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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

Feature, National, Politics, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

Full Text: What Kwankwaso Said as NDC Zoned 2027 Presidency to South

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Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing the move as necessary for fairness, unity and national healing. Kwankwaso made the declaration on Saturday while addressing party delegates, officials and supporters during the NDC National Convention held in Abuja. The former governor, who recently joined the NDC from the African Democratic Congress, also lamented worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining living conditions across the country, which he attributed to poor leadership and governance failures. He further called on Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by registering with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections. Read Also: APC Screens Shehu Isa Driver for Kano Central Senatorial Contest Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket Below is the full text of his speech delivered at the convention: “Fellow Nigerians, It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment that I address you today on this historic occasion of the National Convention of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Abuja. Since we joined this party, together with numerous stakeholders, millions of supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians, the NDC has continued to attract quality members and ignite enthusiastic conversations among citizens and observers both at home and abroad. What began as a bold movement is steadily becoming a formidable platform for national renewal. Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes. We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Millions have been displaced from their homes. Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing, and harsh economic policies have been imposed on citizens without meaningful safety nets or relief. Yet Nigeria’s history teaches us that in our most challenging moments, visionary alliances have provided the way forward. In 1954, a historic partnership was formed between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Aminu Kano and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe to achieve national unity. Again, in 1960, against steep odds, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) formed a coalition with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to birth our independence. In the Second Republic, the alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) helped restore civilian rule and national unity after years of military dictatorship. It is therefore with great sense of unity and solidarity, that as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership. This represents a true opportunity for true national healing. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications. This party shall also ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism. The leadership standard we shall set will therefore restore Nigeria’s dignity and will guarantee that our citizens at home and the diaspora will be treated with respect and dignity. Lastly, we can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register, today. Thank you. Long Live the Nigeria Democratic Congress! Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” Political observers believe the decision of the NDC to zone its presidential ticket to the South may further reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, especially with influential opposition figures like Kwankwaso aligning with the party.

Kano, Politics

APC Screens Shehu Isa Driver for Kano Central Senatorial Contest

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By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The All Progressives Congress has screened Alhaji Shehu Isa Driver as part of the process toward the emergence of the party’s candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. The screening exercise took place in Abuja, where aspirants seeking various elective positions under the APC appeared before the party’s screening committee for verification of credentials and assessment. The development is expected to further heighten political activities surrounding the Kano Central Senate race, which political observers describe as one of the most strategic contests within Kano State ahead of 2027. Shehu Isa Driver, a politician from Tarauni Local Government Area, is regarded as one of the younger aspirants in the race and has maintained active involvement in Kano politics over the years. Read Also: Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket He previously served as Special Adviser in different political administrations and had also contested for various political positions as part of his political journey. Supporters of the aspirant describe him as a grassroots politician with strong connections among youths and party loyalists across parts of Kano Central. Political analysts believe the growing interest by aspirants seeking the Kano Central ticket could pave the way for an intense primary election within the APC, especially as consultations and political alignments continue ahead of the party’s candidate selection process. Observers further note that developments surrounding the contest may play a significant role in shaping the political calculations and internal dynamics of the APC in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kano, Politics

Opinion: The Legal Gimmick in Kiru/Bebeji – A House Built on Sand

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​By Barrister Habibu Dalladi Baguda ​The political atmosphere in Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency has recently been dominated by the news of a “consensus” endorsement for Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa. While his supporters celebrate this as a definitive victory, a cold, clinical assessment of the Electoral Act 2022 reveals a different reality: the current arrangement is legally precarious and teetering on the edge of collapse. As a legal professional, I believe it is necessary to move beyond the political optics and examine the statutory hurdles and procedural flaws that make this “consensus” a house built on sand. ​The Babale Suite “Coup” and Procedural Illiteracy  ​To those calling themselves “elders” or the “caucus,” it is time for a reality check. The recent gathering at Babale Suite, where individuals locked themselves in a hall to “elect” a sole candidate in the absolute absence of the other six contestants, was not a masterstroke of diplomacy, it was an exhibition of legal illiteracy. Read Also: Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket NDC Convention Adopts Southern Zoning for 2027 Presidency ​A consensus is not reached by locking doors and excluding the very competitors whose written consent is required by law. By excluding the other six aspirants, this group has not only invalidated their own decision but has also fueled damaging allegations of corruption. Reports suggest that financial influence dictated the outcome, with allegations surfacing that participants provided account numbers, records of which were reportedly screenshotted and retained as evidence. If these allegations of a “pay-for-endorsement” scheme hold water, the entire process moves from being merely legally flawed to ethically bankrupt. ​The Section 84(9) Statutory Hurdle ​The law regarding consensus candidates is unambiguous. Under Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act 2022, a consensus is only valid if the party possesses the written, voluntary consent of every single candidate who purchased nomination forms. ​In the case of Kiru/Bebeji, this is a non-negotiable wall. Currently, Hon. Kofa does not possess these withdrawals. In fact, five of the cleared aspirants have already documented their support for Hon. Muhammad Sanusi Majidadi Kiru through a formal collective agreement. Without Hon. Sanusi Kiru’s specific, written withdrawal, any proclamation of a “consensus candidate” is a legal fiction that will not survive a pre-election judicial challenge. ​The Paradox of Hostility ​There is also a profound contradiction in the current strategy. A viral video recently captured Hon. Kofa directing vitriol and public outbursts toward Hon. Sanusi Kiru. Legally, Hon. Kofa requires Kiru’s cooperation; politically, he has chosen to humiliate him. ​One cannot insult their way to a voluntary consent. By castigating Sanusi Kiru and his closest political allies, the Kofa camp has burned the very bridges they must now cross. To expect a candidate to quietly sign away his political future after being publicly abused is a strategic absurdity. ​A Legal Liability, Not a Candidate ​The “elders” who orchestrated the Babale Suite agreement hold no standing in the eyes of the Electoral Act. The courts recognize statutes, not “selected stakeholders.” ​As it stands, the five other aspirants have already aligned with Hon. Sanusi Majidadi. This means Hon. Kofa’s entire political future now hinges on a single signature that of a man he has publicly targeted. Without immediate, high-level intervention from figures like His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and a significant shift in tone toward Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Jagora of Kiru/Bebeji, Alh. Abubakar Mai-Mai, this candidacy remains a legal liability. ​Conclusion ​The clock is ticking. If Hon. Kofa does not obtain a formal, voluntary withdrawal from Hon. Sanusi Kiru through urgent mediation, he is walking directly into a legal trap. The result will be either a “lame duck” candidacy or the total disqualification of the party’s ticket. In the theater of Nigerian politics, many believe that backroom “agreements” settle the matter. But in the theater of the law, the statute is king and the law does not favor those who ignore it for a fee.

National, News, Politics

NDC Convention Adopts Southern Zoning for 2027 Presidency

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress has officially zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, a development widely seen as strengthening the chances of former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The decision was announced on Saturday during the party’s national convention currently taking place in Abuja. The party also confirmed the zoning arrangement in a post shared on its official X handle, stating: “NDC Presidential ticket is zoned to the South!!” The convention attracted top political figures and party stakeholders, including Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Read Also: A Timeline of Kano Deputy Governors as Murtala Garo Takes Office Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship Adamawa Set for Local Govt Elections as ADSIEC Finalises Preparations According to the convention agenda made available to journalists, major issues slated for deliberation include zoning arrangements, ratification of the amended party constitution, and the election of new national executives expected to pilot the affairs of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party officials said the convention is aimed at repositioning the NDC and strengthening its internal structures as political realignments continue ahead of the next election cycle. The zoning decision is expected to shape political calculations within the party and among opposition stakeholders seeking alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

Adamawa, News, Politics

Adamawa Set for Local Govt Elections as ADSIEC Finalises Preparations

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The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct local government elections across the state, with polls scheduled to hold on June 13, 2026. The election will cover the 21 local government areas and 226 electoral wards in Adamawa State. As part of preparations for the exercise, ADSIEC held a stakeholders’ meeting with chairmen and representatives of political parties at its headquarters in Yola to brief them on the approved election timetable and other arrangements ahead of the polls. Read Also: A Timeline of Kano Deputy Governors as Murtala Garo Takes Office Ganduje Clarifies Position on Sanusi, Says Apex Court Will Determine Emirship NDC Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South — Galadima Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of ADSIEC, Mohammed Umar, said the commission had made adequate preparations to ensure a smooth, credible, and successful election process. He reaffirmed that the council elections would be conducted as scheduled on June 13, urging political parties to mobilise their members for peaceful participation in the democratic process. According to him, no fewer than 11 political parties have so far submitted names of candidates to participate in the elections. Responding on behalf of the political parties, Adamu Usman of the African Democratic Congress commended the electoral commission for its early preparations and engagement with political stakeholders. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Bello Babajo, called on ADSIEC to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and credible election across the state. The meeting also provided an opportunity for political parties to seek clarifications on the electoral process and reaffirm their commitment to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the polls.

National, News, Politics

2027: ADC Loses 17 Lawmakers to NDC, APC

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday witnessed a wave of defections as no fewer than 17 lawmakers formally announced their exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing internal crises within the party. The lawmakers, drawn from Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers states, read separate letters on the floor of the House, attributing their decisions to what they described as unresolved issues affecting the party from the national to the grassroots level. Among the defectors is Yusuf Umar Datti, representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, who said the instability within the ADC had hindered effective representation of his constituents. Similarly, Harris Okonkwo, representing Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and constituents. Read Also: Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket NDC Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South — Galadima Legal Dispute Rocks Party Linked to Kwankwaso’s Possible Return Other lawmakers who defected from the ADC to the NDC include Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano); Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos); Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra); Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra); and OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos). Also among the defectors are Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West); Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano); George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos); Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo); Umezuruike Manuchim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers); Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra); and Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos). Others include Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra); Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra); and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano). In a related development, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, also announced his defection from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Some lawmakers expressed concern over the growing trend of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that internal party instability continues to drive defections within the National Assembly. The Speaker of the House acknowledged the letters and wished the defecting lawmakers well in their new political parties, in line with parliamentary tradition.

National, News, Politics

NDC Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South — Galadima

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A chieftain of the National Democratic Congress, Buba Galadima, has disclosed that the party has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of the country. Galadima made this known on Monday while featuring on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, stating that the decision was part of the party’s preparations ahead of the next general election. “We have zoned the party’s presidential candidature to the south. No missing votes. We’ve zoned it to the south,” he said. He further revealed that the party is set to submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 5 or 6, after which it would proceed with other electoral processes. “Once we do that, we are good to go,” Galadima added. Read Also: Legal Dispute Rocks Party Linked to Kwankwaso’s Possible Return On the mode of selecting its presidential candidate, the NDC chieftain clarified that the party would conduct primary elections rather than adopt a consensus arrangement. The development comes shortly after Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, formally joined the NDC. Both politicians had earlier exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid its lingering leadership crisis, which has continued to generate uncertainty within the opposition space. Obi, who had consistently advocated for zoning of the presidential ticket, was reportedly dissatisfied that the issue was not addressed during the recent opposition leaders’ summit held in Ibadan.

Kano, News, Politics

Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket

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A coalition of youth and student organisations in Kano State has urged former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, to step aside from the race for the Kano Central senatorial ticket, advocating support for Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura in the interest of fairness and party loyalty. The call was made during a press briefing at the Kano Press Centre, where the Coalition for Better Kano, alongside Concern Kano Citizens, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kano Axis, and the National Association of Kano State Students, addressed journalists on the unfolding political developments. Addressing the media, coalition leader Inyass Muhammad Auwal said the groups were concerned about growing speculation that Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who recently returned to the party, could be considered for the senatorial ticket. He noted that while the former governor remains a respected figure, party decisions must be guided by equity, justice, and recognition of loyalty. According to the coalition, priority should be given to individuals who remained committed to the party during challenging periods. The groups referenced the earlier governorship ticket awarded to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as an example of a decision that upheld party structure and stability. Read Also: Murtala Garo Set to Take Oath as Kano Deputy Governor Kano Hosts Presidential Media Tour, Unveils Federal and State Projects Political Calculations in Kano Shift as Ganduje’s Network Regains Spotlight The coalition identified Murtala Sule Garo and Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura as key figures who demonstrated commitment to the party’s growth. While Garo is set to assume office as Deputy Governor, a move described as deserved, the groups maintained that Zaura, who contested the Kano Central senatorial seat in the previous election, should be given the opportunity to recontest. They warned that overlooking Zaura in favour of a returning member could undermine confidence among party loyalists and send the wrong signal about internal reward systems. The coalition also appealed directly to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau to adopt a conciliatory position by declining any potential offer of the ticket in order to preserve unity within the party. While noting that no official position has been announced by party leadership, the groups said their intervention was aimed at ensuring that any eventual decision reflects fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for party loyalty. They further stressed that the youth constituency remains attentive to political developments, adding that trust in the process would depend on the transparency and equity of decisions taken by party stakeholders.

Kano, News, Politics

Murtala Garo Set to Take Oath as Kano Deputy Governor

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, will on Tuesday swear in Murtala Sule Garo as the Deputy Governor of the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, by 11:00 a.m., according to a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Ibrahim Adam. Read Also: Political Calculations in Kano Shift as Ganduje’s Network Regains Spotlight The statement noted that stakeholders, party loyalists, and members of the public are expected to attend the event, which is also likely to attract top government officials and dignitaries from within and outside the state. Garo’s inauguration follows his clearance by the Kano State House of Assembly after a successful screening conducted by a 12-member committee last week.

National, News, Politics

Kwankwaso Formally Joins NDC, Receives Membership Card

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Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress after receiving his membership card, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. The development comes amid ongoing political realignments and coalition-building efforts among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Read Also: Legal Dispute Rocks Party Linked to Kwankwaso’s Possible Return Kwankwaso’s move is seen by political observers as part of broader strategies by opposition leaders to reposition and consolidate their platforms in preparation for the upcoming polls. The former governor’s entry into the NDC is expected to influence political dynamics, particularly in Kano State and the wider northern region, where he commands a strong support base.

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