zintan? According to Saif al-Islam’s adviser, Abdallah Othman Abdurrahim, four armed men stormed his residence in Zintan after disabling surveillance cameras and shot him dead before fleeing. No official statement has yet been issued by Libyan authorities. His cousin, Hamid Gaddafi, told Libyan broadcaster al-Ahrar that the family was informed Saif al-Islam had “fallen as a martyr.” Why Zintan matters Zintan is a mountainous city where Saif al-Islam was previously held by local militias following his capture during the 2011 uprising that toppled his father. The city has long played a complex role in Libya’s post-revolution power struggles. Who was Saif al-Islam Gaddafi? Educated in Libya and abroad, Saif al-Islam was once portrayed as a reform-minded figure and was widely seen as Muammar Gaddafi’s preferred successor before the Arab Spring. Although he never held a formal government position, he was often described as a de facto power broker in the years leading up to the 2011 revolt. Read Also: How Muammar Gaddafi’s Son, Saif al-Islam, was Killed in Zintan Chad Closes Border With Nigeria Over Security Concerns, Cites U.S. Military Movements in West Africa Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Strengthen Unity with Launch of AES Television His political standing collapsed during the uprising after he delivered a defiant speech warning of “rivers of blood” if protests against the regime continued. His legal and political history After his capture in November 2011, Saif al-Islam became the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes linked to the violent suppression of protests. In 2015, a Libyan court sentenced him to death in a controversial trial, but he was later released under an amnesty law. For years, his whereabouts remained unclear until he resurfaced in 2021 to register as a presidential candidate in Libya’s delayed elections, which were later postponed indefinitely amid legal disputes and political deadlock. Why his death matters Analysts say Saif al-Islam’s killing could have far-reaching political implications. Libya expert Emadeddin Badi described him as a deeply polarising figure whose possible return to power had become a central issue in the country’s stalled electoral process. His death, analysts argue, could elevate him as a symbolic figure for supporters of the former regime while reshaping political calculations ahead of any future elections. Libya remains divided between a UN-backed government in Tripoli and rival authorities in the east aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar, with no clear resolution to the country’s prolonged instability.

Benue, News, Politics

Suswam Joins APC After Dumping PDP

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 4, 2026

Former Benue State Governor and Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), hours after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Suswam’s defection followed his earlier resignation from the PDP, which he attributed to prolonged internal crises within the party. In his resignation letter, Suswam said the PDP, once known for internal democracy and cohesion, had become plagued by persistent leadership, structural and ideological conflicts with no clear path to resolution. He, however, expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities it gave him to serve in various capacities, including as a member of the House of Representatives, governor of Benue State and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Report says that Suswam officially joined the APC on Wednesday after picking up his membership card at Mbagber Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. Read Also: APC is a Living Party, Ganduje Says as Kano Govt Joins Ruling Platform Speaking after receiving his membership card, Suswam urged his supporters to immediately register with the APC and called on the people of Benue State to support Governor Hyacinth Alia in the discharge of his mandate. He also disclosed that a formal ceremony to welcome him and his supporters into the party would be held at a later date. Suswam, a two-term governor of Benue State and former senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District between 2019 and 2023, is a founding member of the PDP and had remained with the party for 27 years before his defection. The APC membership card was presented to Suswam by the party’s Benue State Organising Secretary, James Ornguga, on behalf of the state chairman.

Kano, News

RATTAWU Hails Waiya for Supporting Union Activities in Kano

Umar Idris Shuaibu / February 4, 2026

The Kano State Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Babangida Mahmuda Biyamusu, has commended the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his continued support toward the growth and development of the union. Biyamusu made the commendation during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Kano. He disclosed that the commissioner had facilitated the payment of the RATTAWU Kano State Secretariat rent for the 2026 calendar year, a gesture he described as timely and impactful. According to him, the support will enable the association and its members to carry out their activities smoothly without operational disruptions. Read Also: Kano Online Chapel Reaffirms Commitment to Ethics, Condemns Blackmail Journalism — Dangambo While expressing appreciation, the RATTAWU chairman pledged the union’s commitment to working with the commissioner toward the provision of a permanent secretariat for the Kano State branch. He also appealed to the commissioner to assist in facilitating capacity-building and training programmes for RATTAWU members, noting that such initiatives would enhance their efficiency and align their operations with global best practices. Biyamusu further referenced similar training programmes previously extended to members of the Online Media Chapel, expressing hope that RATTAWU members in Kano would benefit from comparable opportunities.