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Real Reasons Ex Speaker Zailani Lost APC Senatorial Ticket — Group  Ñ  A group under the aegis of Igabi Youths and Women Forum(IYWF),has outlined what it described as the major factors responsible for the defeat of former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kaduna Central. In a statement issued in Kaduna, the group alleged that Zailani’s strained relationship with party executives, stakeholders and grassroots supporters contributed significantly to his inability to secure the party’s ticket. According to the statement signed Mal. Mohammed Suleiman Igabi,one of the major issues was the former speaker’s alleged refusal to recognize the newly elected APC executives at the ward and Igabi Local Government levels following their inauguration. The group claimed that Zailani allegedly distanced himself from party activities and failed to actively participate in campaigns...

APC Candidate Galadima Condemns B'Haram Attack on Hong Villages ....Mourns Fallen Soldier, Civilians By Tom Garba, Yola Engr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu (Tijjani), the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, has strongly condemned the recent attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Zah and Kingin villages in Hong Local Government Area. In a statement issued on Saturday by his TAG 2027 Campaign Organisation, Galadima expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which occurred on Friday and resulted in the death of two villagers and one soldier. Describing the attack as “callous and senseless,” the APC candidate said the loss of innocent lives and a gallant soldier was “one death too many.” “This incident occurred despite the sustained efforts by both the Adamawa State Government under His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Federal Government to address the menace of insecurity,” he stated. “We must not allow such acts of terror to...

Who Is Behind the Violence in Northern Nigeria? By Steven Kefas Nigeria is often portrayed in international headlines as simply “unstable,” a sweeping, unhelpful label that conceals a far more complex and geographically specific crisis. For those seeking to understand the country’s security situation, the details matter enormously.  Over the past ten years, I have conducted extensive field research across Nigeria with a particular focus on the north, carrying out on-the-ground interviews with victim communities, local leaders, survivors, and witnesses. What I found challenges vague narratives and points to identifiable actors perpetrating the majority of violence in two critical regions: the Northwest and the North Central. Systematic data gathered by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) consistently records a significant proportion of Christian victims even in predominantly Muslim northwestern states, evidence that the violence carries a dimension tha...

APC Support Groups Leader Denies Defection, Demands Relief for Nigerians The Director General of the Confederation of APC Support Groups, Professor Kailani Muhammad, has dismissed claims that he had defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that he remains committed to the party despite grievances over what he described as neglect of grassroots support groups. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after a national general meeting of the Confederation, Muhammad said support groups that worked for the victory of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2023 general elections had not received adequate recognition from the government. He maintained, however, that the group would continue to support the administration in the interest of national development and party stability. “We did not fight for a temporary reward; we fought for the progress of Nigeria, and we remain committed to seeing this administration succeed for the sake ...

WEEKEND EDITORIAL THE QUINTESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVANT: DR. MUSTAPHA ABDULLAHI AND THE BURDEN OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT By Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman. Nations are not built by political rhetoric alone. They are built by institutions, sustained by vision, and strengthened by men and women who understand that public office is not a platform for personal relevance, but a responsibility to serve. At critical moments in national history, leadership within strategic public institutions often determines whether countries move toward progress or remain trapped by unrealised potential. For Nigeria, that moment is now. As the nation confronts the interconnected challenges of energy security, industrial expansion, infrastructure development, technological modernisation, and economic transformation, the quality of leadership within its institutions has become more consequential than ever. Among those attracting increasing national attention is *Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the En...

BEYOND THE VIRAL DRAMA: WHY THE ICPC MUST BE DEFENDED, NOT VILIFIED, OVER THE EL-RUFAI VISITING INCIDENT By Baba Magaji, Kaduna In the age of instant virality, a 30-second video clip can undo months of institutional integrity. We witnessed this recently when a video circulated showing Hajiya Aisha El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, lamenting that she was denied access to bring food to her husband while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). On the surface, the video tugs at the heartstrings a worried spouse blocked from feeding her husband. However, a dispassionate examination of the facts, the law, and established protocol reveals a different story: one of a privileged individual attempting to bypass standard operating procedures to create a public spectacle. First and foremost, it is critical to state categorically that the ICPC has not denied Mallam Nasir El-Rufai any fundamental human right...

APC RESCHEDULES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRIMARY ELECTION DATES IN ZAMFARA STATE The All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby announces the rescheduling of dates for National Assembly Primary Elections in Zamfara State as follows: PRIMARY ELECTIONS 1. House of Representatives – Monday, 18th May 2026 2. Senate – Tuesday, 19th May 2026 3. House of Assembly – Wednesday, 20th May 2026 4. Governorship – Thursday, 21st May 2026 5. Presidential – Monday, 23rd May 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION APPEALS 1. House of Representatives – Tuesday, 19th May 2026 2. Senate – Wednesday, 20th May 2026 3. House of Assembly – Thursday, 21st May 2026 4. Governorship – Friday, 22nd May 2026 Signed: *Felix Morka, CON* National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC)

APC Fixes May 18 for National Assembly Primaries in Zamfara The ruling All Progressives Congress has fixed Monday, May 18, 2026, for the commencement of its National Assembly primary elections in Zamfara State. The party said the primaries would be conducted across designated ward centres in the state. This was contained in a notice issued by the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Zamfara State, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, who urged aspirants, party members and supporters to rely strictly on official communications from the committee. Aliyu warned the public against relying on contrary reports, describing any information outside the committee’s official notice as “unauthorized, null and void.” According to the statement, all participants in the exercise are expected to conduct themselves peacefully and comply fully with the guidelines issued for the conduct of the primaries. The committee chairman assured stakeholders of the party’s commitment t...

Smear Campaign: Who Is Afraid of Dr Mustapha Abdullahi’s Rising Political Profile? The recent media reports alleging the arrest of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N500 billion fraud have exposed what appears to be a calculated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of a rising public figure known for his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his growing grassroots influence among Nigerian youths. Contrary to sensational reports circulating across some media platforms, Dr Abdullahi was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC. Multiple reports confirmed that he merely honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency in line with due process and respect for constituted authority.  A statement issued by his media team clarified that the ECN boss voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation and was not arrested as falsely portrayed in several publica...

The Choice for Kaduna Central – Why Senator Shehu Sani is the Path Forward​Speaker: Prof. Kailani Muhammad, DG  Confederation of APC Support Groups​Good afternoon, gentlemen of the press, and more importantly, my fellow brothers and sisters across the length and breadth of Kaduna Central.​We are gathered here today at a critical crossroads in our political journey. We are not here simply to discuss the mechanics of an election or the technicalities of party loyalty. We are here to talk about the soul of our district. We are here because the people of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru, and our metropolitan heart in Kaduna North and South are asking for something more than a representative. They are asking for a voice that doesn’t just whisper in the hallowed chambers of Abuja, but one that roars for the common man right here at home.​ As the Director General of the Confederation of APC Support Groups, my responsibility is to look beyond the surface. My duty is to...

Tackling the Misguided Claims Against Senator Yari of Zamfara APC  *By Faruk, Sa'ad Muhammad* *Talata Mafara* It is not in our character, Yari political family, to reply posts and comments  that can easily be translated to be nonsensical in order not to amplify unnecessary political tension in the state as even the fire brand in the likes of Al'mansoor Gusau and Abubakar S. Limanci is deliberately moderated. Unfortunately, some of our leaders sponsor army of writers to raise issues that can easily be interpreted to have been initiated by them. In recent political discussions surrounding Zamfara State, some stooges of a certain politician from the state have attempted to portray Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar as a political burden to Zamfara and the ruling APC. Such assertions are not only exaggerated but also fail to acknowledge the political realities and contributions that have shaped Zamfara politics over the years. Marafan Sokoto remains one of the most influ...

Yola, Girei Needs Results, Not Rhetoric: Why Ex-DG REA Salihijo Is More Qualified with a 15-Year Record in Energy, Policy, Jobs ....Why He Stands Without Match “‎...In a field crowded with career politicians, former lawmakers, and local influencers, Salihijo offers something scarce: demonstrable competence in solving the very problems the constituency faces”. By Tom Garba  R In this honest and objective analysis by prominent Political Analyst Iliyasu Adams, based on verifiable performance records, developmental impact, and leadership competencies, the contest for the Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives stands out as more than a routine power struggle.  It represents a fundamental choice between seasoned delivery and familiar political rhetoric.  Among a crowded field of over a dozen aspirants; comprising experienced politicians, former lawmakers, grassroots mobilizers, and professionals; Engr. Ahmad Salih...

NIGERIA AND JORDAN SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION AND INTELLIGENCE SHARING The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence cooperation and enhance intelligence sharing between both countries. The MoU was signed on Sunday, 10th May 2026, in Amman, Jordan, by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Defence, *Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON*, and *Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity*, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in intelligence exchange, defence capacity building, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security. Key areas of cooperation include: - Joint military training and exchange of defence expertise   - Intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism operations   - Defence research, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration   - Mutual s...

MATAWALLE: THE ENDURING POLITICAL FORCE AND GRASSROOTS LEADER OF ZAMFARA AND NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA . The political landscape of Zamfara State and the wider Northern region continues to be shaped by leaders whose influence is measured by service, loyalty, and tangible impact on the lives of the people. In this regard, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence,  Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, stands out as a defining figure whose popularity, acceptability, and political strength remain unmatched. Matawalle’s leadership is anchored in consistent grassroots engagement and a record of humanitarian development that has directly touched youths, women, traditional institutions, and vulnerable communities across Zamfara and beyond. From educational support and skills acquisition programs to targeted interventions in health and economic empowerment, his contributions have earned him widespread recognition and trust at the grassroots level. By contrast, political relevance cann...

Kaduna APC Stakeholders Endorse Shehu Sani for Senate Ahead of 2027 Primaries Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone have endorsed former senator, Shehu Sani, as their preferred candidate ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a meeting attended by commissioners, local government chairmen, party executives and key political figures from the seven local government areas in the zone.  The gathering, which took place at the Uba Sani Support Group office in Malali, Kaduna, drew a large number of supporters and influential stakeholders within the state. Convener of the meeting and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders and stakeholders across the zone. He clarified that the APC remains open to all aspirants, stressing that the party is not restricting anyone ...

Group accuses Shettima of using a Fake Ambassadorial title A political pressure group has accused a Kaduna-based politician, Yerima Usman Shettima, of allegedly using a fake ambassadorial title in his political campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Citizens for Democratic Accountability, described the use of the title “Ambassador” on Shettima’s campaign posters as misleading, deceptive and capable of creating false impressions among members of the public. The group in a press statement signed by the  spokesperson, Comrade  Ibrahim Musa, challenged Shetima to publicly explain the source and legitimacy of the title he has allegedly adopted in his political activities. According to the statement, there is no known official record showing that Shetima was ever appointed as an ambassador by the Federal Government of Nigeria or any recognised international body. “We are demanding clear explanations from...

President Tinubu’s Northern Support Base Rests on Performance, Not Individuals-Group  The claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requires Senator Abdulaziz Yari to secure Zamfara or Northern votes in 2027 does not reflect the political realities on the ground. Electoral support in the North is driven by performance, party structure, and the capacity of leaders to deliver results for their people. Matawalle’s Track Record in Zamfara and the North *1. Sacrifice for Party Victory in 2023*   In the 2023 general elections, then-Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle prioritized President Tinubu’s national victory over his own re-election bid. He mobilized his political structure across Zamfara to deliver votes for the APC presidential ticket, demonstrating loyalty to the party and the President at a critical moment. *2. Grassroots Acceptance and Human Capital Development*   Dr. Matawalle is widely regarded as one of the most accessible and impactful political ...