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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 for recent bye-elections, including the Chikun/Kajuru House of Representatives contest and other state legislative elections.

It further alleged that during the 2023 general elections, the former speaker failed to deliver electoral victory for the APC in Igabi Local Government, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly secured victory.

The forum also accused Zailani of maintaining poor relationships with party stakeholders and elected officials from his local government, alleging that many long-time political associates had become disillusioned with his leadership style.

The statement further claimed that the former speaker had been largely absent from party and state functions in Kaduna over the past year, citing his alleged non-attendance at key APC activities and official engagements.

The group also linked public dissatisfaction with the former speaker to his tenure as Speaker during the administration of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of supporting controversial government policies, including demolitions, dismissals of public workers and crackdowns on critics.

Additionally, the forum alleged that Zailani maintained silence over recent political disagreements involving the former governor and the current Kaduna State administration.

In another allegation, the group accused the former speaker of sponsoring political thuggery and empowering youths involved in violence and drug abuse in parts of Igabi Local Government, claims it said affected his support base during the primaries.

The forum also alleged that several APC leaders and stakeholders in Igabi had openly withdrawn support for Zailani’s senatorial ambition, citing differences with local party executives and political figures.

According to the group, Zailani’s two decades in the Kaduna State House of Assembly did not translate into sufficient developmental projects within his constituency, which it described as underdeveloped and facing security challenges.

The forum concluded that the combination of these factors weakened the former speaker’s political standing and ultimately contributed to his defeat at the APC senatorial primary.

The APC primary for Kaduna Central was won by former senator and rights activist, Shehu Sani.

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has emerged victorious in the primary election for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, defeating former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, and another aspirant, Shettima.

The results, announced on Monday by the Returning Officer, Barrister Sameera Ibrahim, showed that Shehu Sani polled 9,105 votes to secure victory in the keenly contested exercise.

According to the results declared, Zailani garnered 1,021 votes, while Shettima secured 1,253 votes.

The outcome marks a major political comeback for Shehu Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is widely known for his activism and outspoken views on governance, democracy and social justice.

Political observers described the victory as a significant development ahead of the forthcoming general elections, considering the calibre of contenders involved in the primary contest.

Supporters of the former senator celebrated the outcome shortly after the announcement of the results, expressing confidence in his chances at the general election.

Despite widespread reports of political thuggery, vandalism, and voter intimidation, supporters of former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, turned out in massive numbers across the seven local government areas of the senatorial district on Monday.

The large crowds gathered in Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa local government areas. Witnesses reported that campaign posters belonging to the former lawmaker were torn down in parts of Rigasa and other communities within the zone.

Nevertheless, supporters said they remained resolute. They cited Sani’s grassroots appeal, political experience, and strong track record while in office as reasons for their defiance.

“We are not afraid,” one rally attendee said. “We know what he did for us before, and we want him back.”

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Voters Praise His Record

Several voters interviewed during the exercise described Shehu Sani as a compassionate politician who has consistently identified with ordinary people and defended the rights of the oppressed.

According to them, the former senator distinguished himself during his time in the National Assembly through outspoken representation and advocacy on issues affecting the masses.

“We heard his voice loudly when he was in the Senate, and the people felt the impact of his representation,” one supporter said.

The voters also maintained that the former senator remains accessible to the people and has continued to champion causes affecting vulnerable citizens without fear or intimidation.

They argued that his return to the Senate would strengthen representation for Kaduna Central and ensure that the concerns of the people receive adequate attention at the national level.

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Tension and Alleged Intimidation

The exercise, however, witnessed pockets of tension in some areas following reports of destruction of campaign posters and alleged acts of intimidation by suspected political thugs.

Despite the challenges, supporters of the former lawmaker insisted that the incidents would not deter them from exercising their democratic rights and supporting their preferred candidate.

“We will not be silenced by violence,” another voter said. “Our votes are our power.”

By: Bola Kereke

The ruling All Progressives Congress has rescheduled the commencement of its National Assembly primary elections in Zamfara State to Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party said the primaries would be conducted across designated ward centres in the state.

This was contained in a notice issued to journalists by the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Zamfara State, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu.

Aliyu urged aspirants and party supporters to rely strictly on official communications from the committee responsible for conducting the primaries for accurate information and guidance.

He warned the public against relying on contrary reports, describing any information outside the committee’s official notice as “unauthorised, 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 to ensuring a transparent, free, fair and credible primary election process across the state.

He also advised interested persons and party faithful to channel all enquiries through the committee’s official communication channels.

Members of the committee include Yusuf Dingyadi, Bala Usman Horse, Samuel Shwarta, Barrister Joshua Wapdil, and Usaini Gotu, while Hycenth Henlong Tuamyil will serve as secretary.

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 publications.

However, despite this clarification, sections of the media rushed to publish alarming headlines suggesting guilt even before any formal findings or charges had been made public.

Observers say the development bears the familiar signs of politically motivated blackmail often deployed against public officials who command growing popularity and political relevance ahead of major electoral cycles.

In recent months, Dr Abdullahi has emerged as one of the prominent voices mobilising young Nigerians in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the possible second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His youth engagement efforts and expanding political network across several states have reportedly unsettled certain interests uncomfortable with his rising profile.

Supporters of the ECN boss insist that responding to an invitation by a law enforcement agency should not be twisted into a media conviction or used to destroy reputations through coordinated misinformation.

They argue that anti-corruption institutions must be allowed to carry out investigations professionally without political actors and sensational headlines weaponising routine procedures for propaganda purposes.

The situation has also sparked concerns about the growing trend of trial-by-media in Nigeria, where public officials are declared guilty in headlines long before investigations are concluded or any court pronouncement is made.

Political analysts note that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, invitations for questioning are not equivalent to convictions, adding that public discourse must remain guided by facts, fairness, and due process.

For many of Dr Abdullahi’s supporters, the question remains: why the desperation to criminalise a man whose only visible political offence appears to be his vocal support for President Tinubu and his growing acceptance among young Nigerians?

The Confederation of APC Support Groups has declared its support for former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, describing him as the most credible and people-oriented choice for the senatorial district ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a press briefing, the Director General of the group, Prof. Kailani Muhammad, said the people of Kaduna Central needed “a voice that roars for the common man” rather than a representative disconnected from grassroots realities.

According to him, the endorsement followed extensive consultations across the seven local government areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna North and Kaduna South.

Prof. Muhammad said Shehu Sani’s previous tenure in the Senate between 2015 and 2019 demonstrated courage, transparency and commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He recalled that the former senator distinguished himself nationally as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, where he opposed what he described as unsustainable borrowing.

“He was the Senator who told the truth when it was difficult to say. He stood against policies and loans that would have burdened future generations with debt they did not ask for,” he stated.

The APC support groups’ leader further praised Shehu Sani for becoming the first Nigerian senator to publicly disclose the running costs and salaries of lawmakers, saying the move broke the long-standing culture of secrecy in the National Assembly.

He also credited the former senator with publicly declaring his assets while in office, describing the gesture as a strong example of accountability and integrity in public service.

On constituency projects, Prof. Muhammad said the former lawmaker facilitated the construction and equipping of several primary healthcare centres across Kaduna Central, especially in underserved rural communities.

He added that over 200 solar-powered boreholes and hand-pump wells were installed in communities across Birnin Gwari, Chikun and Kajuru to address water shortages.

According to him, Shehu Sani also initiated the installation of solar streetlights in several wards to improve security and stimulate economic activities at night.

The group noted that the former senator renovated and constructed classroom blocks in public schools across the district while also empowering youths and women through the distribution of sewing machines, grinding machines and motorcycles.

Prof. Muhammad further stated that widows, orphans and internally displaced persons benefited from food support, clothing assistance and financial grants through the former senator’s constituency programmes.

Speaking on security, he said the former lawmaker supported local vigilante groups in banditry-prone areas such as Birnin Gwari and Giwa with patrol vehicles and communication equipment.

He also commended Shehu Sani’s role in peace-building efforts and conflict resolution across Kaduna State, describing him as “a human rights crusader and veteran activist who has consistently stood for justice and the oppressed.”

The group maintained that the return of the former senator to the National Assembly would strengthen advocacy for the people of Kaduna Central and align with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the ruling APC administration.

“We are not just supporting a candidate; we are supporting a legacy of activism, accountability and grassroots representation,” Prof. Muhammad said.
He called on APC support groups and party loyalists across the senatorial district to mobilise support at the ward and community levels ahead of the party primaries and the 2027 general elections.

“Let us bring back the man who has always been the voice for the voiceless. Let us return Shehu Sani to the Red Chamber so that Kaduna Central can once again become the heartbeat of advocacy in Nigeria,” he added.

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 support for regional and global peace and security initiatives

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Matawalle described the MoU as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Jordan relations and a strategic step toward addressing contemporary security challenges.

“Nigeria and Jordan share a common commitment to peace, stability, and security. This partnership will deepen our collaboration and create practical pathways for technology transfer, including the establishment of a defence production line in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the DICON Act,” he said.

The MoU reflects the mutual resolve of both nations to strengthen trust, enhance interoperability, and pursue joint actions that contribute to stability within their regions and beyond.

Signed:
Ahmed Dan Wudil SA New Media

Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence
Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja

Landmark agreement marks major milestone for Nigeria’s Homegrown Electric Vehicle Brand “Acely”,

Development combines local assembly with world-class automotive engineering

By Musa Zamaye

Launch Design Shanghai and Hybrid Motors Nigeria on Friday announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement for the establishment of state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities in Lagos and Abuja.

This landmark collaboration will accelerate the production of Acely, Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s proudly homegrown vehicle brand, designed and engineered specifically for Nigerian roads and drivers.

The signing ceremony, held in Shanghai on May 8, 2026, brings together two industry leaders committed to transforming Nigeria’s automotive landscape through innovation, local manufacturing excellence, and sustainable mobility solutions.

At the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design Mr. Wang Xun and Mr. Jubril Arogundade, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria, delivered keynote addresses underscoring the significance of the partnership and their shared vision for the future of automotive manufacturing in Africa.

Acely Motor represents the convergence of deep local market expertise and cutting-edge automotive design. Developed in partnership with Launch Design Shanghai, a global leader in automotive design and turnkey engineering solutions, Acely is positioned to deliver practical, modern vehicles built specifically for Nigerian drivers.

“This partnership is more than a business agreement; it is a commitment to building Nigeria’s automotive future,” said Mr. Jubril Arogundade, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria.

“With Acely, we are proving that world-class vehicles can be conceived, designed, and assembled right here in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for Nigerians. Our collaboration with Launch Design brings world-class engineering expertise directly into our operations, ensuring that Acely meets the highest international standards while remaining authentically Nigerian.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design added: “Launch Design is proud to partner with Hybrid Motors Nigeria in this transformative venture. Our turnkey engineering capabilities, combined with Mr. Arogundade’s leadership and Hybrid Motors’ deep understanding of the Nigerian market, create a powerful formula for success. Together, we are not just building vehicles, we are building an industry.”

Launch Design Shanghai brings decades of advanced automotive engineering expertise, providing Hybrid Motors Nigeria with comprehensive turnkey solutions spanning vehicle architecture, design optimization, manufacturing process engineering, and quality assurance systems.

The partnership establishes manufacturing operations across two strategic locations, with a combined annual production capacity of 70,000 units at full maturity:

Lagos – situated in the Lekki-Epe Axis of Lagos, will serve as the primary production and assembly hub with an annual capacity of 50,000 units at maturity. Strategically positioned near the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos plant will serve as the export gateway for Acely, covering Southern Nigeria and West African markets including Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond. The facility leverages Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial capital and its robust maritime infrastructure to optimize regional distribution and international trade logistics.

Abuja facility – located at the Free Zone Business Area of Centenary Economic City, Abuja, will operate as a secondary manufacturing and technology center with an annual capacity of 20,000 units at maturity. The Abuja plant will primarily serve Northern Nigeria and the broader Sahel region, capitalizing on the Free Zone’s tax and regulatory incentives, Abuja’s central geographic location, and its connectivity to major northern trade corridors and land-border markets.

This dual-facility approach ensures comprehensive national and regional coverage, reduces logistics costs, maximizes operational efficiencies through strategic Free Zone positioning, and creates employment opportunities across multiple regions of the country.

Acely Motor embodies a forward-looking vision for Nigerian mobility:

· Vehicles built in Nigeria, creating jobs and fostering technology transfer within the domestic automotive sector.
· Every vehicle engineered with Nigerian road conditions, climate, and driving patterns as core design parameters.
· Integration of advanced powertrain technologies, intelligent vehicle systems, and energy-efficient solutions.
· A growing emphasis on electric and hybrid propulsion systems aligned with global sustainability trends and Nigeria’s clean energy goals.

The establishment of EV manufacturing plants in Lagos and Abuja is expected to deliver significant socioeconomic benefits, including:

· Job Creation — Direct and indirect employment opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors.
· Technology Transfer — Knowledge exchange between Launch Design’s global expertise and Nigeria’s growing technical workforce.
· Supply Chain Development — Stimulation of local component manufacturing and vendor ecosystems.
· Foreign Exchange Conservation — Reduction in vehicle import dependency through domestic production.
· Industrial Diversification — Strengthening of Nigeria’s manufacturing base and positioning within the African automotive value chain.
· Establishing Nigeria as a manufacturing hub for West African and Sahel region automotive markets.

The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader objectives under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and supports the country’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.

“Today’s signing in Shanghai is a defining moment for both our organizations and for Nigeria’s automotive industry,” Mr. Arogundade concluded. “With facilities in Lagos and Abuja serving distinct but complementary markets across Nigeria and the wider region, we are laying the foundation for a new era of mobility — one that is locally rooted, globally competitive, and sustainably driven.”

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 Yerima Usman Shettima on how he came about the ambassadorial title he is parading on campaign posters and political materials,” Musa said.

“He was never officially appointed ambassador by the Nigerian government. The use of such a title is misleading and deceitful to the electorate.”

The group maintained that public office seekers, particularly those aspiring to represent the people at the National Assembly, must demonstrate transparency, honesty and integrity in both public and private conduct.

“Someone seeking a highly coveted Senate seat must be a person of proven integrity. Nigerians deserve leaders who are truthful about their identity, qualifications and background,” Musa added.

The group further warned against what it described as the increasing trend of politicians adopting honorary or unofficial titles to gain political advantage and public sympathy.
According to the group, such practices undermine public trust and weaken democratic values.

They called on relevant authorities, including electoral bodies and anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the matter and ensure that politicians do not misrepresent themselves before the electorate.

Recent remarks by Sani Abdullahi Jaji, an aide to former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari, suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu risks political setbacks in the North in 2027 if Senator Yari leaves the APC, require a balanced response in the interest of factual clarity and party cohesion.

1. Commitment to Tinubu’s 2023 Victory
   In the 2023 presidential elections, the then Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, prioritized the success of President Tinubu over his own gubernatorial re-election. He channeled his political structure, resources, and goodwill toward ensuring Tinubu’s victory nationwide, while others focused on personal electoral ambitions.
2. Grassroots Acceptance and Service to Zamfara Citizens
   Matawalle remains one of the most politically relevant and widely accepted leaders in Zamfara State. His interventions in youth empowerment, women and community support, and education have earned him broad recognition and goodwill across the state, particularly among youths, women, and elders.
3. Leadership in Security and National Defence
   As Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle is actively advancing the Federal Government’s agenda for security reform and indigenous defence production. He is currently engaging international partners to attract investment and technology transfer into Nigeria’s defence sector, with the aim of providing lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the North and the country at large.
4. Loyalty and Party Unity
   Matawalle has consistently demonstrated loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC. He has been instrumental in building bridges and promoting reconciliation among party members and aggrieved stakeholders in the North, reinforcing party unity ahead of future political engagements.
5. Context of Party Dynamics
   The current political discourse in Zamfara reflects the broader realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. It is important that such discussions are guided by verifiable contributions to the party, to national security, and to the welfare of the people.

While acknowledging the contributions of all APC stakeholders, the record shows that Bello Matawalle has played a decisive role in advancing both the electoral success of the President and the strategic interest of Northern Nigeria within the APC.

Signed::

Arewa Democratic Development Forum