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Kano, National

Ganduje’s Model of Governance: Building Progress Beyond Politics

In Nigeria’s political space, debates are often overshadowed by accusations and counter-accusations. Yet, leadership must ultimately be measured by results, not rhetoric. For Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his legacy continues to generate both scrutiny and admiration. While critics question processes around certain policies, his achievements stand as evidence of a governance style rooted in pragmatism, economic efficiency, and infrastructural development. Transforming the Dry Port Vision into Reality One of Ganduje’s most notable accomplishments is the operationalization of the Dala Inland Dry Port, a project that had lingered for years without meaningful progress. Under his leadership, the port moved from concept to functionality, proving instrumental in decongesting Apapa and Tin Can Island ports by creating a functional inland alternative. Read Also: Ganduje: A Resilient Political Survivor Facing Image Wars The port streamlined international trade through improved customs processing, provided cost-effective logistics with the rail connection to Lagos, boosted exports with successful shipments directly from Kano, and created jobs in port operations, warehousing, logistics, and support services. This stands in contrast to national examples of state-managed enterprises such as Ajaokuta Steel Company and NITEL that became symbols of inefficiency and waste. Ganduje’s model demonstrated that partnerships leveraging private sector efficiency could succeed where government monopolies failed. Employment and Economic Efficiency Ganduje’s initiatives consistently sought to tie infrastructure projects with job creation. In Kano, his administration expanded road networks, built flyovers, modernized schools, and strengthened healthcare delivery. Unlike populist approaches, his style was more practical: invest in projects that generate lasting economic value. The Dry Port is now a case study in employment generation, a functional enterprise creating opportunities in a region that urgently needs them. Lessons in Pragmatism The Ganduje model aligns with broader national reforms, particularly in fuel subsidy removal and privatization of failing enterprises. His defenders argue that his willingness to push through unpopular but necessary policies reflected political courage. Just as Nigeria now grapples with the fiscal burden of subsidy removal, Ganduje’s decisions showed foresight: prioritizing functionality, efficiency, and long-term gains over short-term applause. Resilience in Politics Beyond infrastructure, Ganduje’s story is also one of resilience and survival in Nigeria’s competitive politics. Despite storms of criticism, he rose from grassroots mobilizer to Governor of Kano and eventually National Chairman of APC, a testament to his political staying power and ability to adapt. His resilience, supporters argue, is matched only by his commitment to leaving behind tangible infrastructure and economic reforms rather than promises alone. The debate around Ganduje should not rest solely on ownership structures or populist narratives. Instead, the measure should be impact on the people. From the functional Dala Inland Dry Port to infrastructural renewal and economic reforms, his record offers lessons in pragmatism. Conclusively, in a country often haunted by failed promises, Ganduje’s model focused on results rather than rhetoric, remains a blueprint worth studying as Nigeria seeks pathways to prosperity.

National, News

Police Halt Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the suspension of the enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit following a court order halting the exercise. Confirming the development, the Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, stated during an interview on AIT on Wednesday that the police officially decided to comply after receiving the court order. According to Adeh, the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending further legal clarifications and directives from the appropriate authorities. Read Also: Shehu Sani Challenges Youths to Move Beyond Social Media and Join Politics “Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,” Adeh said. She explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process. “We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,” she added. Addressing public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh clarified that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows. “The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,” she said. Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, explaining that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

National, News

Shehu Sani Challenges Youths to Move Beyond Social Media and Join Politics

Shehu Sani Challenges Gen Z to Move Beyond Social Media and Join Politics Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerian youths, particularly members of Generation Z, to move beyond social media activism and actively participate in politics by contesting elective positions. Sani made the call in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, reminding young Nigerians of the constitutional age requirements for political offices. Read Also: What You Need to Know About Nigeria’s New Acting Electoral Chief, May Agbamuche-Mbu “Dear Gen Z, just a reminder on the ages you can contest elections: President, 35 years; Senate, 35 years; Reps, 25 years; Governor, 35 years; House of Assembly, 25 years; Council Chairman, 30 years; and Councillor, 25 years,” he wrote. The former senator noted that many of today’s political leaders were relatively young when Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. “Most of the people you see in power today were almost your age mates in 1999,” he said, urging the younger generation to emulate them by taking active roles in leadership and governance. Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, encouraged youths to devote more time to political participation rather than limiting their activism to social media platforms. “Spare some time from social media and take up the challenge. Wishing you the best,” he added. The former lawmaker, known for his advocacy on democracy, youth inclusion, and good governance, reiterated that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the active involvement of young people in decision-making and governance processes.

Kano, National, News

What You Need to Know About Nigeria’s New Acting Electoral Chief, May Agbamuche-Mbu

A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has officially assumed office as the Acting Chairman of the electoral body following the handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave. The announcement was made on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the longest-serving National Commissioners, now assumes leadership at a critical time as the commission continues to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and electoral processes. Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s multicultural background has shaped her inclusive outlook and commitment to national unity. She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Read Also: Tinubu Confers National Honour on Outgoing INEC Chairman She also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, as well as postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law. Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was the Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm, and served as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010–2011). She also contributed to drafting the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016. As a National Commissioner since 2016, she has played a significant role in legal and policy reforms within the commission. Her elevation to Acting Chairman marks a continuation of her long-standing dedication to strengthening the nation’s electoral process. Agbamuche-Mbu is a certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). She is also known for her thought leadership as editor of THISDAY LAWYER, where her widely read column “Legal Eagle” shaped public discourse on law, governance, and policy. Though she maintains a private personal life, her professional record stands as one of excellence and integrity. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for INEC as it prepares for upcoming elections and continues to implement key electoral reforms aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

National, News

Tinubu Accepts Nnaji’s Resignation Following Allegations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following allegations levelled against him. Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter to the President, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation. He stated that he had become a target of political blackmail and considered his resignation necessary to protect the integrity of the administration. Read Also: Tinubu Confers National Honour on Outgoing INEC Chairman In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu thanked Nnaji for his contributions to national development and wished him success in his future endeavours.

National, News

Tinubu Confers National Honour on Outgoing INEC Chairman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally accepted the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the completion of his second term in office. In recognition of his service to the nation, President Tinubu conferred on Professor Yakubu the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Professor Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015 as the 14th INEC Chairman, served two consecutive five-year terms after being reappointed in 2020. During his tenure, the commission conducted the 2019 and 2023 general elections, as well as several off-cycle and by-elections across Nigeria. Read Also: INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting National Chairman In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu commended Professor Yakubu for his “dedicated service to the nation and steadfast commitment to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.” According to Onanuga, in a letter dated October 3, 2025, Professor Yakubu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country as INEC Chairman for nearly a decade, noting that it was a privilege to contribute to the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic process.

National, News

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting National Chairman

The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has officially handed over leadership of the commission to National Commissioner May Agbamuche, who will serve as Acting Chairman. Agbamuche, the oldest serving National Commissioner in the commission, will oversee the affairs of INEC pending the appointment of a substantive chairman. Read Also: Presidency Moves to Cut Hajj Costs for 2026 Pilgrims Professor Yakubu announced the handover on Tuesday during an ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. He appealed for the continued cooperation and support of commissioners, directors, and other senior staff for the acting chairman to ensure a smooth administrative transition and continuity in the commission’s operations.

Abuja, National, News

Senate Set to Resume Plenary Tuesday, Eyes Key Reforms and Security Summit

Nigeria’s Senate is set to reconvene on Tuesday after an extended recess, with a crowded agenda dominated by long-delayed debates on national security and electoral reforms that citizens have been anxiously awaiting. The upper chamber postponed its initial resumption date from September 23 to October 7, 2025, prolonging its annual break by two weeks and delaying deliberations on several key national issues. Among the pending items are the proposed National Security Summit, amendments to the Electoral Act, the 2025 Constitution Alteration Bill, and the long-stalled National Assembly Budget and Research Office Bill — a two-decade-old proposal intended to strengthen fiscal oversight through independent budget analysis. Read Also: Presidency Moves to Cut Hajj Costs for 2026 Pilgrims In an internal memo signed by Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, lawmakers were informed of the shift, which he described as regrettable. “This is to respectfully inform Distinguished Senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted,” the memo read. Although the Senate leadership did not offer an official explanation, legislative sources told The PUNCH that the extension was meant to allow lawmakers to fully participate in Nigeria’s October 1 Independence Day activities. The delay has stirred public frustration, as the Senate faces mounting pressure to address worsening insecurity and push forward electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls. The proposed Security Summit, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and a 20-member ad hoc committee, is expected to outline new strategies to counter rising violence across the country. “No amount of investment in infrastructure will yield meaningful results without peace and stability,” Bamidele said at the committee’s inaugural meeting in June. Also awaiting debate is the Constitution Alteration Bill (SB. 855), sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), which seeks to amend sections of the 1999 Constitution widely criticised as outdated and unfit for Nigeria’s evolving democracy. Senate President Akpabio has frequently defended the chamber’s record, noting in June that the 10th Senate had already considered 844 pieces of legislation, including 26 executive bills, with another 499 awaiting second reading. “It is a record that has not been held by any Nigerian Senate in two years,” Akpabio said during a Democracy Day joint session attended by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Critics, however, argue that the Senate’s frequent adjournments and prolonged recesses have slowed momentum on key reforms, casting doubt on lawmakers’ commitment to tackling the country’s deepening security, electoral, and economic crises.

National, News, Religious

Presidency Moves to Cut Hajj Costs for 2026 Pilgrims

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review and reduce the recently announced 2026 Hajj fares, following widespread public concern over the high costs for intending pilgrims. The directive was conveyed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with NAHCON officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Reports indicate that NAHCON had earlier fixed the 2026 Hajj fares for different zones after consultations with stakeholders. Under the previous structure, pilgrims from the Maiduguri–Yola Zone — which includes Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States — were expected to pay ₦8,318,336.67. Northern States were to pay ₦8,244,813.67, while Southern States were billed ₦8,561,013.67. Read Also: NAHCON Repositions Workforce, Reposts Pool Officers to Parent MDAs Senator Hadeija explained that President Tinubu’s directive was motivated by his commitment to easing the financial burden on intending pilgrims and ensuring wider participation in the 2026 pilgrimage. “The meeting was called at the instance of His Excellency, the Vice-President, to explore the possibility of reducing the Hajj fare for the 2026 pilgrimage,” Hadeija said. “The fares were initially based on a pessimistic exchange rate of ₦1,550 per dollar, but with the recent appreciation of the naira due to ongoing economic reforms, it is only fair that pilgrims benefit from this improvement.” He added that the government anticipates the revised fares could drop to between ₦7.6 million and ₦7.7 million, depending on prevailing exchange rates. “The final figure will be announced within the next two days,” he noted. Hadeija further urged State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards to ensure prompt remittance of payments to NAHCON, stressing that early deposits would enable the commission to purchase foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at favorable rates. On his part, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruk Yaro, commended President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima for their swift intervention, describing the move as a relief to thousands of intending pilgrims. Similarly, the Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, saying it would give more Muslims the opportunity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam. “The lower the Hajj fare, the more Muslims will have the chance to perform the pilgrimage,” he said. “As directed, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to ensure the fare is reduced to an affordable level.” The review marks another step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure that economic gains are reflected in the cost of essential religious and social obligations.

Abuja, Kano, National, Politics

Even Out of Office, Ganduje Remains the Soul of APC — Party Loyalist

In Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape, where loyalty often fades with power, one name continues to echo with authority and resilience, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though no longer holding office, Ganduje’s political influence remains deeply woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s ruling party, shaping its internal structure, policies, and grassroots coordination. Political observers agree that Ganduje’s imprint on the APC is not one that time or transition can erase. His tenure as National Chairman was marked by unity-building, reconciliation, and the institutional strengthening of the party. Under his watch, the APC’s internal cohesion was restored after years of factional disputes that threatened its stability. Related: Tinubu, Ganduje Join Dignitaries at Uzodinma’s Book Launch in Imo He also initiated reforms that gave the party a policy direction including the creation of The Progressive Institute (TPI), a think tank designed to advance research, ideological development, and evidence-based policy formulation for the APC. Even as leadership has changed hands, Ganduje’s influence continues to resonate across party ranks. His ability to engage governors, legislators, and party executives with calm but firm diplomacy has earned him a reputation as one of the APC’s most pragmatic bridge-builders. When contacted for his perspective, Umar Idris Shuaibu, a Kano-based journalist and loyal APC member, described Dr. Ganduje as the “soul of the party,” emphasizing that his relevance goes beyond political office. Read Also: Ganduje Emerges as Rallying Point for Kano Appointees in Push for 2027 “Dr. Ganduje represents consistency in leadership, he is a man whose political strength lies not just in his position, but in his principles. Even after leaving office, his voice still carries weight across the APC because he built trust, nurtured loyalty, and delivered results. You can’t talk about the APC’s survival and stability today without mentioning Ganduje’s influence. His ability to unify divergent interests within the party and sustain dialogue between leaders across the states made him an indispensable figure in Nigeria’s ruling political structure.” He added: “What sets him apart is his calm but strategic leadership style, he listens, negotiates, and builds consensus without losing sight of the bigger picture. During his tenure as APC National Chairman, he demonstrated maturity by reconciling internal factions and prioritizing party unity over personal gain. He also engineered the formation of The Progressive Institute (TPI), the party’s policy think tank designed to guide ideological direction and policy formulation, a move that further institutionalized knowledge-driven governance within the APC. Even in Kano, where the APC is currently in opposition, the structure he built remains intact because he invested in people, not just politics.” Looking ahead to 2027, Shuaibu believes Ganduje’s strategic influence will continue to shape APC’s evolution. “As we look toward 2027, Ganduje’s imprint on the APC remains visible in the party’s internal coordination, communication strategy, and grassroots mobilization. Many of us who learned from his political school of thought have come to value patience, inclusion, and bridge-building. Personally, I’ve learned that leadership is not about titles but about legacy — and Ganduje’s legacy is one of endurance, loyalty, and political resilience. His name will continue to echo wherever the APC story is told.” Political analysts share a similar sentiment, noting that Ganduje’s style of leadership — rooted in discipline, strategic thinking, and conflict management — has continued to guide the APC through post-election challenges and governance realignments. His knack for political stability, particularly in bridging divides between federal and state party organs, remains one of his lasting legacies. In a political climate often dominated by fleeting loyalties and internal rivalries, Ganduje’s enduring relevance underscores a deeper truth about leadership — that true influence is not measured by the office one holds, but by the structures, ideas, and people one leaves behind. Even out of office, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remains, to many within and outside the APC, the party’s moral compass, strategist, and unifying force, the man whose political architecture continues to sustain Nigeria’s ruling party in both storm and calm.

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