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Kano, National, News

Dr. Ganduje Back in Nigeria, Reassures Supporters of His Commitment — Muhd Garba

The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and two-term Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks in London for medical treatment. Muhammad Garba, his former Chief of Staff, stated this to newsmen in a statement. According to him, Dr. Ganduje arrived in excellent health and has since settled at his residence, where he is taking time to rest following his treatment and recovery. His safe return is described as a manifestation of God’s mercy and the outcome of prayers and goodwill from his family, political associates, and millions of supporters across the country. Read Also: Abba Ganduje Distributes Over 1,000 Solar Lights to 38 Wards in Kano It will be recalled that Ganduje embarked on the medical trip just five days after voluntarily resigning as APC National Chairman to prioritize his health. His return, strong and revitalized, has been received with joy and relief by admirers, colleagues, and loyal supporters who continue to acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy. As a two-term Governor of Kano State and later as APC National Chairman, Ganduje played a significant role in consolidating the party’s strength and advancing national development. On behalf of his family and close associates, appreciation has been extended to all those who stood by him with prayers and goodwill messages throughout his stay abroad. Dr. Ganduje has reiterated his commitment to the service of Nigeria, assuring that with renewed strength and vitality, he remains ready to continue offering political guidance, wise counsel, and patriotic leadership for the progress of the APC and the country at large. It would be recalled that Dr. Ganduje, who became APC National Chairman in August 2023, resigned from the position on June 27, 2025, citing health reasons. He was subsequently inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on July 9, while former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Netanwe Yilwatda, has since replaced him as the APC National Chairman.

Feature, Kano, Politics

How to Defeat Kwankwasiyya in Kano 2027

The 2027 general elections in Kano will once again test the political strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leading figure, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Twice elected governor of Kano, Ganduje weathered the height of opposition politics, consolidated his base despite defections, and built a strong network of loyalists across all 44 local government areas. His experience in grassroots mobilisation and empowerment projects continues to resonate, making him central to APC’s prospects in the state. Unlike the APC, which is guided by collective leadership and a pool of experienced politicians, Kwankwasiyya revolves almost entirely around one individual, a “Mr. Know All Commands” structure where loyalty is tied not to ideas or collective strength, but to personal directives. This makes it more fragile than it appears. In contrast, the APC today has within its fold an array of leaders with proven political weight, Dr. Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, long-serving legislators, influential grassroots mobilisers, retired public servants and local government stalwarts. Their collective experience, if well-coordinated, gives the APC an edge that Kwankwasiyya cannot easily match. For the APC, the road to victory lies in rebuilding confidence at the grassroots, where elections are truly won. The party has the structures, the membership, and the leadership capacity, but these must be coordinated into a more disciplined and people-driven system. Rather than being distracted by opposition propaganda, the APC must leverage Ganduje’s wide political network, strengthen internal unity, and re-establish its dominance at ward and local government levels. The challenge is not a lack of numbers, but a need to organise and direct those numbers effectively. Related: How Kano People Missed Dr. Ganduje If the APC is to have a fighting chance, the rebuilding process must begin immediately. Grassroots structures must be reorganised, young loyalists rewarded with opportunities, and party officials must stay closer to the people. Political appointees and elected representatives cannot afford to prioritise defectors over those who have kept faith with the party from the beginning. APC political appointees from Kano today, must also recalibrate their empowerment projects, making them sharper, more targeted, and party-focused. Other stakeholders must put aside the politics of entitlement and open up the party to transparent processes. The era of “unity lists” imposed from above can no longer inspire confidence if the APC hopes to energise its base. At the centre of this challenge is Dr. Ganduje, whose political compass may well shape Kano’s direction in 2027. His ability to bridge the divide between elders and youth, mediate among factions, and rally national support makes him indispensable in the struggle ahead. For Kano voters, the coming election will not be about who gives commands from the top or who dominates the streets, but about who can mobilise a united political structure, connect with the people’s aspirations, and speak the language of governance rather than agitation. Read Also: Appointment of Mustapha Bala Dawaki as APC Chief of Staff Sparks Jubilation in Kano If Ganduje’s experience is harnessed and his advice taken seriously, the APC has a chance to turn the tide. By building on merit, inclusivity, and discipline, the party could consign Kwankwasiyya to history, remembered only as a case study for political science students at Mambayya House. But if the current disorganisation continues, then the APC may find itself unknowingly strengthening the very movement it seeks to defeat. The journey to 2027 begins now, and in Kano, all eyes are once again on Dr. Ganduje. Umar Idris Shuaibu writes from Kano.

Kano, News

Governor Yusuf Inaugurates New PCACC Chairman

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally inaugurated Barrister Sa’idu Yahaya as the new Executive Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC). The swearing-in ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Government House, Kano, where the State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, administered the oath of office. Governor Yusuf had earlier forwarded Yahaya’s name to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, in line with due process. Read Also: Kano State Govt Establishes Mobilization Taskforce on Voter Registration Born in 1978, Yahaya brings to the position nearly two decades of experience in anti-graft operations. He previously served with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for over 18 years, where he held key roles including Team Leader in General Investigations and in the Constituency Projects Tracking Division. An alumnus of Bayero University, Kano, Yahaya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation.

Kano, News

Kano State Govt Establishes Mobilization Taskforce on Voter Registration

In line with the directives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the commencement of voter registration nationwide, the Kano State Government has approved the establishment of the Kano State Mobilization Taskforce on Voter Registration. The Taskforce, which is a high-powered committee will be formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in due course, and is to be chaired by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Honourable Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs. The initiative is a strategic intervention designed to mobilize and encourage full participation of Kano citizens in the ongoing voter registration exercise, with a view to ensuring maximum success. Read Also: Kano Govt to Train Media Aides of 44 LG Chairmen Other Members of the Taskforce include: Hon. Commissioner, Women Affairs, children and Disabled Hon. Commissioner, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Special Adviser, Political Mobilization Special Adviser, Inter-Party Affairs Special Adviser, Population Special Adviser, Political Affairs Special Adviser, Student Matters Special Adviser, Grassroot Mobilization Special Adviser, Digital Economy Special Adviser, Information Special Adviser, Entertainment and Culture Director General, KASITDA Statistician General/Director General, State Bureau of Statistics Director General, Research and Documentation Directorate Managing Director, Kano State Radio Corporation Managing Director, Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) Representative, State NNPP Representative, Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Representative, Emirate Council Chairperson, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Representative, Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) Senior Special Assistant, KANSIEC Representative, Council of Ulama Representative, HISBAH Board Representative, Kano Traders Association Representative, Kano Business Community Representative, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Representative, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Representative, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Representative, National Association of Kano State Students Representative, Kano State Youth Council Representative, Central Working Committee of Self-Help Groups Representative – Civil Society Organizations Nasiru Salisu Zango Tijjani Sarki Secretariat of the Taskforce: Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Office of the Head of Civil Service Director, Special Duties, Special Duties Directorate, Office of the Secretary to the State Government Director, Research and Evaluation, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs Directorate (REPA), Office of the Secretary to the State Government Director, Internal Affairs, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs The Government emphasizes that this Taskforce is not a mere administrative arrangement but a decisive step towards promoting participatory democracy and ensuring that every eligible Kano citizen registers to vote. It is therefore anticipated that, all stakeholders such as: traditional institutions, civil society, political parties, trade unions, youth and women organizations, and the general public —to join hands with the Government to achieve the desired goal The State Government further emphasized that voter registration is not just a routine exercise, but a civic responsibility with extraordinary importance and a gateway to shaping the future of governance and ensuring that the voices of the people of Kano are heard at the ballot boxes. Signed: Musa Tanko Muhammad Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kano. 19/08/2025

Kano, News

Kano Govt to Train Media Aides of 44 LG Chairmen

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has assured media assistants to the 44 local government chairmen in the state of the Ministry’s commitment to organise capacity-building training aimed at enhancing their professional skills and improving productivity. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Deputy Director, Information, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. Comrade Waiya gave the assurance when he received members of the forum of media aides to the local government chairmen, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday. Read Also: Appointment of Mustapha Bala Dawaki as APC Chief of Staff Sparks Jubilation in Kano He explained that the Ministry remains the central hub of information dissemination in the state, and as such, is committed to ensuring effective communication between the government and the public. The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government will soon convene a joint capacity-building workshop for members of the forum and local government information officers. The initiative, he said, is designed to bridge communication gaps, foster unity, and equip participants with the requisite skills to carry out their assignments professionally, efficiently, and effectively. While calling for synergy between the aides and information officers, Comrade Waiya noted that although media aides primarily engage the public through social media platforms, information officers are responsible for subjecting reports to proper scrutiny before publication. Earlier, the Chairman of the forum, Abubakar Haruna, commended the Kano State Government for the developmental projects being implemented across the state. He explained that the association had already introduced itself to the local government chairmen and was now seeking formal recognition from the state governor. Haruna also appealed for training opportunities, provision of working tools, and professional guidance from the Ministry to enable members to discharge their responsibilities more effectively.

Kano, News, Politics

Appointment of Mustapha Bala Dawaki as APC Chief of Staff Sparks Jubilation in Kano

The good people of Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Local Government Areas of Kano State on Sunday trooped out in large numbers to warmly receive their son and political mentor, Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, following his appointment as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. The colourful homecoming, which took place across several communities in the two local governments, was marked by jubilation, encomiums, and cultural displays, as youths, women, party stalwarts, and traditional leaders celebrated the elevation of one of their own to a national leadership position in the APC. Mustapha Bala Dawaki was accompanied by former Commissioner of Education, Honourable Sanusi Sa’id Kiru, who currently serves as the Director of Training and Programmes at the Progressive Institute (TPI), Abuja, alongside other close political allies. Their presence further underscored the significance of the occasion and the broad network of support around Dawaki. Read Also: APC Plateau Mourns Passing of National Chairman Yilwatda’s Mother Addressing the crowd, Hon. Dawaki expressed gratitude to the people of Dawakin Kudu and Warawa for their unflinching support throughout his political journey, assuring them that his new role would open greater opportunities not only for the two local governments but for Kano State as a whole. He pledged to use his office to strengthen the ruling party and support the leadership of Prof. Nentawe in repositioning the APC for greater success ahead of future elections. Community leaders and APC stakeholders who spoke at the event described Dawaki’s appointment as well-deserved, citing his years of service, loyalty to the party, and grassroots connection. They prayed for his success and reiterated their commitment to rallying behind him in his new assignment. The celebratory reception was also seen as a demonstration of Dawaki’s growing influence within Kano politics and his strong bond with his people, who turned out en masse to honor him. Photos:

Kano, News, Politics

NNPP Wins Bagwai/Shanono By-Election, Strengthens Hold on Kano Assembly

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has won the Bagwai/Shanono state constituency by-election in Kano, further strengthening its presence in the State House of Assembly. Announcing the results on Sunday, Returning Officer Hassan Adamu Shitu declared Ali Hassan Kiyawa of the NNPP winner with 16,198 votes, defeating Ahmad Muhammad Kadamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 5,347 votes. The by-election was conducted following the death of the former APC lawmaker, Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, in April 2024. Read Also: Son of Late Kano Military Administrator, Colonel Wase, Appointed GOC 1 Division With this victory, the NNPP now controls 26 seats in the 40-member assembly, while the APC holds 14. The exercise was marred by controversy, as the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, called for the cancellation of the poll, alleging violence and disruption by armed gangs in Shanono, Bagwai, and Ghari. However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Audu Zango, revealed that more than 100 suspected political thugs were arrested during the election. Reacting, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed APC’s claims as baseless, insisting the process was peaceful, credible, and a reflection of the party’s dominance in Kano politics.

Kano, News, Politics

APC Defeats NNPP in Ghari/Tsanyawa Supplementary Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious over the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election conducted in Kano State. Announcing the results on Sunday, the Returning Officer, Prof. Muhammad Waziri of Bayero University, declared the APC candidate, Garba Gwarmai, winner after securing 31,472 votes. His closest rival, Yusuf Maigado of the NNPP, polled 27,931 votes. Read Also: FEC Approves ₦493bn for Kano–Katsina Road Upgrade, New Carter Bridge Prof. Waziri explained that the supplementary election was held following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to declare the initial poll inconclusive. The rerun, he said, covered polling units where voting was either cancelled or not held due to irregularities. “With a margin of 3,541 votes, Garba Gwarmai of the APC has satisfied the requirement of the law and is hereby returned elected,” the Returning Officer announced. Reacting to the development, jubilant APC supporters described the victory as further proof of the party’s dominance in Kano politics. On the other hand, some NNPP members vowed to review the outcome before deciding on their next course of action. INEC officials noted that the exercise was generally peaceful, with security agencies deployed to maintain order and ensure a hitch-free process. The Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election was one of several by-elections conducted nationwide to conclude contests earlier declared inconclusive during the last general elections.

Agriculture, Education, Kano, News

Hotoro Residents Defend FCAPT Provost, Cite Reforms, Impact, and Alignment With Renewed Hope Agenda

As the tenure of Dr. Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram, Provost of the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), Kano, draws closer to expiration, residents of Hotoro community have risen in his defense, stressing that his leadership should continue in view of his remarkable reforms and alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They argued that contrary to speculations, the retirement age for Provosts of Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs) and heads of National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) is 65 years, not 60. Therefore, calls for his exit on such grounds were described as baseless and misleading. Highlighting his achievements, the residents maintained that Dr. Gwaram has distinguished himself among the most successful Provosts in the institution’s history. Under his stewardship, FCAPT has expanded its impact across agricultural education, agribusiness, and youth empowerment. Particularly, his initiative of providing graduates with entrepreneurial knowledge and starter kits has created jobs and lifted many youths out of unemployment. Read Also: Provost Gwaram Unveils FCAPT Progress, Seeks Urgent Completion of Bunkure Campus “This vision is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritizes empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development,” the statement noted, adding that his leadership has strengthened service delivery, institutional growth, and confidence among staff and students. The Hotoro community further condemned what they described as “online detractors tarnishing the image of a reform-minded leader.” They emphasized that many youths in Hotoro, Kano, and beyond have benefited from the college’s training and retraining initiatives, and urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Kano State Government to intervene and put an end to what they called unnecessary distractions. “Dr. Gwaram’s tenure has been about legacy, institutional growth, and building futures. Extending his leadership is not just a reward for his achievements but an investment in the future of agricultural education in Nigeria,” the residents reiterated. Shehu is a resident of Hotoro and a concerned Kano citizen.

Kano, News, Politics

APC Demands Cancellation of Kano Bye-Election, Cites Violence and Electoral Disruption

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the ongoing bye-election in Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency and the rerun election in Ghari Constituency, alleging widespread violence and disruption of the electoral process. This was contained in a press statement signed by Felix Morka, CON, the party’s National Publicity Secretary. According to the APC, armed thugs stormed several polling units across Shanono, Bagwai, and Ghari constituencies, unleashing violence that forced voters to flee and overwhelmed security personnel deployed to maintain order. Read Also: Abba Ganduje Distributes Over 1,000 Solar Lights to 38 Wards in Kano “Verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas and Ghari Constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence,” the statement read, stressing that the prevailing situation made it impossible to conduct a credible election. The party warned that continuing with the exercise under such conditions would undermine democratic principles and legitimize malpractice. “Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election,” Morka stated. The APC further argued that allowing the elections to continue would set a “dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist,” urging INEC to act urgently in the interest of electoral integrity and public safety. As of press time, INEC had not issued a formal response to the APC’s demand. The situation remains tense in the affected constituencies, with observers and civil society groups closely monitoring developments.

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