The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

News, Plateau

Jos Boils Again: Fresh Attacks Reported After Curfew Lift

Fresh tension has gripped Jos, the Plateau State capital, following renewed violence just hours after the state government relaxed a 48-hour curfew imposed in the aftermath of a deadly attack in Anguwan Rukuba. Reports indicate that sporadic clashes broke out in parts of the city, with unconfirmed casualties, forcing residents to flee while traders who had earlier resumed business hurriedly shut down their shops. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with many residents running for safety amid fears of further attacks. Read Also: Radiographers Oppose Health Bills, Warn of Threat to Professional Autonomy Security presence has reportedly been reinforced across affected areas, although authorities are yet to officially confirm details of the latest incidents. Residents have, however, been urged to remain calm and vigilant as efforts to restore order continue. The unrest comes in the wake of Sunday night’s attack in Anguwan Rukuba, where gunmen on motorcycles reportedly killed at least 28 people near a busy junction. The incident sparked outrage, with angry youths taking to the streets and blocking major roads in protest. The attack also disrupted academic activities, prompting the University of Jos to reschedule examinations earlier slated for March 30 and 31, while advising students and staff to limit movement. The latest violence adds to growing insecurity in Plateau State, coming weeks after an ambush in Kanam Local Government Area reportedly claimed the lives of over 20 security operatives and vigilantes. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has maintained that the state will not yield to intimidation, even as concerns continue to mount over the fragile security situation and the risk of further escalation.

Abuja, Kano, Politics

Kano Political Shift: Ganduje Hails Reps’ Defection to APC

By Umar Idris Shuaibu A former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has described the defection of members of the House of Representatives from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC as a major boost for the ruling party. Speaking after the development at the National Assembly in Abuja, Dr. Ganduje said the increasing number of defections into the APC reflects the party’s growing strength and national appeal. “This is a plus to our great party, APC, as the number of House of Representatives members continues to increase on a daily basis. We have seen it before in Kano, where NNPP members cross-carpeted to APC. We already have a senator and some members of the House of Representatives, and today we have received another batch, nine members from NNPP to APC,” he said. He described the move as a moment of celebration, expressing confidence in the party’s future electoral prospects. Read Also: Tinubu Meets Ganduje, Badaru in Separate Aso Rock Consultations APC Northwest Congress: Ganduje Attends Key Party Gathering in Kaduna APC Unveils Full NWC List as Yilwatda, Basiru Retain Top Positions “As you can see, today is a day of celebration. We are optimistic that 2027 is assured for Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as for our governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and all our members in the National and State Assemblies,” Ganduje added. The former governor also commended the President for providing what he described as an enabling political environment that continues to attract members of other parties into the APC. “We are very happy about this development, and we thank Mr President for creating an environment that encourages others to join APC. We assure them of full integration into the party. We are now one like a compound, not a mixture. Anyone familiar with Chemistry understands what a compound is,” he said. On the party’s recent national convention, Dr. Ganduje explained that the adoption of consensus candidates helps to reduce internal friction. “Consensus has two stages, that is consensus and affirmation. It is similar to an election because it reduces friction, unnecessary disagreements, and tendencies that could lead to anti-party activities,” he noted. Meanwhile, at least eight members of the House of Representatives from Kano State formally announced their defection from the NNPP to the APC on the floor of the National Assembly. The lawmakers who defected include: Hon. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe (Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa) Hon. Garba Ibrahim Diso (Gwale) Hon. Hassan Shehu Hussain (Nassarawa) Hon. Idris Dankawu (Kumbotso) Hon. Muhammad Chiroma Nalaraba (Gezawa/Gabasawa) Hon. Barrister Rabi’u Yusuf (Takai/Sumaila) Hon. Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani (Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi) Hon. Barrister Muhammad Bello Shehu (Fagge) The defections were formally announced during plenary, where the lawmakers cited reasons for their decision to join the APC. Reports indicate that prominent political figures attended the event, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Dr. Ganduje, alongside other party leaders.

National, News

Tinubu Meets Ganduje, Badaru in Separate Aso Rock Consultations

By Umar Idris Shuaibu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday received former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and former Minister of Defence, Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, in separate meetings at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Both visits were held behind closed doors at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, with neither of the political figures disclosing the purpose of their engagements with the President. Correspondents observed Dr. Ganduje, dressed in babanriga, departing the State House at about 4:15 p.m., while Badaru left roughly 15 minutes later at 4:30 p.m., suggesting that the meetings were separate consultations rather than a joint audience. Ganduje served as APC National Chairman from August 2023 until July 2025, when he stepped down from the position. He was subsequently succeeded by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who was elected as substantive chairman during the party’s 4th Elective National Convention held on March 27, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja. Read Also: APC Unveils Full NWC List as Yilwatda, Basiru Retain Top Positions Why Engr. Abba Ganduje is Still Needed in Dawakin Tofa Federal Constituency APC Northwest Congress: Ganduje Attends Key Party Gathering in Kaduna Prior to his emergence as party chairman, Ganduje served as Governor of Kano State between 2015 and 2023. Badaru, on the other hand, is a former Governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023) and recently resigned from his role as Minister of Defence in Tinubu’s administration. Political observers believe the separate meetings may not be unconnected with ongoing consultations within the APC following its recent national convention, as well as possible strategic alignments ahead of future political engagements. Both Ganduje and Badaru remain influential figures within the ruling party and are regarded as key allies of President Tinubu since the formation of the APC in 2013.

Kano, News, Politics

Ex-Kano Deputy Governor Gawuna Completes ADC Registration, Receives Membership Card

By Umar Idris Shuaibu A former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after completing his registration and receiving his membership card in his Gawuna Ward. Gawuna was accompanied during the exercise by former Kano State Governor and ex-presidential candidate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, a dominant political figure in Kano who also recently joined the ADC following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The development comes on the heels of Gawuna’s resignation as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), as well as his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Read Also: APC Founded to Drive Change, Reduce Poverty — Tinubu Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC After Quitting NNPP Gawuna’s journey from Kano politics to national service His defection is seen as part of the growing political realignments in Kano State, as key actors reposition ahead of future electoral contests. Observers say the presence of Kwankwaso at the registration underscores the strengthening alliance within the ADC, which is rapidly emerging as a platform for opposition convergence in the state and beyond.

Katsina, Politics

Katsina Commissioner resigns to contest Funtua Senatorial seat

The Katsina State Commissioner for Environment, Hamza Sule Faskari, has resigned to contest for the Funtua Senatorial seat. The decision was in compliance with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for public office holders intending to contest in the 2027 elections. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the electoral body has directed all public office holders intending to contest to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026. Read Also: Ex-Kano Deputy Governor Gawuna Dumps APC, Signals Possible New Alignment Sule Faskari announced his decision on Monday in Katsina when he visited the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Garba Faskari, to formally submit his resignation letter. He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, for the opportunity to serve the people as a commissioner. The former commissioner also reaffirmed his commitment to remain loyal and continue supporting the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sule-Faskari further thanked the people of Katsina State for the support and cooperation they have given him during his tenure as commissioner. (NAN)

National, News, Politics

Court Ends NNPP Crisis, Restores Party Leadership to Founder

The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri has delivered a decisive judgement in the protracted leadership crisis within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), affirming Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam as the recognised leader of the party. In its ruling, the appellate court set aside an earlier decision of the Abia State High Court in Uzuakoli, which had vacated its previous judgement delivered in favour of the faction led by Aniebonam. The appellate court held that the lower court erred in granting a motion that effectively reversed its own earlier judgement, thereby upholding all three grounds of appeal filed by the Aniebonam-led faction. The dispute stems from a November 2024 judgement of the Uzuakoli High Court in Suit No. HUZ/11/2024, which had recognised the Board of Trustees of the NNPP under Aniebonam. However, in June 2025, the same court granted an application that set aside that ruling, following a motion filed by Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Read Also: Radiographers Oppose Health Bills, Warn of Threat to Professional Autonomy Ex-Kano Deputy Governor Gawuna Dumps APC, Signals Possible New Alignment APC Founded to Drive Change, Reduce Poverty — Tinubu Dissatisfied with the reversal, the Aniebonam faction approached the Court of Appeal in Owerri (Appeal No. CA/OW/271/2025), arguing that the trial judge lacked the jurisdiction to sit on appeal over his own judgement. Delivering its verdict, the Court of Appeal agreed with the appellants, restoring the earlier judgement and effectively recognising Aniebonam as the legitimate leader of the party he founded in 2001. Legal representation in the matter saw Onitsha-based senior counsel, Sir Azubike Anazor, appear for Aniebonam, while Abuja-based Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, represented Kwankwaso. The NNPP, which fielded Kwankwaso as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has been embroiled in internal disputes over its leadership structure, with rival factions laying claim to control of the party.

Kano, News, Politics

Ex-Kano Deputy Governor Gawuna Dumps APC, Signals Possible New Alignment

By Umar Idris Shuaibu A former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that adds to ongoing political realignments in the state. Gawuna’s resignation was conveyed in a letter dated March 29, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Gawuna Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, where he described the decision as “voluntary and personal.” “I hereby formally resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective March 29, 2026,” the letter read. Read Also: Gawuna Resigns as FMBN Board Chairman, Signals Political Move Ahead of Defection The former deputy governor expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities afforded him during his time as a member. Gawuna, who was the APC governorship candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections, is expected to visit his ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area on Tuesday to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that could confirm speculations about his next political destination. However, his resignation comes at a time of heightened political activity and shifting alliances in Kano State ahead of future electoral contests. Sources close to the former deputy governor revealed that he is expected to hold a crucial meeting with former Kano State governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday night at the latter’s residence on Miller Road in Kano.

Humanitarian, Kano, News

CoP Engages Kano Assembly Leadership on Health Funding, Policy Gaps

By Umar Idris Shuaibu The Kano Community of Practice on Accountability (CoP) has called for improved service delivery, timely release of funds, and strengthened legislative oversight following an advocacy visit to the Kano State House of Assembly. The delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Salisu Yusuf, met with the Clerk and Permanent Secretary of the Assembly, Malam Nasiru Magaji, in Kano. Speaking during the visit, Yusuf said the engagement was part of efforts to address gaps identified in the CoP scorecard, particularly in service delivery and budget implementation within the state. He explained that the group had initially planned to meet with the House Committee on Health but had to redirect the visit after learning that members of the committee were away on official engagements. Read Also: Radiographers Oppose Health Bills, Warn of Threat to Professional Autonomy BOOST Project Strengthens Community Mobilisation Through Kano Tricycle Associations Forum Ajumawa Commends Community of Practice on Accountability Over Zero-Dose Project “We used the opportunity to meet with the Clerk/Permanent Secretary to share our findings and explore ways to improve service delivery, ensure timely release of funds, and strengthen the oversight functions of the Assembly,” Yusuf said. The CoP chairman noted that key concerns raised during the meeting included gaps in budget tracking and delays in fund releases, which he said have implications for effective healthcare service delivery. Responding, Magaji assured the delegation of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the issues raised. He pledged to explore mechanisms that would enhance oversight functions to ensure timely disbursement of funds. On policy development, the Clerk advised the group to channel proposals through legislative processes, including presenting them as private bills to be sponsored by lawmakers or supported by development partners for consideration by the Assembly. Magaji commended the CoP for its advocacy efforts and reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to support initiatives that promote the development and well-being of residents across Kano State. As part of the visit, the CoP chairman, alongside Kano-based journalist Umar Idris Shuaibu, presented a branded T-shirt and cap from the BOOST Project to Magaji as a gesture of appreciation. The BOOST Project, currently being implemented in Gezawa and Ungoggo Local Government Areas, is designed to improve immunisation coverage and reduce the number of zero-dose and missed vaccinations among children. Implemented by Save the Children International with support from GlaxoSmithKline, the initiative aims to deploy scalable strategies to enhance access to life-saving vaccines, with plans underway to expand its reach to other parts of the state. Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government institutions and development partners would significantly improve immunisation outcomes and overall healthcare delivery for children in Kano State.  

Kano, News, Politics

Kano South Lawmakers Hold Crucial Talks Over Political Future, Raise Concerns Against Governor Yusuf

By Umar Idris Shuaibu Lawmakers representing Kano South Senatorial District on Monday convened a high-level meeting in Abuja to deliberate on their political future, amid growing dissatisfaction with the leadership of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. The meeting, described by insiders as “critical,” was led by Senator Kawu Sumaila and held at his office, drawing the attendance of key members of the House of Representatives, including Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Abdulmumin Jibrin and Abdullahi Rogo. The development comes on the heels of a noticeable rift within political ranks in Kano, following the reported absence of Sumaila and Rurum from an enlarged meeting earlier convened by Governor Yusuf with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State and National Assembly. An aide to Senator Sumaila, Muttaka Babura, told ‘The Historica Nigeria‘ that the Abuja meeting though close door centred on charting a new political direction for Kano South, citing what participants described as “political neglect” of the zone by the state government. Read Also: Radiographers Oppose Health Bills, Warn of Threat to Professional Autonomy Gawuna Resigns as FMBN Board Chairman, Signals Political Move Ahead of Defection Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC After Quitting NNPP Sources at the meeting revealed that the lawmakers raised concerns over alleged marginalisation, claiming that key decisions affecting Kano South were being taken without adequate consultation with elected representatives and stakeholders from the region. “We are engaging with serving and former lawmakers, as well as party leaders who have recently been sidelined from Kano South,” a source disclosed. “We are also consulting prominent businessmen, clerics and other stakeholders to determine the best political path forward.” Despite the growing tension, another source indicated that the aggrieved lawmakers may hold a meeting with Governor Yusuf later on Monday night to present their position and explore possible resolutions. While there has been no official confirmation of a planned defection, speculations are mounting over a possible alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), especially if ongoing grievances remain unresolved.

National, News

Tinubu Appoints CAC Chairman, Names NPC Commissioners, Confirms Adviser

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a fresh round of appointments across key federal institutions, naming a new Chairman for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), nominating seven commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPC), and confirming a Special Adviser on Political Economy. In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Monday, the President appointed Senator Ibrahim Ida as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission. Ida, a former senator who represented Katsina Central, holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Abuja. He previously served as Commissioner of Finance in Katsina State and later as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. The President also nominated seven individuals as Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. They include Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti), Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara), Usman Abubakar Tuggar (Bauchi), Dr Isaka Alada Yahaya (Kwara), Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina), Suleiman Umar (Jigawa), and Hon. Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo (Sokoto). Read Also: Radiographers Oppose Health Bills, Warn of Threat to Professional Autonomy Gawuna Resigns as FMBN Board Chairman, Signals Political Move Ahead of Defection Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC After Quitting NNPP According to the statement, the nominations are intended to fill existing vacancies and strengthen the commission’s capacity, complementing other commissioners already in office. In a related development, President Tinubu appointed Dr Yusuf Mohammed from Kano State as Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, further expanding leadership across federal institutions. The President also confirmed the appointment of Bala Mohammed Bello as Special Adviser on Political Economy. Bello, an indigene of Taraba State, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University. He previously served as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and as Executive Director (Corporate Services) at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank between 2017 and 2022. President Tinubu expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly appointed officials to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to improving the living conditions of Nigerians. The appointments are expected to undergo legislative confirmation where required, in line with constitutional provisions.

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