The Historica Nigeria

2026

Kano, Politics

Gov. Abba Yusuf Meets Tinubu as APC Defection Talks Gain Momentum

Political indications suggest that discussions surrounding a possible defection of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have gained momentum following a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Multiple political sources disclosed that the closed-door meeting, held amid rising speculation over the governor’s political future, focused on resolving lingering concerns linked to party alignment and long-term political stability ahead of the 2027 general elections. Although no official statement has been released by either party, insiders within the APC confirmed that President Tinubu’s intervention has significantly reduced earlier uncertainties that reportedly slowed negotiations between the governor and the ruling party. A senior APC source in the North-West told Politics Digest that the meeting addressed key issues surrounding internal party harmony in Kano State, including concerns over political accommodation and consensus-building within the APC structure. According to the source, Governor Yusuf was advised to intensify consultations with major party stakeholders in Kano rather than rely solely on federal-level assurances, in order to prevent internal discord within the party. Read Also: The Ganduje Equation: How Kano’s Power Map Leaves Governor Yusuf with Few Options “The emphasis was on political tact and stakeholder engagement,” the source said. “The President encouraged the governor to strengthen internal alliances while ensuring stability within the party ahead of 2027.” Political analysts note that APC power blocs in Kano, including interests aligned with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, remain influential in shaping the outcome of the ongoing discussions. The renewed momentum follows weeks of political uncertainty, during which negotiations were reportedly stalled over the absence of firm guarantees regarding the governor’s future political ambitions. Observers believe the Abuja meeting may represent a critical turning point that could culminate in a formal announcement, potentially reshaping Kano’s political configuration and altering party dynamics across the North-West. However, the evolving situation continues to cast uncertainty over the political relationship between Governor Yusuf and his long-time mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid reports that the former Kano governor may be exploring alternative political platforms. As consultations continue, political stakeholders within and outside Kano State are closely monitoring developments that could significantly influence the balance of power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abuja, Kano, News

Kano Politics: Governor Yusuf, Tinubu Meet Amid 2027 Ticket Discussions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The governor, dressed in a white Agbada and red cap, arrived at the villa around 4:10 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026. The meeting comes amid widespread speculation over the governor’s planned defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Political observers note that discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding whether Governor Yusuf will be granted an automatic ticket for the 2027 general elections. Read Also: Governor Yusuf Among First to Receive APC E-Membership Card in Kano – Party Chairman The potential defection has dominated headlines in recent weeks, creating tension between supporters of the governor and his political godfather, former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Analysts suggest that the meeting with President Tinubu could be central to resolving outstanding issues and finalizing the governor’s political realignment. While neither the presidency nor the governor’s office has officially commented on the discussions, political watchers continue to monitor developments closely, given the strategic significance of Kano State in the nation’s political landscape. (Daily Trust)

Kano, News, Politics

Governor Yusuf Among First to Receive APC E-Membership Card in Kano – Party Chairman

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, will be among the first to receive his party e-membership card this January, signaling his active participation in the nationwide digital registration drive. The Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, disclosed this on Monday during a party meeting held to prepare for the commencement of the APC’s electronic membership registration and new member enrolment exercise. Abbas explained that the party has commenced a nationwide digital registration and revalidation exercise aimed at updating and authenticating its membership database. Read Also: The Ganduje Equation: How Kano’s Power Map Leaves Governor Yusuf with Few Options According to him, the initiative is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen internal party administration, and ensure that all members are properly captured and recognised within the APC’s structure. He noted that the adoption of electronic membership registration reflects the party’s commitment to modernising its operations and consolidating its organisational framework across the country. The APC chairman further revealed that the exercise has already commenced in some states. In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has been officially registered as a bona fide member of the APC following the launch of the e-membership platform. Similarly, the Sokoto State chapter of the party has also rolled out its electronic membership registration exercise, reaffirming the APC’s resolve to strengthen its grassroots base nationwide. Abbas reiterated that the APC remains focused on internal cohesion, credible membership management, and strategic positioning ahead of future political engagements, stressing that the digital registration exercise is central to achieving these objectives.

Feature, National

The fight against drug abuse, a failed strategies or a war we cannot win

Adamu Ahmad Ibrahim When I was in primary school, secondary school I can remember how different CSO’s reached out to us, advising and guiding, telling us to avoid involving ourselves into the habits of substance use, a lifestyle that has consumed and later destroyed the life of most of our friends. That was about 26 years ago since I heard the first summon on drug Abuse. As at that time, none of my friends were engaged in such lifestyle, but as at now I lost count on the numbers of my friends that lost their lives, family and friends, lost their purpose and future because of the dangerous lifestyle of drugs and other substance abuse. So I wonder, are we fighting a war that we cannot win or are we using the wrong strategy in the fight against drug abuse? I later realised that, we are only fighting the act not the cause, the motives or the drives. We only give example of drug Abuse effects on young people who are from low level income families. Whenever an unfortunate event occurs, we tend to connect it with drug abuse, like the recent killings of seven families by one young umar from dorayi, area of Kano state, whom after burning and brutally murdered another family. Read Also: Arewa Health Promotion Initiative Enrolls 300 Children Back to School, Distributes Learning Materials in Kano Arewa Health Promotion Initiative Sensitises Kura Communities on Clean Water and Sanitation Kano Government Expands Youth Programmes, Strengthens Fight Against Drugs Education is one key factor that we need to improve, and the level of drug Abuse and it’s effects will go low. We have been doing awareness and other means of strategy to fight drug abuse, but we are making less efforts to improve our educational system. Leadership skills, As a community we need to invest more onto our young one’s whom have shown a character of transformational leadership, we have to show our youths that it’s good to be good, there has to be a reward for being good citizen, community change champion and a peace maker. I believe, if we can improve the two aforementioned factors, we stand a chance at winning the battle. I am Adamu Ahmad Ibrahim Executive Director Arewa Health Promotion Initiative

News, Sport

Senegal Clinch Dramatic AFCON Title After Extra-Time Win Over Morocco

Senegal secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Morocco after extra time on Sunday to claim the Africa Cup of Nations title at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, ending the hosts’ long unbeaten home record in a final marred by controversy. The pulsating encounter was decided by a moment of individual brilliance in extra time, but the match will be remembered largely for an unprecedented protest that temporarily brought proceedings to a halt. With the scoreline still goalless deep into second-half stoppage time, Senegal appeared to have taken the lead through Ismaila Sarr, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Moments later, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a shirt pull on Brahim Díaz inside the box. In a dramatic turn, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest against the officiating decisions. The standoff lasted over 15 minutes before senior players, led by captain Sadio Mané, persuaded the team to return to the field. Read Also: 1994 AFCON Champion and Super Eagles Legend Peter Rufai Dies at 61 The tension intensified when Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, attempting an audacious panenka. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, however, stood firm and saved the spot kick, sending the final into extra time. Senegal eventually broke the deadlock through midfielder Pape Gueye, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that curled into the far corner, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou rooted to the spot. The Teranga Lions professionally managed the closing stages of the game to seal their second AFCON title and shatter Morocco’s 16-year unbeaten run on home soil, which dated back to 2009. Both sides had chances during regulation time. Bounou had earlier denied Iliman Ndiaye with a fine save in the first half, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi missed a clear opportunity late in the game, firing wide when clean through on goal. In the end, Senegal’s resilience, composure under pressure and ability to navigate a night of chaos proved decisive, sealing a historic and turbulent AFCON triumph.

Kano, News

Ganduje Mourns Slain Kano Family, Pays Tribute to Late Kantin Kwari Leader

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has condemned the gruesome killing of a housewife and her children in Kano State, describing the incident as tragic, inhumane and deeply disturbing. This was conveyed in a statement signed by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, in which Dr. Ganduje expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the Dorayi Chiranchi community in Gwale Local Government Area of the state. Dr. Ganduje described the killings as a painful reminder of the urgent need for sustained collective efforts to protect innocent lives and preserve peace within society. He commended the Kano State Police Command for its swift response and intelligence-driven investigation, which led to the arrest of suspects linked to the crime,describing the development as reassuring. Read Also: The Ganduje Equation: How Kano’s Power Map Leaves Governor Yusuf with Few Options Dr. Ganduje’s Political School and the Rise of Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure at 48 Kano Govt Approves ₦8.53bn Development Package for Roads, Hospitals, Water and Social Services The former governor of Kano State urged security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of all those involved to ensure justice is served. “The speed and professionalism demonstrated by the Kano State Police Command are commendable. Justice must be pursued to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrent to others,” he stated. Dr. Ganduje also called on residents of the state to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining peace and security. In the same statement, the immediate past APC National Chairman also mourned the death of Alhaji Bature Abdulaziz, a renowned businessman and respected community leader in Kano, who passed away after a brief illness. He described the late Abdulaziz as a towering figure in Kano’s commercial and business community, noting that he rose to prominence through years of dedicated service to traders and business associations within and outside the state. Dr. Ganduje particularly highlighted Abdulaziz’s role as a former leader of the Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, where he was widely known for championing the rights and welfare of traders while contributing significantly to the growth and organisation of commercial activities in Kano. He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed souls and for divine protection, peace and stability for Kano State and the country at large.

Kano, News

Kano Govt Approves ₦8.53bn Development Package for Roads, Hospitals, Water and Social Services

The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦8.53 billion for the execution of key infrastructure, health, education, water supply and social welfare projects across the state. The approvals were granted during the 37th Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, January 16, 2026, at the Malam Aminu Kano House, the Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the projects cut across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and are aimed at improving service delivery, public safety and socio-economic development. According to him, a significant portion of the approved funds includes ₦3.1 billion for the supply of non-ferrous aluminium sulphate (alum) for water treatment across the state for six months in 2026 under the Ministry of Water Resources. The Council also approved ₦1.7 billion for the construction of a two-coat surface dressed road from Chiromawa to Garun Babba in Garun Malam Local Government Area. Read Also: The Ganduje Equation: How Kano’s Power Map Leaves Governor Yusuf with Few Options Kano Govt Strengthens Digital Journalism Through Ethics-Focused Media Retreat 2027: Dogara, Kukah, Musa, Mutfwang Emerge in Tinubu’s VP Calculations Other approvals include ₦677.5 million for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and renovation of Rogo General Hospital following a fire outbreak, ₦520 million for the procurement of a CT scan machine at the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, and ₦660.3 million for drainage construction and interlocking works in Ayagi-Aisami, Bakin Ruwa Ward of Dala Local Government Area. Waiya further disclosed that funds were approved for the construction of an orphanage hostel at the Nasarawa Children’s Home, renovation of GJSS Tatsawarki in Kumbotso LGA, and compensation for farmlands affected by the construction of five small earth dams across selected local government areas. The Council also approved the construction of Arewa Knot and multi-tiered fountains at Alfurqan and Baban Gwari roundabouts, as well as ₦251.9 million compensation for properties affected by the construction of a five-kilometre dualised road in Bagwai Local Government Area. On policy matters, the Executive Council expressed deep concern over the death of a female patient at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, where a pair of scissors was reportedly left in her abdomen during surgery. The Council condemned the incident, describing it as a grave act of negligence, and assured the public that the ongoing investigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion. It also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives. The Council further acknowledged the strategic importance of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project and approved the phased development of the AKK Industrial Layout in Tamburawa, with Phase I focusing on basic infrastructure and perimeter fencing. Additionally, the Executive Council approved the comprehensive enhancement of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Karaye, aimed at improving the welfare, safety and general wellbeing of corps members serving in Kano State. The State Government reiterated its commitment to prudent resource utilisation and sustained investment in projects that directly impact the lives of residents.

International, National, News

U.S. Embassy, Lagos Consulate to Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This was disclosed in a statement released by the embassy on Sunday. The closure marks the federal holiday dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of the late Martin Luther King Jr., the iconic leader of the American Civil Rights Movement who fought for equality and civil liberties for Black Americans. Read Also: Trump Acknowledges Muslims Are Also Killed in Nigeria King Jr., who delivered the historic “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., became a global symbol of nonviolent activism and social justice. He was born on January 15, 1929, and was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. The embassy’s announcement serves as a reminder of King Jr.’s enduring legacy in promoting human rights, equality, and justice worldwide.

National, Politics

2027: Dogara, Kukah, Musa, Mutfwang Emerge in Tinubu’s VP Calculations

Fresh political discussions within Nigeria’s political space suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be quietly assessing a number of prominent northern Christian leaders as possible running mates ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Reports monitored across print, broadcast and online media platforms have consistently mentioned former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd); Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as figures whose names are said to be in circulation within ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) circles. According to political observers, the considerations are believed to be part of early strategic thinking aimed at achieving religious and geographical balance, with all four personalities originating from predominantly Christian states in Northern Nigeria. Analysts note that President Tinubu, as the APC’s likely standard-bearer, is constitutionally empowered to select his running mate from any part of the country in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Read Also: The Ganduje Equation: How Kano’s Power Map Leaves Governor Yusuf with Few Options Dr. Ganduje’s Political School and the Rise of Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure at 48 Group Backs Adamu Abdu Fanda for Kano Deputy Governorship, Cites Experience, Competence The renewed conversation follows sustained public criticism of the Muslim–Muslim ticket adopted by the APC during the 2023 general election, a development that sparked national debate and attracted attention beyond Nigeria’s borders. Some observers recall that the arrangement also drew comments from international actors, including officials of the United States government, who at the time encouraged broader inclusion and balance in Nigeria’s federal leadership structure. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the leadership of the APC has made any official statement regarding the 2027 vice-presidential permutations.

Economy, National, News

Nigeria’s Financial Reforms Earn Global Validation — NFIU

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has welcomed Nigeria’s removal from the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries, describing it as a strong validation of the country’s financial integrity reforms implemented since 2023. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the NFIU said the development followed Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025, as well as the European Union’s decision to delist the country in January 2026. According to the agency, the decisions by the FATF and the EU reflect the success of a coordinated national effort to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing frameworks. Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, said the delisting demonstrated the credibility and sustainability of Nigeria’s reforms, as well as the effectiveness of consistent implementation across government institutions. She noted that the milestone underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global standards on financial integrity while reinforcing international confidence in the country’s financial system. Read Also: Banks, Fintechs to Begin 7.5% VAT Deduction on Electronic Service Charges Monday Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Signing Major Trade Deal with UAE Nigerian Navy Launches High-Tech Agricultural Initiative to Boost Food Security Bakari explained that the reforms were carried out under the guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by strategic leadership from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of State for Finance, through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT/CPF. She added that the contributions of other ministries, security agencies, regulators and law enforcement bodies helped strengthen supervision of both financial and non-financial sectors, improve corporate transparency, and enhance investigations and prosecutions related to illicit financial activities. According to her, significant progress was also recorded in prosecutorial outcomes and international cooperation, particularly through the Federal Ministry of Justice, which played a key role in securing convictions, facilitating mutual legal assistance, and enabling the recovery and repatriation of illicit assets. Bakari further commended the judiciary, especially the Federal High Court, for timely adjudication and the imposition of proportionate sanctions that serve as effective deterrents against financial crimes. She disclosed that Nigeria is now consolidating the gains achieved and has begun preparations for its next AML/CFT/CPF Mutual Evaluation, reaffirming the country’s commitment to sustained collaboration and the protection of its financial system.

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