The Historica Nigeria

2026

Kano, Politics

APC Stakeholders Back Engr. Bichi for Kano Deputy Governor Slot

A coalition of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress in Kano State has expressed strong support for the nomination of Rabiu Suleiman Bichi as Deputy Governor, saying his emergence would strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The position of the group was contained in a letter addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the weekend and signed by the immediate past APC Chairman in the state, Abdullahi Abbas, alongside other party leaders. In the letter, the stakeholders described Bichi as a committed party member with a track record of service, citing his “wealth of experience” and what they termed an “untainted record” within the party. They noted that his nomination would help foster internal cohesion within the APC and position the party strongly for future electoral contests as preparations intensify toward 2027. Read Also: Kano APC Group Backs Dr. Asiya Ganduje for Deputy Governor “In view of the foregoing, we urge Your Excellency to give favourable consideration to his nomination in the overall interest of the party and the people of Kano State,” the letter stated. The endorsement, according to the group, enjoys broad backing from various APC blocs, including serving and former members of the House of Representatives, members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and former local government council chairmen across the state’s three senatorial districts. The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to the success of both the federal and Kano State governments, expressing optimism that Bichi’s nomination would further consolidate the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kano, Politics

Kano Deputy Governor Slot: Court Case Clouds Garo’s Screening

A fresh legal dispute has emerged over the process of filling the deputy governor position in Kano State, as the Kano State House of Assembly has been urged to suspend any move to screen Murtala Sule Garo pending the determination of a suit before the state High Court. Garo was reportedly shortlisted alongside former Speaker of the State Assembly, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, and the Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, by the Ganduje–Barau APC bloc. Although Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has yet to officially forward a nominee to the Assembly, the contenders are said to be intensifying consultations and lobbying for the position. The latest development was contained in a letter dated April 15, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the House and signed by Suleiman Mohammed & Co., solicitors to Kuliyya Muhammad Salihu and two others. Read Also: Kano APC Group Backs Dr. Asiya Ganduje for Deputy Governor In the letter, the lawyers disclosed that their clients had instituted a legal action against the Kano State House of Assembly and three others over what they described as an attempt to proceed with the screening of Garo for the deputy governorship position. The suit, marked K/360/2026, is currently pending before the Kano State High Court. According to the legal representatives, the matter is now sub judice, and the Assembly should refrain from taking any action until the court delivers its ruling. They warned that proceeding with the screening could prejudice the judicial process. The letter, also copied to the Clerk of the House, was confirmed received by the Assembly. The development adds a new legal dimension to the ongoing political contest surrounding the deputy governor slot in Kano, where consultations and lobbying have intensified in recent days.

Kano, Politics

Kano APC Group Backs Dr. Asiya Ganduje for Deputy Governor

A political group under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, known as Haɗin Kan Jam’iyyar APC ‘Yan Dangole, has declared its support for Dr. Asiya Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Deputy Governor of the state. The group described Dr. Asiya Ganduje as a community-oriented leader who has consistently contributed to the development of society, particularly through initiatives targeted at empowering young people. According to the group, she has demonstrated competence and dedication in the political space, while also creating opportunities for youths and women in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Read Also: Kano Political Shift: Ganduje Hails Reps’ Defection to APC They further noted that her compassion and visionary approach to leadership have positioned her as a strong advocate for improving the welfare of the people, especially in encouraging greater participation of women in politics and economic activities. The group also commended her for her loyalty to party ideals and her ability to foster unity, describing her as a role model for women and youths. It added that her emergence as Deputy Governor would promote development, unity, and prosperity across Kano State.

National, News

Tinubu Signs ₦68.32trn 2026 Budget, Extends 2025 Implementation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a total government expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year. The President also signed into law an amendment extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026, to allow for the completion of ongoing projects. Details of the development were contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, ₦4.799 trillion has been allocated for statutory transfers, while ₦15.8 trillion is earmarked for debt servicing. The budget also provides ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent expenditure and ₦32.2 trillion for capital projects through the Development Fund. The presidency noted that capital expenditure accounts for about 50 per cent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, economic stability, national security, and inclusive growth. Read Also: APC Chairman Hails Tinubu’s Visit to Plateau, Calls for Decisive Action Against Killers Kano: Ex-Commissioners Back Garo for Deputy Governor, Endorse Appointment CITAD Distributes School Materials to Nomadic Pupils in Kano, Urges Increased Govt Intervention It added that the allocations demonstrate a strategic balance between statutory obligations, debt servicing, recurrent spending, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life of Nigerians. The 2026 Appropriation Act took effect from April 1, with implementation already underway in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the capital component of the 2025 budget by three months to June 30. The presidency explained that the extension would ensure optimal utilisation of funds, particularly for key infrastructure projects nearing completion, and enable Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to consolidate ongoing works and improve project delivery. The President further directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to uphold discipline, transparency, and efficiency in the use of public funds, emphasising the need for value for money and timely execution of projects. He also commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their diligence and cooperation in the passage of the budget, reiterating the importance of sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government. Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, enhancing revenue generation, and prioritising investments that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen social protection mechanisms.

Kano, News

NUJ Celebrates Acting PS Usman Bello at Retirement

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Information Chapel, alongside directors and staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, on Thursday celebrated the retirement of Acting Permanent Secretary, Usman Bello, as he attained the age of 60 after over three decades in public service. The send-forth ceremony, held at the ministry’s conference hall within the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano, attracted colleagues, associates, and well-wishers who paid glowing tributes to the retiree’s contributions to the civil service. In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, described Bello as an exemplary civil servant whose leadership was defined by humility, courage, and dedication. He highlighted his contributions to both the ministry and the NUJ, particularly his commitment to mentorship and professional excellence. Yakasai, who once served as a Deputy Director under Bello, further commended him as a fair and compassionate leader who nurtured subordinates with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility, offering prayers for divine rewards for his years of service. Read Also: Kano: Ex-Commissioners Back Garo for Deputy Governor, Endorse Appointment Representing the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, congratulated Bello on attaining 60 years and completing 33 years in service, describing the milestone as a reflection of resilience, wisdom, and dedication. He noted that staff training and capacity building remained a priority of the ministry, adding that many of the initiatives were driven by Bello during his tenure as Acting Permanent Secretary. He also disclosed plans to include him in a proposed training committee for information managers, ensuring the ministry continues to benefit from his experience. “The ministry will not forget his contributions to the growth of the information sector and the development of Kano State,” Waiya said. In his response, Bello expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing his 33-year career and attainment of 60 years as fulfilling. He thanked the NUJ Information Chapel, ministry leadership, and staff for organising the event. He also commended the Commissioner, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for what he described as efforts to resuscitate the Ministry of Internal Affairs and restore its core mandates. Goodwill messages were delivered by colleagues and associates, including Sunusi Abdullahi Kofar Naisa, Maikudi Muhammad Marafa, and Bahijjah Kabara, among others, who acknowledged Bello’s professionalism and impact. The event climaxed with the presentation of an award of honour to Usman Bello by the NUJ Information Chapel in recognition of his outstanding service.

Kano, Politics

Kano: Ex-Commissioners Back Garo for Deputy Governor, Endorse Appointment

A forum of former commissioners who served in Kano State between 2015 and 2023 has expressed strong support for the appointment of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor of the state. In a letter addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the group declared its “profound support and unalloyed solidarity,” describing Garo as a competent and experienced leader capable of strengthening the administration. The forum noted that having worked closely with Garo during their time in government, they could attest to his leadership qualities, administrative capacity, and commitment to grassroots development and political stability. Read Also: Why Garo is the Right Man to Deputize Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Power play in Kano: is Murtala Garo the missing link In Yusuf’s political equation? Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo: A Well‑Matched Pair of Walking Shoes According to the signatories, Garo’s track record reflects dedication to public service and positions him as a strategic asset whose experience and loyalty would complement the governor’s vision for the state. They further assured the governor of their collective support toward ensuring the success of the administration, while expressing confidence that the nomination would contribute positively to governance and development in the state. The letter was jointly signed by several former commissioners, including Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, Muhammad Garba, Mukhtari Ishaq Yakasai, Ibrahim Ahmed Karaye, Lamin Sani, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Baffa Muhammad Takai, Barrister M. A. Lawan, Saleh Kausani, Idris Wada, Zahra’u Muhammad, Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Ya’u Abdullahi ‘Yanshana, Garba Yusuf Abubakar, Mahmud Muhammad Santsi, Kabiru Ibrahim Getso and Ibrahim Dan’Azumi Gwarzo, among others. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and the Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Africa, International, News

South Africa’s Malema Sentenced to Five Years Over Firearms Offences

A South African court has sentenced opposition politician, Julius Malema, to five years in prison after finding him guilty of firearms-related offences. According to reports, Malema was convicted of illegal possession of firearms and discharging a firearm in a public space, following an earlier conviction last year on multiple counts, including reckless endangerment. The incident leading to the charges dates back to 2018, when a video surfaced showing the politician firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air during his party’s fifth anniversary celebration in the Eastern Cape province. Malema is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, a major opposition party in South Africa known for its advocacy for economic transformation and the rights of black Africans. He is also a former member of the ruling African National Congress. Read Also: BBC to lay off staff over financial pressures Despite the ruling, Malema may avoid immediate imprisonment, as his legal team has indicated plans to appeal the court’s decision. The development marks a significant moment in South Africa’s political landscape, given Malema’s influence and outspoken criticism of the government.

Education, National, News

Over Two Million Candidates Sit as 2026 UTME Begins Nationwide

The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced nationwide on Thursday, with more than 2.2 million candidates expected to sit for the examination across accredited centres. The examination, organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple sessions scheduled daily. The Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, charged examination officials to demonstrate maximum commitment and professionalism, stressing that the success of the UTME largely depends on their performance and dedication to duty. Oloyede gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he commended staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock examination. Read Also: CITAD Distributes School Materials to Nomadic Pupils in Kano, Urges Increased Govt Intervention KASSOSA, DMCSA Distribute N1.5m Drugs to Science Schools in Kano, Jigawa FG Set to End HND–Degree Divide, Empowers Polytechnics to Award Degrees According to him, most challenges recorded during the mock exercise were linked to inadequate assessment of centres by some technical officials. He added that incentive packages would be provided for teams that demonstrate exceptional performance, particularly in the prompt handling of examination materials and timely submission of reports. The registrar reiterated the board’s zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, warning candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls. He noted that advanced technology, including biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems, has been deployed to safeguard the credibility of the examination. Oloyede further disclosed that candidates whose biometric details could not be verified would be rescheduled to sit the examination at designated centres approved by the board. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UTME remains one of the country’s largest coordinated educational exercises, involving extensive logistics, technology deployment, and personnel coordination nationwide. Each examination day is divided into four sessions to reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and enhance biometric verification processes. For the 2026 UTME, about 966 CBT centres are participating, each required to meet operational standards, including functional computer systems, stable connectivity, and trained personnel. (NAN)

Education, Humanitarian, Kano, News

KASSOSA, DMCSA Distribute N1.5m Drugs to Science Schools in Kano, Jigawa

The Kano Science Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA), in collaboration with the Drugs and Medical Consumable Supply Agency (DMCSA), has distributed drugs worth N1.5 million to selected science schools across Kano State and Jigawa State. Speaking during the exercise, the Secretary of KASSOSA and Chairman of the Drugs Distribution Committee, Dr. Kabir Bello Dalha, said boarding schools and girls’ schools were prioritised due to their higher healthcare needs. He explained that a sharing formula was adopted to ensure equitable distribution of the drugs across all benefiting schools. Dr. Dalha also expressed appreciation to the Director-General of DMCSA, Ghali Sule, for initiating and sustaining the gesture since assuming office. Related: Pharmacist Sule Lauds Governor Yusuf Amid DMCSA Achievements DMCSA Clears ₦102m Debt, Raises Capital to Over ₦377m in Kano DMCSA Marks Governor Yusuf’s Birthday With Medical Donation to Schools Earlier, the Director of Educational Support Services, Science and Technical Schools Board, Malam Salisu Auwal, commended the DMCSA for its continued support to the education sector. He also lauded KASSOSA’s national body for its contributions over the years, including school renovations by various class sets and individual members, which he said have significantly strengthened educational development and improved learning conditions for students. Representing the Director-General of DMCSA, the Director of Administration and General Services, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Magashi, assured that the agency would sustain the initiative. The benefiting schools include Dawakin Kudu Science College, Dawakin Tofa Science College, Day Science College Kano, Government College Kano, Mairo Tijjani Girls Science College, Government Science and Technical School Dala, Maitama Sule Science College Gaya, and Government Girls College. From Jigawa State, the beneficiaries are Jahun Girls Science College, Taura Girls Science College, and Kafin Hausa Boys Science College. Expressing his appreciation, the Principal of Day Science College Kano, Malam Abba Tukur, said the provision of the drugs would enhance students’ well-being and ease the financial burden on them, noting that they previously had to purchase such medications on their own. The intervention is aimed at improving healthcare support for students, particularly in boarding institutions, and enhancing overall learning conditions. Photo News:

Kano, News

Kano Patriotic Front Champions Tree Planting, Youth Innovation, Education

The Kano Patriotic Front has reaffirmed its commitment to the overall development of Kano State, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability through an aggressive tree-planting campaign. The Chairman of the group, Ibrahim Sani (retd.), made this known during a media briefing in Kano, where he outlined key activities and interventions of the association. Major General Sani disclosed that the organisation has embarked on sustained tree-planting initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, reducing harsh weather conditions, and improving the overall well-being of residents. He revealed that the group has already established nursery plantations in Gabasawa and near Federal Government College, Unguwa Uku, with plans to plant 500,000 trees across the 44 local government areas of the state, as part of a broader target of 25 million trees. He noted that most of the trees being distributed are economic trees, provided free of charge to communities, while some are planted directly under the supervision of the association to ensure proper growth and sustainability. Read Also: Kano Patriotic Front Marks Anniversary, Reaffirms Development Agenda Kano Declares Second Term Holiday for Schools Kano CoP Trained on Immunisation Advocacy, Seeks Funding to Tackle Zero-Dose Children Beyond environmental efforts, the chairman highlighted other key developments, including the presentation of a draft report on the Golden Memorial Symposium held in honour of late Head of State, Murtala Ramat Mohammed. According to him, the symposium brought together political leaders, military veterans, academics, and family members to reflect on the enduring legacy of discipline, patriotism, and purposeful leadership associated with the late leader. He said the essence of hosting the symposium was to awaken the younger generation to the exemplary track record of the late leader, which distinguished him as a unique figure in the history of Nigeria and Africa, and to encourage them to emulate his values and put such virtues into practice. He further disclosed that the group has supported education by equipping a Government Secondary School in Gwale with laboratory equipment aimed at enhancing science learning and improving educational standards. In the area of innovation and youth development, Major General Sani expressed the group’s readiness to continue supporting a young technology expert, Khalifa Aminu, who developed a payment solution software in Kano. He said the association has played a mentoring role in nurturing the innovator’s skills, leading to the development of additional technological solutions, including sensor-based smart glasses. The retired military officer emphasised that the Kano Patriotic Front remains committed to initiatives that promote security, education, healthcare, and digital transformation, noting that its interventions are designed to restore Kano’s status as a leading economic and cultural hub in sub-Saharan Africa. He reiterated that environmental sustainability, particularly tree planting, will remain a central pillar of the association’s activities, describing it as critical to the future of Kano and the well-being of its people.

Scroll to Top