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Quality is essential for national development, Ganduje declares at ARSO launch

Quality is essential for national development, Ganduje declares at ARSO launch

14.2 Percent: The Electoral Arithmetic That Exposes the Fundamental Fragility of Peter Obi’s 2027 Northern Strategy

14.2 Percent: The Electoral Arithmetic That Exposes the Fundamental Fragility of Peter Obi’s 2027 Northern Strategy

Photos: Garo, Inuwa Waya reaffirm commitment to Kano’s progress

Photos: Garo, Inuwa Waya reaffirm commitment to Kano’s progress

Kano mourns influential oil marketer Audu Manager

Kano mourns influential oil marketer Audu Manager

Anti-Desertification Agency Relocates Headquarters to Kano

Anti-Desertification Agency Relocates Headquarters to Kano

Bandits abduct six Federal Polytechnic students in Zamfara

Bandits abduct six Federal Polytechnic students in Zamfara

Court sentences four Owo church attackers to death by hanging

Court sentences four Owo church attackers to death by hanging

ICAN Dutse District Society Elects New Executive Committee

ICAN Dutse District Society Elects New Executive Committee

Peter Obi’s Romance with a Terrorist Group (IPOB) Exposes a Dangerous Agenda Against Nigeria

Peter Obi’s Romance with a Terrorist Group (IPOB) Exposes a Dangerous Agenda Against Nigeria

Political Godfatherism and the Burden on Democracy

Political Godfatherism and the Burden on Democracy

Politics

Kaduna, News, Politics

Ex-Okada Rider-Turned Lawmaker Loses APC Ticket in Kaduna

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A former commercial motorcycle rider who rose to national prominence after winning a House of Representatives seat under the Labour Party in 2023, Donatus Mathew, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mathew, who represents Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, was among several lawmakers reportedly edged out during the APC primaries for the National Assembly. The lawmaker, popularly known as the “Okada rider lawmaker,” defected from the Labour Party to the APC in December 2024, citing internal crises within the opposition party and the need for political stability. However, during the APC primary election, Mathew reportedly polled 255 votes, losing to his rival who secured 1,085 votes. Mathew first gained national attention during the 2023 general elections when he defeated a four-term incumbent under the platform of the Labour Party, polling 10,508 votes against 10,297 votes scored by his closest opponent. Read Also: Reps Member Gagdi Fails to Secure APC Ticket for Third Term Why PCACC is Investigating Kano’s Former Head of Service 2027: Abba Bichi Clinches APC Sole Ticket for Bichi Federal Constituency His victory was widely celebrated as one of the major upsets of the election season and seen as a reflection of the grassroots-driven “Obi wave” that boosted the Labour Party across parts of the country. Born in 1988 in Kpak, Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mathew attended LGEA Primary School in Kadarko, Saint Jani Seminary School, and Teachers’ College, Kagoro, before earning a degree in Philosophy from Saint Albert Institute. Before venturing into politics, he worked as a commercial motorcycle rider, a job he once said sustained him through periods of economic hardship and unemployment. “Before I became a councillor, I was an okada man. I used a bike to sustain myself, and I am proud of that. That is my humble beginning,” he had said in an interview. According to reports, several other former Labour Party lawmakers who defected to the APC also failed to secure return tickets during the primaries. Political observers say the outcome reflects the challenges defectors often face in navigating established party structures despite their electoral popularity.

Kano, News, Politics

2027: Abba Bichi Clinches APC Sole Ticket for Bichi Federal Constituency

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Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, popularly known as Abba Bichi, has emerged as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bichi Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC on Saturday commenced its primaries for the 2027 general elections with contests for House of Representatives seats across the country, where Abba Bichi secured victory in the Bichi Federal Constituency after receiving unanimous endorsement from all 11 APC ward chairmen in the constituency. Speaking during the affirmation ceremony, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, described Abba Bichi’s representation as accessible, responsive, and development-driven. Masari said the lawmaker’s constituency projects and youth engagement initiatives had continued to attract attention within and outside Kano State. Read Also: Reps Member Gagdi Fails to Secure APC Ticket for Third Term According to him, although the APC was conducting primary elections across the country, Bichi Federal Constituency remained one of the constituencies attracting special interest because of the lawmaker’s developmental achievements and close relationship with the people. He called on party supporters to continue supporting President Tinubu, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Abba Bichi, and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections. The affirmation ceremony was attended by several APC leaders and stakeholders, including Governor Yusuf, Sada Soli, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mu’azu Rabi’u Darma. Others in attendance included Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, former Kano State Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Chairman of Bichi Local Government, women leaders, youth leaders, and other political stakeholders from across Kano State. Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf commended the quality representation of Abba Bichi since his election into the House of Representatives. “I want to commend Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar for his quality representation. Since 2023, I have prayed to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to work closely with him, and today we are working together for the development of Bichi and Kano State,” the governor said. Governor Yusuf further described the lawmaker’s constituency projects as exceptional and commendable, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and community development initiatives. He also called on the people of Bichi Federal Constituency to support the re-election of Abba Bichi in the 2027 general election, expressing confidence in his leadership qualities and dedication to public service. Earlier in his remarks, Abba Bichi thanked Almighty Allah for emerging as the APC candidate for the Bichi Federal Constituency seat and pledged to sustain developmental projects across the constituency if re-elected. The lawmaker, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation in the House of Representatives, reiterated his commitment to the development of Bichi Local Government Area and Kano State at large. He also commended President Tinubu for ongoing infrastructural projects across Northern Nigeria, including the Kano–Daura Road, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and Kano–Maiduguri Road projects. “We sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the projects being executed in our region, including the Kano–Daura Road, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and Kano–Maiduguri Road projects,” he said. Abba Bichi also praised the proposed ₦1 trillion Kano Metropolitan Rail Service project aimed at improving urban transportation, boosting economic activities, and reducing traffic congestion within the Kano metropolis. He reaffirmed that Bichi Local Government Area, with over 300,000 registered voters, would continue to support President Tinubu and the APC toward securing victory in the 2027 general elections. Saturday’s affirmation further reflects the continued political support and confidence Abba Bichi enjoys among party stakeholders and residents of Bichi Federal Constituency as he seeks another term in the House of Representatives.

News, Plateau, Politics

Reps Member Gagdi Fails to Secure APC Ticket for Third Term

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A member of the House of Representatives representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for a third term in the National Assembly. Mr Gagdi, a two-term lawmaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, was defeated during the APC primary election conducted across the three local government areas that make up the constituency. Announcing the result in Pankshin on Sunday, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Daspan Ishaya, declared Dr John Tongshinen as the winner of the exercise. According to Mr Ishaya, Dr Tongshinen polled 29,968 votes to defeat Mr Gagdi, who secured 5,849 votes. Read Also: How Abba Ganduje’s Empowerment, Solar Projects are Impacting Kano Communities Gwarzo Commends Shettima, Ganduje, After Withdrawing from Kano North Senate Race Kano Immunisation Advocacy Group Seeks Recruitment of Routine Immunisation Officers “By the powers conferred on me as the chairman of this committee, I hereby declare Mr John Tongshinen as the winner of the APC primaries for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency,” he stated. Mr Ishaya further explained that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the primary election. The outcome of the primaries marks a major political shift in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Feature, Kano, Politics

Umar Al-Gamawy Appreciates Abbas Uba Saraki Over Employment Opportunity

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Umar Al-Gamawy Takai has expressed appreciation to his political mentor, Abbas Uba Saraki, a House of Representatives aspirant from Kachako, for offering him an employment opportunity to represent the Takai/Sumaila Federal Constituency. Al-Gamawy described the gesture as a demonstration of confidence, mentorship and commitment to youth development, noting that the opportunity would inspire him to contribute positively to society and the constituency. He commended Abbas Uba Saraki for his continued support to young people and his efforts toward empowering youths through meaningful opportunities. According to him, the appointment reflects the importance of leadership that prioritises human development, inclusion and grassroots support. Read Also: Birnin Kudu: An Ancient Settlement With a Modern National Footprint Al-Gamawy further assured that he would discharge the responsibility with dedication, loyalty and commitment while working toward the progress of the constituency and the people it represents. This development is part of ongoing efforts to encourage youth participation and leadership development within the constituency.

Kano, News, Politics

Gwarzo Commends Shettima, Ganduje, After Withdrawing from Kano North Senate Race

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has explained the reasons behind his decision to withdraw from the Kano North Senatorial race ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement, Gwarzo said the decision followed extensive consultations with critical stakeholders at the national, state and zonal levels, stressing that the move was taken in the overall interest of unity, progress and electoral success of the party. According to him, the decision was made in deference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other party stakeholders. He expressed appreciation to his supporters, political associates, youths, women, elders, religious leaders and members of his media support groups for their loyalty, encouragement and commitment throughout the period of his senatorial aspiration. Read Also: Why Kiru/Bebeji ‘Consensus’ May End in Court Abuja Screening Exposes Cracks in Kano APC Consensus Plans Why Nigeria Seeks Fresh $1.25bn World Bank Loan Under Tinubu Administration “I remain humbled by the confidence reposed in me and profoundly grateful for the solidarity demonstrated at every stage of this aspiration,” he stated. Gwarzo also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, House of Representative Member Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, for their guidance, support and political counsel. He described their leadership and commitment to party unity and stability as a major source of inspiration throughout the process. Gwarzo reiterated his commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the APC, noting that he would continue to work for the growth, stability and electoral success of the party at all levels. He further recalled a recent political meeting involving himself, Ganduje and the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, with Vice President Shettima, where discussions centred on politics and developments in Kano North. According to him, the Vice President wished them success and prosperity in the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

National, News, Politics

NDC Fixes Presidential Form at N60m Ahead of 2027 Elections

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has released its timetable for the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants and conduct of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party announced that its presidential nomination form will cost N60 million, comprising N20 million for the Expression of Interest form and N40 million for the nomination form. According to a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, governorship aspirants will pay N30 million, including N10 million for the Expression of Interest form and N20 million for the nomination form. The statement further disclosed that senatorial aspirants would pay N8 million, while forms for the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly would cost N6 million and N2.5 million respectively. The party stated that the sale of forms will commence on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and end on Monday, May 18, 2026. Read Also: Why Kiru/Bebeji ‘Consensus’ May End in Court INEC Attendance at NDC Convention Ends Registration Speculation Abuja Screening Exposes Cracks in Kano APC Consensus Plans According to the timetable released by the party, screening and interview of aspirants will hold between May 19 and May 21, 2026, to determine the eligibility of contestants for the party primaries. The NDC advised all aspirants to appear before the screening panel with their relevant credentials and supporting documents. It added that appeals arising from the screening exercise would be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective positions are scheduled for May 27 and 28, 2026. The party also fixed its presidential primary election for May 29, 2026, in Abuja, noting that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level. According to the statement, all aspirants will be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct. The NDC assured members and aspirants of a transparent, inclusive and democratic process throughout the exercise. The party further disclosed that it would adopt the “open secret ballot” system during its primaries to ensure credibility, fairness and internal democracy in the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.

Kano, Politics

Abuja Screening Exposes Cracks in Kano APC Consensus Plans

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Fresh concerns have reportedly emerged within the All Progressives Congress following the screening of aspirants for National Assembly seats in Abuja, as several politicians allegedly rejected earlier consensus arrangements linked to Kano State political stakeholders. Sources within the party disclosed that many aspirants who were expected to step down after internal consultations eventually purchased nomination forms and appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja, a development said to have generated reactions among some national leaders of the APC. According to party insiders, the situation has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the consensus arrangements earlier facilitated among aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. A source familiar with developments within the party structure in Kano described the situation as politically sensitive, especially considering Kano’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. The development was said to be more visible in constituencies where multiple aspirants appeared for screening despite earlier reports of reconciliation and consensus efforts. Political observers believe the trend may signal growing internal contestation within sections of the Kano APC ahead of the party primaries. Read Also: Why Kiru/Bebeji ‘Consensus’ May End in Court Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship Abba Yusuf Opens DSS Conference, Warns Against Rising Security Threats Particular attention has reportedly focused on the Kano North Senatorial contest involving Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, both of whom were said to have participated in the screening process despite reconciliation efforts. Attention has also been drawn to the case involving Sanusi Sa’id Kiru, a former Kano State Commissioner for Education and currently Director of Training and Programmes at The Progressive Institute, who is aspiring to represent Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency. Party sources claimed that several stakeholders and aspirants had reportedly aligned behind Sanusi Kiru after withdrawing their interests in the race, a development that was said to have shifted political momentum within the constituency. However, the emergence of the name of the serving House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, as the alleged consensus candidate reportedly generated fresh controversy within political circles in the constituency. The situation has since fueled intense political discussions, with indications that the matter could eventually end up in court over alleged non-compliance with provisions guiding consensus arrangements under the Electoral Act. Party sources claimed that some national stakeholders expected certain high-profile office holders and lawmakers to emerge unopposed through consensus arrangements. However, the appearance of multiple aspirants at the screening exercise reportedly altered earlier expectations. There were also indications that some stakeholders expressed reservations over how the consensus process was handled, particularly regarding inclusiveness and consultations among different political blocs within the Kano APC structure. Sources further alleged that complaints had reached the national leadership of the party concerning the emergence of some aspirants, with aggrieved politicians reportedly encouraged to participate in the primary elections if dissatisfied with the consensus arrangements. The situation has continued to generate political discussions within APC circles, with analysts warning that unresolved internal disagreements could affect party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. When contacted for reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, said he was not in a position to comment on the developments, explaining that he did not attend the screening venue in Abuja as he was occupied with official engagements in Kano. He, however, advised to seek clarification from Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, whose telephone line could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Feature, Kano, Politics

Why Kiru/Bebeji ‘Consensus’ May End in Court

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By Abdulmalik Dansoshiya, Kano The political contest for the Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency has continued to generate intense debate within the All Progressives Congress, following the controversial endorsement of Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa as a purported consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 elections. What initially appeared to be an internal political arrangement aimed at unifying party stakeholders is now steadily evolving into a legal and procedural controversy capable of reshaping political alignments within the constituency. At the center of the debate are growing questions surrounding the legitimacy of the endorsement process and whether it conforms with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 governing consensus candidacies in political parties. Political observers and legal analysts argue that while consensus arrangements remain a recognised feature of Nigerian politics, the law places strict conditions on how such agreements must emerge. Under Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act, all aspirants who purchased nomination forms are expected to voluntarily withdraw in writing before any candidate can validly emerge through consensus. Read Also: All You Need to Know About Kiru Local Government Area Consensus Deal Emerges in Kano Central as Aspirants Rally Behind Shekarau Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship In the Kiru/Bebeji situation, however, indications suggest that not all aspirants are aligned with the arrangement. Reports emerging from the constituency indicate that several cleared aspirants have openly identified with Muhammad Sanusi Majidadi Kiru, thereby raising concerns over whether the required legal conditions for consensus have truly been met. The controversy deepened further following reports surrounding a political meeting held at Babale Suite, where selected stakeholders reportedly endorsed Hon. Kofa in the absence of other aspirants contesting the seat. While supporters of the arrangement described the meeting as part of efforts to strengthen party unity, critics insist the process lacked inclusiveness and transparency. Allegations that financial inducements may have influenced the endorsement process have also surfaced in political discussions surrounding the matter, although no official investigation or independent verification has been made public. The unfolding situation has equally exposed widening political divisions within sections of the APC structure in the constituency, especially amid reports of strained relationships between supporters of Hon. Kofa and key political figures believed to be sympathetic to rival interests. Analysts note that the emergence of sharp public exchanges and political hostilities could further complicate efforts toward reconciliation, particularly in a contest where consensus legally depends on voluntary cooperation among aspirants. Beyond the immediate political calculations, the development is also drawing attention to the increasing role of legal interpretation in Nigeria’s internal party politics. Observers believe the Kiru/Bebeji situation may eventually test the limits of consensus arrangements under the Electoral Act if disagreements persist. There are also growing calls from stakeholders for intervention by senior political leaders within Kano State to prevent the situation from degenerating into prolonged intra-party litigation capable of weakening the APC’s chances in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections. For now, uncertainty continues to surround the fate of the alleged consensus arrangement, with political watchers insisting that any unresolved dispute may ultimately be decided, not at political meetings, but in the courtroom.

Kano, Politics

Consensus Deal Emerges in Kano Central as Aspirants Rally Behind Shekarau

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By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Abuja Six aspirants contesting for the Kano Central Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly withdrawn from the race in favour of former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development was announced on Saturday by one of the aspirants, former Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala Muhammad, while addressing journalists at Aminu Kano House in Abuja. According to him, the decision followed internal consultations aimed at strengthening party unity and building a consensus around a single candidate for the senatorial ticket. The aspirants who stepped down include Dr. Muhammad Zango, Alhaji Danyaro Yakasai, Usman Bala Muhammad, Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, Shehu Isa Driver, and other stakeholders who had earlier purchased nomination forms and submitted them to the APC national secretariat. Read Also: Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship It was gathered that the aspirants were earlier part of consultations on a possible consensus arrangement within the party structure in Kano Central. The development comes shortly after screening exercises conducted by the APC screening committee in Abuja, where aspirants were assessed ahead of the party’s primary election process. Notably, Shehu Isa Driver had also been screened by the committee prior to the latest consensus alignment.

National, News, Politics

INEC Attendance at NDC Convention Ends Registration Speculation

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Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were present at the national convention of the Nigerian Democratic Congress on Saturday to monitor the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) election process. The convention, which attracted party stakeholders and supporters from across the country, witnessed the conduct of elections for national executives as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. The presence of INEC officials at the event was widely interpreted by party supporters and observers as confirmation that the party complied with the necessary constitutional and electoral procedures guiding political party registration and operations in Nigeria. Read Also: Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket Adamawa Set for Local Govt Elections as ADSIEC Finalises Preparations APC Screens Shehu Isa Driver for Kano Central Senatorial Contest The development also appeared to calm speculations and public debate surrounding the legitimacy and recognition status of the NDC as a registered political platform. Political observers noted that the attendance of the electoral commission’s officials further boosted the confidence of Nigerians looking toward the party as a possible alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 elections. At the end of the convention, newly elected members of the party’s National Working Committee were sworn into office at the venue in the presence of INEC officials and party delegates. Party leaders described the convention as a major step toward consolidating internal democracy and repositioning the NDC for future political contests across the country.

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