Author Archives: News All Around

By Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has applauded the Governors of Bauchi and Kaduna States — Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Senator Uba Sani — for implementing reforms aimed at strengthening traditional leadership structures and ensuring fairness for long-marginalized communities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, the MBF described Governor Bala Mohammed’s approval of 13 new Emirates and the long-awaited Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom as a “bold and historic” move that corrects decades of injustice and exclusion.

According to Binniyat, the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom brings to an end a century-long demand by the Zaar people for recognition of their cultural identity and self-governance. “For generations, the Zaar have sought official acknowledgment of their traditions and leadership. This development represents a long-overdue act of justice,” the Forum noted.

He explained that during the colonial period, the British placed the Zaar community under the Fulani Bauchi Emirate for administrative convenience — despite the Zaar never being conquered or assimilated by either Fulani or Kanuri rulers. This, he said, led to years of marginalization and sporadic conflict.

The MBF described the establishment of the Zaar Chiefdom and other new Emirates as “a testament to inclusive leadership,” restoring dignity and identity to numerous indigenous communities across Bauchi State.

The Forum also congratulated Brigadier-General Marcus Kokko Yake (rtd), who was installed as the first Gung-Zaar, urging the Zaar people to rally behind him in fostering peace, unity, and progress.

Similarly, the MBF welcomed the appointment of traditional rulers in the newly established Emirates, including:

• Emir of Duguri – Alhaji Adamu Mohammed
• Emir of Bununu – Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan
• Emir of Toro – Alhaji Adamu Umar
• Emir of Lame – Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame
• Emir of Ari – Alhaji Muhammad Kilishi Musa
• Emir of Burra – Alhaji Ya’u Shehu Abubakar
• Emir of Warji – Alhaji Ibrahim Samaila Boyi

In the same vein, the Forum commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for ensuring a peaceful and transparent transition in the Ikulu Nation, following the appointment of His Royal Highness Mr. Sunday Bature Likoro as the new Agwam Ikulu III of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

Binniyat described Governor Sani’s handling of the succession process as exemplary, noting that the new monarch’s wealth of experience and understanding of his people would promote reconciliation and stability in Southern Kaduna.

The Middle Belt Forum concluded by urging traditional leaders and their communities in Bauchi and Kaduna States to work together in promoting peace, inclusiveness, and regional development for the overall progress of the Middle Belt.

A trailblazing Spelling Bee Competition has been launched in Kaduna State to promote literacy and academic excellence among students, in honour of Governor Uba Sani.

The initiative, fully sponsored and driven by Barrister Aisha Ahmad Mohammad, Secretary of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), is designed to inspire healthy academic competition and reward excellence across the state’s three zones.

She disclosed that all arrangements for the Zone 1 event have reached an advanced stage. She added that the competition will proceed to Zones 2 and 3, culminating in a State Grand Finale where the overall champion — known as the Gwani — will emerge.

“Each zone will have its own prizes,” she said, “and in addition, there will be the Speaker Abbas Prize, a capital project award to be executed in the best-performing schools in both the Junior and Senior categories.”

“This is about giving our children confidence through knowledge — empowering them to dream big and excel,” Barrister Aisha explained.

She called on all Local Government Chairmen to give their full support and blessings for the success of the programme, describing it as a pioneer effort to rekindle the reading culture and strengthen the foundation of literacy in Kaduna State.

Barrister Aisha further revealed that the semi-final rounds will take place across the Local Government Areas in November, while the Grand Finale will be held in Zaria, Insha Allah, in January.

Although privately sponsored, the initiative aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s broader human capital development agenda, which prioritizes education, youth empowerment, and equal learning opportunities as the pillars of Kaduna State’s sustainable progress.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), under the leadership of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as Director General, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNIDACO Limited, London, for an initial €100 million investment in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The signing, held at the House of Lords, London, during the Renewed Hope Global Dialogue (UK Edition), marks a major milestone in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

According to Dr. Abdullahi, “this partnership underscores our commitment to expanding renewable energy access, driving innovation, and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to harness clean technologies.

“Moreover, it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly on sustainable energy solutions as a catalyst for economic growth and development,” Abdullahi stated.

He further disclosed that “this distinctive MoU was signed in the presence of dignitaries and investors of repute from Nigeria and across the world.

“Overall, this milestone reaffirms our resolve to deepen global partnerships that will accelerate Nigeria’s energy transformation. Together, we are charting a new course toward an inclusive, energy-secure, and prosperous nation built on innovation and collaboration,” he restated.

The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emphatically rejected as null and void the purported expulsion of its Acting Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, and several other senior party officials in the state.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 27, 2025, and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Idris Musa, the party described the alleged expulsion as a desperate ploy by individuals who, according to the ADC, are not bona fide members of the party.

Engr. Musa asserted that the people behind the purported expulsion are members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State but have been masquerading as ADC members to hijack the party’s structure in the state and across the North-West zone.

“We wish to inform all well-meaning and duly registered members of the ADC in Kaduna State to disregard the said expulsion, as it is considered null and void,” the statement said.

“The action appears to be a desperate attempt by individuals who are not members of the ADC but are struggling to take over the party under the guise of coalition partners. It’s either you are in the ADC or you are out,” the statement added.

The party further linked the alleged expulsion to a pending legal case — Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/383/2025 — filed at the FCT High Court in Abuja, which reportedly challenges the dual membership status of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai and others.

Engr. Musa noted that the move against the state leadership, including Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, Engr. Idris Musa, Alhaji Suleiman Abdulkadir, and Barr. Danlami Dabai, was a “fight-back” by those affected by the legal action.

The statement urged ADC members across Kaduna State to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter is before the court.

“We will not join issues with these individuals, especially in view of the pending case at the FCT High Court in Abuja. Our party will continue to operate in accordance with its Constitution and principles, and we will not be swayed by the antics of desperate politicians,” it stated.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, the rule of law, and the unity of its members in Kaduna State and beyond.

Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has cautioned Islamic clerics to be vigilant and wary of the vain promises and deceitful tactics often employed by politicians during election periods.

Speaking during an interactive session with Islamic scholars across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna, Senator Sani urged clerics to resist inducements and political manipulation aimed at winning their support for selfish political interests.

He, however, called on Islamic clerics across Kaduna State to support the re-election bid of Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as a leader committed to good governance and responsive to the needs of the people.

According to the former senator, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated a high sense of responsibility and dedication to addressing the yearnings of citizens since assuming office nearly two years ago.

Senator Sani further encouraged the clerics to unite in identifying and presenting the major needs of the Muslim community—such as the renovation of mosques, establishment of Islamic schools, and support for orphanages—to the government in a structured and coordinated manner.

He warned religious leaders to beware of political figures who only seek their support during elections and neglect them thereafter.

“The era of deceit and the use-and-dump approach to Islamic clerics is over,” Senator Sani declared.

He appealed to the religious leaders to continue praying for Governor Uba Sani and to support his administration, describing the governor as a listening and visionary leader committed to the development of Kaduna State.

In their brief remarks, several Islamic clerics commended Senator Sani for taking the bold step to convene such a meeting, which they said exposed the deceitful tendencies of some politicians.

They also pledged to use their influence as mobilisers to support credible leaders with proven records of capacity and performance in future elections.

By: Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has marked two years of impactful leadership, transforming Kano State with notable progress. Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi, Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters, highlights how AKY’s purposeful drive shifted Kano’s narrative from decline to dynamism, leaving a positive footprint across the state.”

When the chronicles of Kano’s modern history are written, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (AKY) will be remembered as the leader who broke barriers, challenged complacency, and redefined what purposeful governance can achieve. In just two eventful years, the AKY administration has embarked on an unprecedented mission to rebuild, restore, and renew the ancient city — bulldozing through decades of neglect, obstacles, and cynicism with a vision anchored on people-centered development.

Breaking the Mold: From Tradition to Transformation

Kano, the pride of Northern Nigeria and the region’s commercial heartbeat, had long grappled with urban decay, unemployment, and institutional decline. Many saw the system as too entrenched to change. But Governor AKY came into office with a bulldozer’s resolve — committed to sweeping away stagnation and building a new Kano founded on transparency, inclusion, and progress.
His mantra, “development against all odds,” has guided an administration focused not on politics, but on practical results that touch everyday lives.

Infrastructure Renewal: Roads, Bridges, and a Brighter Kano

Under Governor AKY’s leadership, infrastructure development has assumed new urgency. The Kano Urban Renewal Project continues to transform the metropolis through the reconstruction and expansion of key roads, modern roundabouts, and improved traffic management systems. But beyond roads, one of the administration’s most visible achievements is the widespread installation of solar-powered street lighting systems across major highways, inner streets, and communities. Across every road in the metropolis, the new lights have not only enhanced nighttime aesthetics but have also boosted security and extended economic activity after dark, revitalizing nightlife and trade in a city once plunged into darkness. The Governor’s commitment to safety and visibility has made Kano’s nights brighter, indeed!

Education and Human Capital: Reviving Dreams, Rebuilding Institutions

No sector demonstrates AKY’s reformist spirit better than education. Recognizing that a society’s future lies in the strength of its learning institutions, the Governor launched a massive campaign to revitalize abandoned and closed tertiary and technical institutions across the state.
Campuses once left in ruins — from Audu Bako College of Agriculture to Kano State Polytechnic satellite campuses and skills acquisition centers — have been reopened, renovated, and re-equipped. Thousands of young people have returned to classrooms and workshops that had been silent for years.

Through these efforts, the administration has breathed life back into the state’s educational ecosystem, creating new pathways for youth empowerment, technical training, and self-reliance.
Complementing this is the revival of scholarship programs and targeted investments in primary and secondary schools, ensuring that education remains accessible from the grassroots upward.

Restoring Order: Combating Drug Abuse, Idleness, and Hooliganism

Governor AKY’s vision for a new Kano goes beyond physical renewal; it extends to the moral and social rebirth of its people. Confronted with the rising menace of drug abuse, youth idleness, hooliganism, and phone-snatching crimes, his administration has mounted an aggressive campaign to reclaim the streets and restore sanity.
Working hand-in-hand with security agencies, recently launched marshals, community leaders, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the State Government has intensified raids on drug hotspots, supported rehabilitation programs, and promoted widespread public awareness on the dangers of substance abuse. Simultaneously, through the reopening of skills acquisition centers and targeted youth empowerment schemes, thousands of at-risk youths have been redirected from the streets into productive engagement.
The combined effect of improved street lighting, community policing, and socio-economic intervention has drastically curtailed phone-snatching and gang-related violence, turning former hotspots of fear into safe and vibrant neighborhoods. This multi-layered approach to youth reform embodies the Governor’s belief that progress is meaningless if not accompanied by peace, discipline, and hope.

Healthcare and Human Dignity

Governor AKY’s people-oriented governance extends deeply into the health sector. His administration has rehabilitated general hospitals and primary health centers, provided modern equipment, and recruited medical personnel to fill critical gaps. The Free Medical Outreach Program, introduced in 2024, has delivered life-saving services to thousands of indigent residents — reinforcing the government’s belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Environmental Renewal and Urban Cleanliness

Just recently known for its waste-choked streets and blocked drainages, Kano has undergone a quiet environmental revolution. The revival of the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) has restored discipline and hygiene to public spaces. Likewise, regular waste collection, re-greening projects, and the rehabilitation of parks have improved urban living standards, while the city’s beautification drives are giving Kano a new and modern face.

Empowering the People: Youths, Women, and Enterprise

Governor AKY’s inclusive governance places ordinary citizens at the heart of progress. Through the Kano Empowerment and Skills Support Scheme, thousands of women, youths, and artisans have received tools, equipment, and grants to start or expand small businesses. From tailoring and welding to ICT and automotive training, the State’s renewed skills acquisition centers now serve as hubs of innovation — transforming job seekers into job creators.

Governance with Integrity and Accountability

Governor AKY’s administration stands out for its commitment to transparency and participatory governance. Financial prudence, open procurement processes, and community consultations have restored public trust in leadership.
Traditional rulers, civil society, and youth representatives are now partners in planning and implementation, ensuring that policies reflect real community needs rather than elite preferences.

Defying the Odds, Defining a Legacy

The journey has not been without resistance — from political opposition to bureaucratic bottlenecks — yet, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has continued to bulldoze through challenges with focus and conviction. His results speak for themselves: a brighter city, safer streets, revived schools, empowered youths, cleaner environments, and restored public trust.
Two years on, the message is clear — leadership anchored on sincerity and courage can indeed transform even the most complex societies.

A Vision Beyond Two Years

As Kano looks ahead, the foundations of a new era have been firmly laid. Governor AKY’s vision extends beyond his tenure — toward a state that thrives on knowledge, peace, and productivity. From the glow of new streetlights to the hum of reopened institutions, from the discipline of reformed youths to the smiles of empowered citizens, Kano’s transformation is real and visible.
The facts carry one enduring truth: when leadership bulldozes obstacles with sincerity and courage, transformation becomes inevitable.

Barrister Aminu Sagagi, SA Justice/Constitutional Matters, sent this piece from Kano.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged full support to the family of the late human rights activist, Comrade Abiodun Aremu, who recently died in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Ogun State.

Speaking through former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, who represented him at the burial ceremony held on Thursday in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, the governor described the late activist as a courageous fighter who dedicated his life to the struggle for democracy, justice, and human rights in Nigeria.

Governor Sani extolled Comrade Aremu’s steadfastness during the dark years of military dictatorship, noting that his sacrifices and resilience contributed immensely to the democratic freedom Nigerians enjoy today.

“Comrade Aremu was a man of conviction and courage who stood on the side of truth, even in the face of intimidation and persecution. His contributions to the pro-democracy struggle will never be forgotten,” Governor Uba Sani stated.

The burial ceremony attracted a large turnout of prominent activists and civil society leaders from across the country, including Chief Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as veteran student leaders such as Segun Maiyegun.

In his tribute, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) described the deceased as “one of Nigeria’s most consistent and principled activists,” recalling how he was imprisoned during the pro-democracy struggle and led campaigns for the release of detained rights icons such as Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.

Other speakers reflected on shared moments from the 1990s struggles, recalling how Uba Sani, then an activist himself, coordinated the activities of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and worked closely with Comrade Aremu and other movement leaders in the fight against military rule.

They also commended the Kaduna governor for standing by the family of his late comrade, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine solidarity and enduring commitment to the ideals of social justice.

Governor Sani, in his message, urged the younger generation to emulate Comrade Aremu’s passion for justice, courage in the face of adversity, and unwavering commitment to the enthronement of true democracy in Nigeria.

Late Comrade Abiodun Aremu, who was the Secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF) — the umbrella body for pro-labour civil society organisations — reportedly died on October 12 after being knocked down by a vehicle near his residence in Ota, Ogun State. He was 65 years old.

In the appointment of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), stakeholders roundly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the choice of this astute and result oriented energy expert and policy strategist, a visionary administrator.

The saying that a golden fish has no hiding place aptly qualifies Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi’s appointment by His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR , who was able to spot the energy poster boy, and placed him strategically where competence meets passion.

Indeed, the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi as the Director General of Energy Commission qualifies the saying of putting a round peg in a round hole.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi who combines academic distinction with hands-on experience in energy systems, regulation, and innovation, has variously been described by stakeholders as a key figure in shaping Nigeria’s energy future, scoring a vital point in the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which clearly aims to resuscitate and reinvigorate the country’s energy sector.

As an avid scholar who holds a master’s and a doctorate in Engineering from the prestigious University of Manchester who has also served as a Research Associate and Teaching Assistant in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering in same institution, Dr. Abdullahi’s penchant for excellence is distinctive and highly commendable.

As a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), Dr. Abdullahi has distinguished himself in ways so uncommon and achievements quite alluring.
His commitment to professional excellence and technical innovation underscores his capacity and capabilities in delivering on the mandate of the Energy Sector and the Commission generally.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manchester, United kingdom, from 2021 to 2023, Dr. Abdullahi conducted an impactful research entitled “Assessment of the Structural Integrity,” contributing valuable insights to the field. His work was recognized and supported by the Industry Collaboration Fund, United kingdom, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge through industry-academia collaboration.

Dr. Abdullahi has over 14 years of experience in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly within the oil and gas industry and is known to have spent a significant part of his career at the Department of Petroleum Resources (now the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission -NUPRC), contributing to regulatory policy, energy systems management, and sustainability initiatives.

His technical competence is further complemented by his role at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), where he engaged in research and development at the intersection of space and energy technology.

Before being appointed as Director-General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi served as the Senior Technical Adviser to the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. In that capacity, he was instrumental in shaping national policies that promoted innovation, renewable energy adoption, and scientific advancement.

His advisory role provided strategic direction for programmes aimed at building Nigeria’s technological capacity in line with global sustainability trends.

He is widely reputed to be a multi-disciplinary leader, with a systems-thinking approach to Nigeria’s energy challenges, integrating insights from engineering, space research, and policy.

Since assuming office as Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN in 2023, keen observers say his leadership at the Commission is anchored in collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a strong commitment to energy transition and security.

Dr. Abdullahi is focused on delivering sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven energy solutions that support national development goals and align with international climate commitments.

Asides from his professional and academic accomplishments, he is also active in the politics of his country, Nigeria. He is a founding member and co-convener of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), one of the leading support groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also having served as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress United Kingdom (APC UK) chapter, he is also an Executive Member of the APC UK since February 2014.

As a committed and loyal party chieftain, Abdullahi’s political engagements include membership in the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) 2023, the APC PCC Nigeria Strategic Communication Committee (2019), and the APC National Convention Sub-Committee (2022).

He is widely respected for his integrity, strategic vision, and passion for sustainable development. His dynamic experience across sectors positions him as a transformative leader at the helm of Nigeria’s energy transition journey.

A peek into his two years stint as the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN reveals amazing achievements such as:

• Implementation of the Renewed Hope Solarization Project for the provision of 2 MW of a solar hybrid system in 37 universities and 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and Abuja.
  (2025)
  Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Energy Engineering Corporation to boost renewable energy and address Nigeria’s energy challenges by establishing State Energy Planning Implementation Units in all the 36 states in Nigeria.

(2025)
Signed an agreement with LONGI a China solar module manufacturer to establish a manufacturing plant of their new solar panel technology in Nigeria.

(2025)
Launched the Compendium on Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies with the collaboration of UNIDO and GEF.

(2025)
Commissioned a Hybrid 5 kilowatts solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station.

(2025)
Promotion of clean cooking and obtaining a Patent for developing a Hexagonal Type Domestic Charcoal Stove for improved thermal efficiency.

(2025)
Signed an MOU with a Chinese company to establish a Lithium battery production plant in Nigeria.

(2024)
Launched the newly gazette National Energy Policy (NEP)and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

(2024)
Establishment of a 10MW Solar PV Module Production Assembly Plant at Enugu Research Centre.

(2024)
Development of Pyrolysis Machine for Hydrogen Generation at Bauchi Research Centre.

(2024)
Establishment of a Pilot Bioethanol Plant with Fractional Distillation Unit at Benin Research Centre.

(2024)
Development of Pilot Integrated Modular Refinery at Bauchi Research Centre.

(2024)
The Energy Commission of Nigeria in collaboration with the FMIST on Implementation of the National Policy on Methanol Fuel Production from Gas.

(2024)
Launch of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, United for Efficiency initiative, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

(2024)
Launched a Computerized National Energy Information System website in Collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission.

(2024)
Establishment of a Pilot Green Hydrogen Plant as a policy target of domestication and localization of Green Energy in the country.

(2024)
Establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.

(2024)
The Energy Commission of Nigeria’s participation as the National Focal point at the Brazil G202024 Energy Transitions Working Group Meetings to negotiate and endorse Principles for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions.

(2024)
Launched the implementation of the project titled ‘Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Obsolete Refrigerators and Air Conditioners Equipment (AGORA) in Nigeria with the
collaboration of UNDP and UNEP.

(2024)
The Nigeria Energy and Emission Pathway Calculator 2050 (NECAL 2050)(2024) Comprehensive Energy Audit for the University of Lagos, Akoka carried out by National Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

(2024)
Designed, Constructed and Installed Two (2) 5kW Wind Turbines located at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Sokoto State.

(2023)
Design and development of the 24-CUP Pelton Wheel Single-Jet Small Hydropower Turbine System and the Split Cup Pelton Wheel Two-Jet Small Hydropower Turbine System by NACHRED, University of llorin)

(2023)
Design, Construction and Testing energy-efficient biomass Cookstoves by National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

(2023)
Development of Small, Medium and Commercial scale Solar Powered Chicken Brooding systems.

These achievements of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi have been variously described as the footprints of a man of greatness, vision and exemplary leadership, deserving of commendation.
 

.

Politics is about ideas, not impunity. Law-breaking has no place in democracy. Words glorifying illegality sabotages democracy.

By Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

A single sentence, sharpened into a threat, can be the match that lights a tinderbox. That danger is not hypothetical in Kano. Recent public outbursts credited to Garba Kore – a well-known media influencer and a close associate of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – in which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is said to be willing to “go to any extent,” including breaking the law, to reclaim Kano from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have been widely reported and have predictably set off alarm bells across the state and beyond.

His comments were not idle words. Kano has been the epicentre of bitter partisan contestation since 2023, when the NNPP wrested the governorship from the then ruling APC after a combative and polarising campaign.

The by-elections, defections and seat reclaims that followed – including the recent manipulated APC victory in the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency – show how high the political temperature remains. When influential voices signal that legal limits can be discarded for political gain, they undermine the fragile rules that keep that heat from boiling over.

Why incendiary rhetoric matters? Experts have repeatedly warned that inflammatory political rhetoric heightens the risk of violence, especially in places where identity and political rivalry overlap. In fragile contexts, statement to “go to any extent, including breaking the law” are perceived as licences for extralegal action – from vote-rigging and intimidation to the mobilisation of thugs or deployment of complicit security agents – and can easily spiral into chaos.

The regional risk – The fallout will not stop in Kano. The Northwest is tightly interconnected by kinship, trade, and shared media networks; what happens in Kano echoes in Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and beyond. A single violent episode could inflame old grievances and turn a political contest into a regional crisis. That is why, Garba Kore’s inflammatory words on taking over Kano State at all cost risk sparking Northwest Regional unrest.

Trust in democracy at stake – Democracy is not just about ballots; it rests on a shared belief in the rule of law. When politicians and their associates publicly boast about breaking laws to gain power, they corrode that belief. Citizens lose faith in elections and start to see force, not votes, as the path to justice. That is the death of democracy by a thousand reckless words.

A plea for anchor points – Responsible leadership demands restraint and accountability. Those who command influence, political operatives, party leaders, and media voices must retract, clarify, and apologise for inflammatory statements. If a remark was a careless exaggeration, withdraw it; if it was a genuine threat, law enforcement must step in. Security agencies must not remain silent. They must investigate, caution, and, where necessary, prosecute anyone inciting lawlessness or undermining public order. This is not about partisanship, it is about protecting the peace and upholding the Constitution.

Who pays the cost? — Ordinary Kano citizens do. Traders, farmers, students, and families will be the first to pay through lost livelihoods, fear and fractured communities. The short-term prize of “reclaiming power” cannot justify the long-term ruin of peace and trust.

The closing warning — Politics is a contest of ideas, not impunity. Parties have every right to campaign, contest and litigate – but none to declare law-breaking an option. In a nation still learning to walk the democratic path, words that glorify illegality are acts of sabotage against the people’s will.

Action now: Retract, reaffirm, and enforce. Political actors must withdraw reckless claims, party leaders must publicly reject calls for lawlessness, and law enforcement must take decisive, impartial action against anyone (including the privileged and protected rabble-rouser, Kore) whose words or actions endanger public peace. Institutions must stand firm. The alternative to this is grim – deepening distrust, recurring violence, and a democracy hollowed out from within.

Garba Kore’s unchecked threats on Kano State are capable of sparking instability in Northwest. His outbursts are like words on fire and the dangerous rhetorics risks inflaming regional instability.

This opinion piece was contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kano State AKY, on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has suspended its State Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut, and State Secretary, Mr. Victor Oluwatuyi, over allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and violation of the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued on Monday by the State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Idris Musa, the party said the suspension followed a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) convened after receiving petitions from the Igabi and Sabon Gari Local Government Chairmen, as well as complaints from other local chapters.

According to the statement, the suspended officials were accused of engaging in acts capable of causing disaffection among members, creating parallel party organs, and breaching several provisions of the ADC Constitution (2022 as amended).

The ADC also disclosed that it received a letter from the Kaduna State Police Command confirming an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal removal of the Igabi Local Government Chairman, involving both suspended officials.

“The Chairman’s undemocratic disposition and selective relationship with State Working Committee members, coupled with his poor leadership style, contravene Articles 7(8 & 11) and 20(1b) of the ADC Constitution,” the statement said.

The party further accused Ambut and Oluwatuyi of running the Kaduna ADC like a “secret cult,” making unilateral decisions without due consultation or reference to the State Working Committee, and undermining the principles of transparency, accountability, and rule of law for personal gain.

To restore order and preserve the integrity of the party, the State Working Committee resolved to: suspend Elder Patrick Ambut and Mr. Victor Oluwatuyi pending the conclusion of investigations, and constitute a five-man Disciplinary Committee to probe the allegations and make recommendations.

The SWC, however, appointed Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, the Deputy State Chairman, as Acting State Chairman, and Mrs. Rachael Didams as Acting State Secretary.

The statement added that the decision was necessary to uphold the ADC’s values and allow the disciplinary process to proceed without interference.

“The suspension is aimed at protecting the integrity of the party and ensuring due process in line with our constitution,” the statement concluded.