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Kano, News, Politics

Tinubu Strengthens Kano Ties With Appointment of Salihu Sagir Takai

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Malam Salihu Sagir Takai as Kano State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda has been described as a strategic move to deepen federal presence in Kano and uplift the lives of the state’s impoverished population. Takai, a former gubernatorial candidate under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), has held several key public offices, including Local Government Chairman and Commissioner in Kano State. His appointment was reportedly facilitated by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. Reacting to the development, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, Director of Finance at Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, commended both Senator Barau and President Tinubu for what he called “a decision that reflects commitment to grassroots development.” Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff “Senator Barau deserves commendation for convincing the President to take action that truly benefits Kano’s poverty-stricken citizens. President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Takai reflects his commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment,” Kwankwaso said in a statement. He praised Senator Barau’s consistency in facilitating federal appointments for Kano indigenes and promoting the state’s interests at the national level. “Barau’s dedication shows he is the right person to lead Kano come 2027,” Kwankwaso added. Describing Takai as a man of integrity, faith, and discipline, Kwankwaso recalled that former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau once endorsed him as ANPP’s sole gubernatorial candidate, adding that “in every office Takai has held, he has served with distinction and left without blemish.” He further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his foresight, noting that the appointment would strengthen Kano’s political alignment with the federal government. “This appointment will surely endear Kano people to the President and earn him massive support in the next general election,” he said. Kwankwaso, who also serves under a federal appointment, reaffirmed Kano’s loyalty to the Tinubu administration, stating: “We assure President Tinubu that Kano stands firmly behind him. The people will support his re-election in 2027 because of the good he is doing for them.”

International, News, Politics

Chad Closes Border With Nigeria Over Security Concerns, Cites U.S. Military Movements in West Africa

The Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing heightened security concerns following reports of possible U.S. military movements in the West African region. Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a full military lockdown along the Nigerian frontier after intelligence indicated that armed groups in northern Nigeria were attempting to cross into Chadian territory. According to the sources, the Chadian Armed Forces have been placed on high alert, with troops and armoured vehicles deployed across key border points linking the two countries. Read Also: Navy Chief Abbas Reshuffles 65 Senior Officers in Strategic Leadership Overhaul President Déby, in a statement, vowed that no armed group or foreign military presence would be allowed to enter Chadian territory under any guise, stressing that the move was purely preventive. “The safety and sovereignty of our nation are paramount. No armed group or foreign force will be permitted to enter Chadian territory under any pretext,” he said. The decision comes amid heightened regional tension and growing speculation over the potential redeployment of U.S. troops in parts of West Africa following recent security developments in Niger and Mali. Security analysts say Chad’s move is aimed at safeguarding its territorial integrity and forestalling possible infiltration by terrorist groups exploiting instability in the region. They described the border closure as a precautionary but necessary step, given the fluid security situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

Bayelsa, News, Politics

Gawuna Joins APC National Chairman in Bayelsa to Celebrate Governor Diri’s Defection

Former Kano State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has joined the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on a trip to Bayelsa State to celebrate the defection of Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Dr. Yilwatda revealed this in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, saying, “On our way to Bayelsa State, to celebrate the coming of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri.” Read Also: Governor Douye Diri Defects to APC, Sparks Massive Celebration in Bayelsa The defection, which has continued to dominate political discussions across the country, has generated excitement in Bayelsa, where APC supporters are preparing to officially receive Governor Diri into the ruling party. Party insiders say the development marks a significant political shift in the South-South region and strengthens the APC’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

National, News, Politics

Governor Douye Diri Defects to APC, Sparks Massive Celebration in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of speculation and marking a major political realignment in the South-South region. The defection, which took place on Saturday, triggered widespread jubilation across Yenagoa as thousands of residents and APC supporters poured into the streets in a carnival-like celebration to welcome the governor into the party. Supporters from all eight local government areas of the state defied an early morning downpour to attend the event, donning white T-shirts, party caps, and colourful traditional attires. By 10 a.m., the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, venue of the rally, was filled beyond capacity, prompting security operatives to restrict entry to prevent overcrowding. Read Also: Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion Crowds waved APC flags, sang victory songs, and danced in celebration of what many described as a “historic political moment” for Bayelsa State. Governor Diri, who resigned from the PDP two weeks earlier, officially declared his defection to the APC before a crowd of political leaders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day to mark the state’s creation anniversary. “Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I did it in the best interest of Bayelsa,” Diri stated, noting that the move was driven by his commitment to peace, unity, and development. He emphasized that politics should be a platform for progress, not division. “Politics is for development, not for destroying one another. The peace and security we are enjoying today are reasons to thank God,” he added. The event attracted top political figures including Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh. With Diri’s defection, the APC now controls four of the five South-South states previously held by the PDP — Delta, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Bayelsa — consolidating the party’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Diri becomes the 25th governor under the APC and the fourth to defect from the PDP this year, in what analysts describe as a significant political boost for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Feature, National, Politics

APC Needs Unity, Not Division — Kano Analyst Defends Chairman Yilwatda

A public affairs analyst from Kano, Umar Idris Shuaibu, has defended the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, following recent calls by a youth faction demanding his resignation. The analyst described the two-week ultimatum reportedly issued by the APC Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN) as “misplaced, unnecessary, and potentially divisive,” warning that such internal agitation could weaken the party’s stability at a time when unity is most needed. Shuaibu, speaking to journalists in Kano, said Prof. Yilwatda has shown strong leadership qualities since assuming office, emphasizing inclusiveness, reorganization, and internal reconciliation within the party. Read Also: Inside Ganduje’s Political Blueprint That Keeps Strengthening APC Nationwide Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion APC Consolidates Strength Across Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections “This is a leader who has barely spent three months in office yet has already begun uniting party structures, engaging critical stakeholders across the states, and restoring confidence in the APC — much like Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje did during his time as National Chairman. What the party needs now is support, not distractions,” he said. He added that the current National Chairman has demonstrated administrative discipline by delegating authority to the National Secretary during his absence — a practice that aligns with democratic norms and organizational efficiency. “If anything, that shows institutional maturity and respect for due process, not weakness,” Shuaibu stated. The analyst further noted that under Prof. Yilwatda’s short tenure, the APC has been actively re-engaging its grassroots members while attracting new entrants across the geopolitical zones. He urged the youth wing and other stakeholders to rally behind the Chairman, assuring that the ongoing reforms would strengthen the party ahead of future elections. “The National Chairman has keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His efforts must be encouraged, not frustrated. The focus should be on building, not breaking,” he reiterated. Shuaibu, who described the APC as the largest political movement in Africa, called for patience and collective responsibility in consolidating its democratic gains, stressing that leadership takes time to yield visible transformation. “Political progress is not achieved through pressure or division but through collaboration and consistency. What Prof. Yilwatda needs now is our trust and teamwork,” he reiterated.

Abuja, Feature, National, Politics

Inside Ganduje’s Political Blueprint That Keeps Strengthening APC Nationwide

Nigeria’s current political landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift — one that analysts say bears the unmistakable imprint of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The recent declaration by Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC has stirred national debate. But beyond the headlines lies a deeper narrative — one tied to the strategic groundwork Ganduje laid during his tenure as the APC’s helmsman. Under Ganduje’s leadership, the APC experienced one of its most stable and strategic organizational phases. He did not merely lead a political party — he built a political machinery grounded in policy, ideological clarity, and institutional discipline. Related: Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion Ganduje rebuilt APC from crisis to dominance APC Consolidates Strength Across Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections During his time as National Chairman, Ganduje consolidated the party’s internal unity, oversaw the resolution of lingering intra-party crises, and strengthened relationships between national and subnational leaders. This renewed cohesion, experts argue, is what has now positioned the APC as the dominant force attracting governors, legislators, and party stalwarts from the opposition. Dr. Ganduje’s tenure also recorded significant electoral victories across key states. His ability to bridge divides among stakeholders and sustain dialogue between federal and state party structures contributed immensely to the APC’s successes in off-season and by-elections. It was a tenure marked by strategic negotiation, inclusivity, and political foresight. Perhaps his most enduring contribution to Nigeria’s political space was the establishment of the Progressive Institute — a think tank envisioned as the party’s policy, research, and ideological center. The institute was designed not only to strengthen the APC’s internal policy framework but also to serve as a national policy incubation hub, focusing on governance, public administration, and development strategy. According to political observers, the Progressive Institute has become a quiet powerhouse, producing policy recommendations, conducting political risk assessments, and providing intellectual depth to party reforms. “It is one of Ganduje’s most transformative legacies,” noted a senior party insider, “because it ensures that the APC’s political agenda is backed by research and evidence.” This long-term institutional thinking explains why, today, the APC remains the natural destination for defecting governors and influential politicians. The party’s dominance, structure, and strategic stability — all nurtured under Ganduje’s leadership — have created a gravitational pull too strong for many to resist. Even as he left office as National Chairman, Ganduje’s imprint remains visible in the party’s growing influence. His philosophy of “progressivism with discipline” continues to guide internal decisions, while his diplomatic approach to inter-party dialogue still shapes the tone of Nigeria’s political engagement. Governor Agbu Kefas’s defection, and similar moves from other state leaders, reflect the continuing legacy of Ganduje’s groundwork — a legacy rooted in inclusiveness, strategy, and ideological conviction. As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, one thing remains clear: the Ganduje effect is far from over. The structures he built, the alliances he nurtured, and the policies he institutionalized have redefined Nigeria’s political map and strengthened the APC’s position as the party of national cohesion. In the words of a Kano-based political analyst, “What Ganduje did for the APC was not just to lead it — he engineered a system. And that system is now producing results long after he has left the stage.”

News, Politics, Taraba

Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, is reportedly on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what has been described as a strategic political realignment to enhance the state’s inclusion in national development programs. The development was confirmed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Kente, in a statement made available to journalists. According to Kente, Governor Kefas’s planned defection to the ruling APC is not motivated by personal ambition but by the “collective interest of the people of Taraba State.” Read Also: APC Consolidates Strength Across Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections “The governor’s decision is driven by the desire to ensure Taraba’s full participation in federal initiatives and access to national development opportunities,” Kente said. He added that Governor Kefas’s impressive record in healthcare, education, and infrastructure development requires greater synergy and federal support for sustainability. Kente further emphasized that the move should not be seen as partisan, but as “a collective aspiration of the people of Taraba for sustainable progress, transformational infrastructure, and active involvement in national affairs.” He explained that joining the APC at the national level would open the door to more development opportunities for the state, including federal projects, enhanced security collaboration, and access to donor-funded programs. The development comes amid reports that several PDP governors are planning to defect to the APC — a move that could significantly weaken the opposition party’s presence, particularly in northern Nigeria. Sources have hinted that governors from Plateau (Caleb Mutfwang), Zamfara (Dauda Lawal), and Adamawa (Ahmadu Fintiri) may also be considering switching allegiance to the ruling party. The PDP, which once governed Nigeria for 16 years after the return of democracy in 1999, currently controls just eight of the 36 states in the federation. Political analysts warn that the increasing wave of defections could push the country closer to becoming a de facto one-party state, as the ruling APC continues to consolidate its dominance across regions.

International, News, Politics

President Paul Biya Wins Cameroon Election With 53.66% of Votes

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election with 53.66% of the votes, according to official results announced on Monday by the Constitutional Council. The victory extends Biya’s over four-decade rule, making him not only Africa’s but also the world’s oldest serving president. Former government minister and opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, came second with 35.2% of the votes. Tchiroma had earlier claimed victory two days after the October 12 election, alleging irregularities in the process. Read Also: Prof. Pantami to Deliver Keynote at Nigeria Muslim Forum UK’s Annual Conference The Constitutional Council, however, dismissed the claims and confirmed Biya’s victory, maintaining that the election was conducted in line with the country’s electoral laws. President Biya, who first came to power in 1982, is now set to continue leading the Central African nation amid growing calls for political reform and stability.

Jigawa, National, News, Politics

Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido Joins Race for PDP Chairmanship

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido made the announcement on Monday in a post shared on his verified Facebook page, revealing that he would visit the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, to obtain the nomination form. “By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the National Headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of the National Chairman of the Party,” Lamido stated. Read Also: Those Who Criticised Me Are Now in APC – Wike Mocks Defecting PDP Governors A founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lamido expressed confidence in his capacity to reposition the party and restore its lost glory, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to democracy and party unity. He said his decision to join the race was driven by a deep desire to strengthen internal democracy and prepare the PDP for future electoral victories. “The journey to rebuild and reposition our party begins now,” Lamido declared. The Peoples Democratic Party, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, is expected to elect a new National Chairman at its forthcoming national convention.

Kano, News, Politics

Ex-APC Councilors Pray for Governor Yusuf Over Payment of Gratuities

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) councilors who served under former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have organized a special prayer session to express their gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the payment of their gratuities, despite political and ideological differences. The prayer session, held on Sunday at the Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani Juma’at Mosque in Kano metropolis, featured Qur’anic recitations and prayers for the continued success of Governor Yusuf’s administration, as well as peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large. Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the Former Councilors Forum, Sunusi Kata Madobi, commended Governor Yusuf for his compassion and magnanimity, noting that the gesture had significantly improved the living conditions of the beneficiaries and their families. Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff He explained that the gathering was convened to pray for divine protection and guidance for the governor, acknowledging his leadership qualities and commitment to the welfare of the people. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria League of Friday Mosque Imams, Sheikh Adam Muhammad Nasir, praised the former councilors for responding to kindness with kindness through prayers. He noted that Islam encourages believers to show appreciation for good deeds through positive actions. Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, lauded the former councilors for organizing the prayer session as a show of gratitude to the governor. Waiya assured them of the state government’s readiness to strengthen collaboration and build stronger relationships with all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation. He further advised the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds received and to extend kindness to their families, who endured hardship alongside them while awaiting the payment. The prayer session was organized by the forum of former Councilors in collaboration with the forum of Kwankwasiyya Juma’at Mosque Imams.

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