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By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

In the evolving theatre of Kano politics, the reported move by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is being framed by his loyalists as yet another masterstroke of political relevance. But beneath the familiar choreography of defection lies a more uncomfortable truth, one that Kano’s politically conscious electorate must now confront with clarity and courage.

It is not a reinvention, as they euphorically claimed, it is a repetition. For decades, Kwankwaso has perfected a pattern of movement without ideological migration, defection without doctrinal evolution. From party to party, platform to platform, the constant has never been policy or principle; it has been personal centrality. The political vehicle may change, but the driver remains the same and the destination is invariably power concentrated in one man’s orbit.

For the first time in a long while, the choice before Kano electorates in 2027 is very clear – choosing between two political destinies; politics as personal preservation and politics as public evolution.

The ADC, in this context, risks becoming less a party and more an extension of a familiar enterprise; another platform recalibrated to sustain a personal political ecosystem. It is a model Kano knows too well; loyalty elevated above competence, structure subordinated to personality and dissent quietly erased in the name of movement cohesion.

This is the deeper question: At what point does political consistency give way to political monopoly?

Sen. Kwankwaso’s enduring strength has never been in institutional building but in emotional consolidation, the creation of a movement bound not by shared governance philosophy but by personal allegiance. Such a structure, while formidable in mobilization, is inherently fragile in transition. It struggles to outlive the will of its architect and resists the emergence of alternative voices within its fold. That is precisely where the contrast with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf becomes both striking and significant.

Governor Yusuf’s political realignment, controversial as it may appear on the surface, signals something Kano has long been denied, the assertion of institutional independence over inherited loyalty. In choosing to chart a course outside the shadow of political godfatherism, he has disrupted a long-standing orthodoxy that, leadership in Kano must be tethered to a singular political patriarch.

That was not merely a defection, it was a declaration. A declaration that governance must evolve beyond the boundaries of personal empires. That Kano’s future cannot remain perpetually negotiated within the inner circles of a single political lineage. That leadership must, at some point, belong fully to the people, not proximally to a benefactor.

Critics will argue that politics is, by nature, fluid, that movement between parties is neither new nor inherently problematic. And they would be correct. But fluidity becomes suspect when it consistently flows in one direction, towards the preservation of personal dominance rather than the advancement of public purpose.

What Kano now witnesses is a defining divergence in political philosophy. On one hand, a recycled trajectory, a seasoned tactician seeking renewed relevance through another platform, carrying forward a model anchored in personal command. On the other, an emergent assertion, a sitting governor boldly attempting, however imperfectly, to redraw the boundaries between mentorship and control, loyalty and autonomy.

This moment, therefore, is larger than party labels. It is about the ownership of Kano’s political future. Will it remain the extension of an enduring political dynasty, adaptable in platform but constant in control?
Or will it gradually transition into a more open, institution-driven system where leadership is negotiated by performance rather than predetermined by allegiance?

Sen. Kwankwaso’s move to ADC may yet reshape alliances, energize opposition and reconfigure the electoral map. But it also inadvertently sharpens a narrative that may prove far more consequential, the contrast between politics as personal preservation and politics as public evolution. In that contrast lies the real contest ahead. And perhaps, for the first time in a long while, Kano is not merely choosing between parties, it is choosing between two political destinies.

Barrister Hussaini is the
Convener – “KanoFirst Movement”

On behalf of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and my family, I specially felicitate with our leader, father and President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of your birthday.

Sir, your courageous leadership, firm resolve, and bold reform-driven governance continue to serve as a springboard for a renewed Nigeria, strengthening national confidence and optimism in our shared future.

Your Excellency, we are particularly grateful for your visionary drive toward Nigeria’s energy transformation, especially your support for solarization initiatives and the transition to sustainable energy: an intervention that has illuminated over 37 health and tertiary institutions, MDAs, and numerous rural and urban communities within the last three years.

It is pertinent to note that this practical commitment in your capacity as the board chairman of the ECN, is steadily laying a solid foundation for resilience, innovation, and sustainable national development.

Sir, as you mark this special day, we celebrate the enduring impact of your leadership across critical sectors that drive national progress.

We pray that Almighty God grants you renewed wisdom, sound health, and long life to continue guiding our nation with strength and foresight.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President. The Asiwaju of the Universe!

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi

In a move to boost energy planning within the States of the Federation, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has received the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

This ís as he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with states to address energy shortfalls across critical public infrastructure.

The engagement which focused on advancing the solarization of government buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, and other essential institutions is part of a coordinated national effort to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Abdullahi noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports the decentralization of Nigeria’s energy master plan through the large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologies.

He emphasized that the project will enhance energy access, reduce reliance on the national grid, and promote environmental sustainability.

The Director-General further stated that the initiative is expected to significantly improve energy reliability in public institutions while accelerating Nigeria’s transition to sustainable energy.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly commended the solarization programme and assured that state legislatures would provide the necessary support to ensure its timely and effective implementation.

The solarization project, launched in 2025, is a key component of the Federal Government’s broader clean energy drive aimed at powering public institutions across the country with solar energy.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condoled with former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother.

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Sani described the passing as a profound loss not only to the El-Rufai family but also to Kaduna State and the nation at large.

He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, commending her life of service, community leadership, and the enduring legacy of her motherly care and guidance.

“Her death is a great loss to Kaduna State and the nation at large. We appreciate her life, community leadership, and motherly love,” he said.

Sani also prayed for the repose of her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. He further prayed for strength and comfort for El-Rufai and his family in this moment of grief.

“May Allah console the heart of our former Governor and his family members,” he added.

Reflecting on a personal connection, the former lawmaker noted that the deceased was also the mother of his late childhood friend, Ibrahim Iro El-Rufai, who died in a tragic road accident in 2014.

He concluded with the Islamic expression, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” meaning, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

In moments of political turbulence, leadership is ultimately judged not by loyalty to structures in crises, but by fidelity to the people one serves. The recent ruling of the Apo Judicial Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which recognized the Boniface Aniebonam faction of the NNPP as the legally authentic party and directed INEC accordingly, has brought a decisive clarity to what had long been an increasingly murky and destabilizing internal conflict.

For the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, this judicial pronouncement does more than settle a factional dispute, it vindicates a decision that, at the time it was made, attracted fierce criticism but was rooted in pragmatic foresight and responsibility.

When the Governor chose to part ways with the faction aligned to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the dominant narrative pushed by critics was one of betrayal. Yet, with the benefit of unfolding events and now the weight of judicial affirmation, it is increasingly evident that the decision was not about political convenience but about safeguarding the stability of Kano State.

At the heart of the matter lies a simple but propound principle that governance cannot thrive in the shadow of legal uncertainty and factional paralysis. The protracted crisis within the NNPP had already begun to cast a long shadow over its elected officials, raising legitimate concerns about party legitimacy, electoral mandates and the risks of prolonged litigations.

For a sitting Governor, the implications were stark; whether to remain entangled in a party facing existential legal disputes or chart a course that ensures continuity of governance and protects the mandate entrusted by the people. Governor Yusuf chose the latter.
His defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) must therefore be understood not as an abandonment of political ideals, but as an act of strategic recalibration in the interest of the people. By stepping away from a party embroiled in internal contradictions, now confirmed by the court’s recognition of a rival faction, he effectively insulated Kano from the kind of instability that often accompanies prolonged political and legal crises.

Critically, this move also positioned the state to benefit from stronger alignment with the federal government. In Nigeria’s political economy, access matters. Federal collaboration can accelerate infrastructure development, enhance security coordination and unlock economic opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. In this regard, the governor’s decision reflects a clear prioritization of outcomes over optics and of tangible progress over partisan rigidity.

It is also worth noting that leadership sometimes requires the courage to endure temporary misunderstanding in pursuit of long-term stability. The initial backlash that greeted the governor’s move was, in many ways, inevitable in a political environment deeply shaped by loyalty to personalities and movements. However, as the internal contradictions within the NNPP have now been laid bare through judicial intervention, the logic underpinning Governor AKY’s decision becomes increasingly difficult to dispute.

This is not to suggest that political realignments are without consequence or controversy. They are, by nature, disruptive. But disruption, when guided by a clear commitment to public interest, can be a necessary prelude to stability and progress.
The unfolding reality, therefore, invites a reaffirming of the narrative. Rather than viewing the governor’s defection through the narrow lens of partisan allegiance, it should be seen within the broader context of responsible governance. Faced with a party in disarray and risk of legal and political uncertainty, Abba Kabir Yusuf chose a path that prioritized Kano first, its stability, its development and its future.

In the final analysis, history tends to be kinder to decisions that place people above politics. The recent court ruling does not merely resolve a party dispute, it underscores a deeper truth that in times of crisis, decisive leadership anchored in the public good will always find its justification.
Kano deserves stability; Kano deserves progress and above all, Kano deserves leadership that is willing to make difficult choices.

Barrister Hussaini is the Special Adviser to Governor AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Nigerian Air Force have initiated a strategic partnership to enhance energy security. This development follows a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal E. K. Gabkwet, and the Chief of Logistics, AVM A. I. Sambo, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet expressed appreciation to the DG of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi, for granting the audience and conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Air Staff. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing renewable energy solutions to support anti-terrorism operations. He also requested technical training support from ECN for Air Force personnel and pledged the Air Force’s assistance in logistics, transportation, and other operational areas.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi described the engagement as historic, noting that it is the first of its kind between the ECN and the military. He reiterated the Commission’s mandate to ensure national energy security and highlighted key policy frameworks, including the National Energy Policy (NEP) and the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

The Director-General further outlined ongoing solarisation projects in healthcare facilities and tertiary institutions, assuring the delegation that similar initiatives would be extended to the Nigerian Air Force. He also announced the immediate deployment of solar-powered lighting solutions to support Air Force operations.

Copies of the NEP and NEMP were presented to the delegation, and both parties affirmed that the partnership marks the beginning of sustained collaboration aimed at advancing national development and security.

The meeting was attended by ECN directors and members of the Air Force delegation, including AVM C. E. Akpa, Air Commodore L. O. Wabriboko, Air Commodore A. T. Adejimi, I. O. Akpasa, Squadron Leader A. B. Gambo, and Flight Lieutenant A. M. Aondoakaa.

By Our Correspondent

The Southern Kaduna Autochthones Community Development Associations (SOKACDA) has issued an urgent warning over circulating security alerts indicating planned attacks on Indigenous Christian communities across three local government areas in Southern Kaduna, demanding immediate federal, state, and local government intervention to avert what the body fears could become another mass casualty event.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Samuel T. Achie, SOKACDA said its leadership had monitored the threats for four consecutive days. The body warned that historically, such threats have almost invariably been followed by devastating assaults on farming communities in the region.

“Such threats were made before, and were reported by community leaders to the security agencies and the government,” the statement read, “but timely actions were not taken, and the terrorists subsequently attacked communities and carted away whole villages into slavery for ransom.”

The threatened areas — Kachia, Chikun, and Kajuru counties — have already witnessed the abduction of hundreds of residents over the past three months alone, according to SOKACDA. The Forum attributed the absence of visible government response as the central motivation for going public with the statement.

‘We See No Visible Efforts’

SOKACDA drew a direct line between the current threat environment and the chronic infrastructure deficit in the region, arguing that the lack of motorable roads has consistently denied security operatives access to communities under attack. The body called on Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to urgently fulfil campaign pledges to deliver road rehabilitation, medical facilities, and permanent security posts to affected communities.

“Development cannot be separated from governance,” the statement declared. “Government should fulfil their promises to bring development to our communities.”

SOKACDA further called on elected representatives and political appointees from Southern Kaduna to convene an emergency meeting with the Forum’s leadership, tasking them with developing a joint action plan for lasting peace. The body also urged neighbouring county councils to coordinate strategies that would eliminate safe havens for what it described as Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), bandits, and armed terrorists operating across local government boundaries.

On the question of alleged local collaborators aiding the attackers, SOKACDA was unequivocal: such individuals should face criminal prosecution and cannot be used by security agencies as justification for operational inaction.

Elections Under Threat

In a pointed political dimension, SOKACDA linked the timing of the attacks to deliberate voter suppression ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Forum noted that similar violence disrupted voter participation in the two preceding election cycles, enabling what it described as false claims by “unconscionable politicians” that Southern Kaduna has a naturally low voter population.

“Our resolve to participate actively in voting come 2027 is being threatened by the attacks and displacement of hundreds of thousands of our people from their towns and villages,” the statement said.

SOKACDA disclosed it had already commenced voter enlightenment campaigns across member communities, encouraging residents to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards despite the volatile security environment.

Call for Community-Government Security Partnership

Beyond immediate military or police deployment, SOKACDA called for a structural partnership between government at all levels and community associations as the foundation of a sustainable security architecture. The body argued that the absence of such partnership is precisely the gap exploited by armed groups to inflict repeated violence on civilian populations.

“Security agents cannot be everywhere,” the statement noted. “It is this lack of partnership between communities and the government that the terrorists and criminals exploit to visit destruction on peaceful communities.”

SOKACDA also renewed longstanding demands for economic investment in Southern Kaduna, arguing that targeted job creation for the region’s youth population would address the enabling conditions that fuel recruitment into armed groups.

The Forum closed its statement with a call to self-defence, reminding community members that the protection of life and ancestral land is a fundamental human right, while simultaneously urging government to move decisively before further blood is shed.

SOKACDA represents autochthonous communities across Southern Kaduna and has been a consistent voice in documenting Fulani Terrorist violence in the region, with its statements and documentation cited by international rights bodies including Genocide Watch.

Abigail Adams

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has lauded Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing the decision as a demonstration of commitment to institutional continuity and national security.

In a statement signed by its president, Amb. Abdul DanBature, the group said the extension reflects the administration’s resolve to strengthen agencies responsible for safeguarding lives, property and critical national assets.

AYAGL noted that under Audi’s leadership, the NSCDC has recorded significant improvements in operational efficiency and public perception, citing enhanced protection of critical infrastructure, strengthened intelligence gathering, and improved collaboration with other security agencies.

The group further highlighted the Corps’ achievements in safeguarding oil and gas installations, curbing vandalism, tackling illegal mining and addressing emerging security threats across the country.

The youth organisation also commended President Tinubu for his directive to service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, describing the move as bold and strategic in confronting insecurity, particularly in the North-East.

According to the statement, the relocation is expected to improve coordination among security forces, boost rapid response and reinforce ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in affected communities.

While acknowledging the administration’s efforts, AYAGL urged the president to intensify actions aimed at addressing the nation’s security and socio-economic challenges, noting that citizens’ expectations remain high.

The group also cautioned against politicising national security issues, urging the president to remain focused on delivering purposeful leadership, fostering unity and advancing policies that promote peace, development and prosperity.

It added that issues concerning the safety and well-being of Nigerians should remain above partisan considerations.

AYAGL further extended goodwill to the president and his family ahead of Eid al-Fitr, praying for continued wisdom and strength as he leads the country.

ENDS

A civil society group, the Arewa Peace and Development Forum (APDF), has criticised the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar over what it described as selective commentary on national issues, accusing the revered monarch of failing to address matters concerning former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, during his incarceration, while allegedly focusing attention on the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The Sultan was reportedly quoted as urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release El-Rufai or formally charge him in court.

However, in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Mal Ibrahim Mohammed Musawa, the group expressed concern over what it termed a “troubling silence” regarding the prolonged legal and political controversies surrounding Sambo Dasuki, a son of the Sokoto traditional institution, whose case has remained a subject of national debate.

According to the statement, the Sultan, as a highly respected traditional and religious leader, occupies a unique position that demands balance, neutrality, and consistency in addressing sensitive national issues.

“It is surprising that the Sultan has not deemed it necessary to publicly speak on the Sambo Dasuki matter, which has far-reaching implications for justice, governance, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “Yet, there appears to be a readiness to comment on personalities like El-Rufai, raising questions about fairness and objectivity.”

The forum further noted that leaders of the Sultan’s stature are expected to serve as moral compasses in times of national uncertainty, urging him to adopt a more inclusive approach when addressing issues affecting different segments of the country.

While acknowledging the Sultan’s longstanding contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith harmony, the group warned that selective silence could undermine public confidence in traditional institutions.

It called on the Sultan to clarify his position and ensure that his interventions reflect broader national interest rather than being perceived as targeted or selective.

The development comes amid heightened political discourse across the country, where public figures and institutions are increasingly being scrutinised over their roles and pronouncements on governance, accountability, and justice.

By Mercy Maigana

KADUNA – The controversy surrounding the controversial four-day work and schooling week introduced by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reached a critical juncture, with the Court of Appeal in Kaduna on Wednesday hearing arguments in a case that could determine the policy’s future.

The appellate court convened a special session to hear the appeal filed by Kaduna-based legal practitioner Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, who is challenging the constitutionality of the executive order that has reshaped the work rhythm of the state since December 2021.

In a courtroom brimming with legal minds, a seasoned panel of Justices—comprising Hon. Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, Hon. Justice Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo, and Hon. Justice Sybil Onyeji Nwaka-Gbagi—listened intently as both parties presented their arguments.

Ballason, representing herself as the Appellant, adopted her brief of argument, passionately urging the justices to allow the appeal and set aside the previous ruling of the lower Court. She argues that the policy, which limits work and schooling to four days weekly, has not only affected workforce productivity and disrupted the academic calendar for school children but also impeded her legal practice.

On the other side, a robust legal team led by the Attorney General of Kaduna State, Dr. J.A. Kanyip, stood firm in defense of the state’s position. Flanked by a team of lawyers including A.A. Aku, S.M. Gamaliel, M.P. Danjuma, and Koni Tauna, the Attorney General adopted their brief and urged the court to uphold the lower court’s ruling and dismiss the appeal. Notably, the Minister of Interior, listed as the 4th Respondent, was absent despite proof of service.

After listening to the submissions from both the Appellant and the Respondents, the presiding Justices reserved judgment, promising to deliver a ruling at a later date.

The decision of the appellate court is highly anticipated, as it promises to provide legal clarity on the scope of a governor’s executive powers and the future of the work schedule for thousands of civil servants and students across Kaduna State.