The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Uba Sani breaks 100-year jinx with 35km rural road project in Kaduna 

    Uba Sani breaks 100-year jinx with 35km rural road project in Kaduna 

    Governor Uba Sani has broken a century-old jinx with the construction of a 35-kilometre rural road linking Gadan Gayan in Igabi LGA to Gwaraji and Maraban Kujama in Chikun LGA, and Kauru town in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State.

    The long-abandoned road project has sparked widespread jubilation among residents, who described the development as transformational and life-changing.

    During an inspection led by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, grateful community members shared how the road has improved transportation and boosted livelihoods.

    Daniel Samuel, a healthcare worker from Gwaraji, called the road a “game-changer,” noting that the previously unsafe and costly journey from Maraban Kujama to his workplace in Igabi is now smooth, safe, and more affordable.

    “I now ride my bike to work instead of relying on expensive and unreliable public transport. This road has saved me money and time,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    Another resident, Ibrahim Ardo, said the road had connected communities that had existed for over a century without proper infrastructure. He recalled that the only way to reach Kunfana from Gwaraji in the past was by canoe across the River Kaduna.

    “With the new bridge and road, commerce is flowing, and hope is returning. This project is beyond infrastructure — it’s a new lease of life,” Ardo said.

    Comrade Samuel Musa from Kauru town also recounted the impact of the newly constructed road linking Kauru to Pambeguwa in Kubau LGA. According to him, a trip that previously took two hours now takes less than 20 minutes.

    “This is a big relief for our farming communities. We can now transport our produce to markets with ease and at less cost,” he said.

    Speaking during the tour, Dr. Baba Ahmed said the 35km road was one of several rural transformation projects being championed by Governor Uba Sani to bridge the urban-rural divide.

    “This project is not just about connectivity; it’s about economic inclusion, social integration, and job creation,” he said.

    He noted that the improved road network would allow farmers in the region to access markets more efficiently and boost Kaduna’s agricultural potential.

    The KADRA boss also charged contractors handling state infrastructure projects to maintain high standards, assuring that KADRA would sustain strict supervision to ensure value for money and long-term durability.

    “Our goal is to deliver quality infrastructure that promotes growth, fosters development, and improves the quality of life for all citizens of Kaduna State,” Dr. Ahmed added.

  • Niger govt urges riverside communities to relocate as flood warnings intensify

    Niger govt urges riverside communities to relocate as flood warnings intensify

    The Niger State Government has called on residents living along riversides to heed federal flood warnings and begin relocating to safer areas, as heavy rainfall and potential flooding loom across several states, including Niger.

    This appeal follows a forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted widespread thunderstorms and heavy rains likely to trigger flooding in 15 states. 

    The Federal Ministry of Environment also identified 38 high-risk locations across the country in a warning issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre.

    In a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the state government emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that proactive measures must be taken to prevent a repeat of the recent Mokwa flood disaster, which claimed over 200 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

    “Niger State is one of the most flood-prone in the country, with over 2,000 riverside communities across 15 local government areas,” Vatsa said. “We must not wait for another catastrophe before taking action.”

    He urged residents to take the federal warnings seriously and begin relocating immediately. 

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    To demonstrate its commitment, the state government is launching a statewide awareness and sensitisation campaign, targeting flood-prone communities and encouraging residents to temporarily leave their ancestral homes for safety.

    Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads have also been called upon to assist in spreading the message and encouraging compliance with safety measures.

  • Benue’s Jukun Wanu urge Tinubu to rescue them from state neglect 

    Benue’s Jukun Wanu urge Tinubu to rescue them from state neglect 

    The Jukun Wanu ethnic communities in Benue State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the resolution of the age-long marginalisation and inhumane treatment of its people by successive administrations in the state. 

    President of National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUW), Engr. Moses Amankye who addressed news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said because of decades of neglect, the Jukun Wanu communities, especially those residing in Makurdi – the state capital, Guma, Logo, and other local government areas have become vulnerable in the face of the ongoing herders-farmers conflict in the state. 

    The Baga Jukun of North-Bank Makurdi, Chief Dangana Audu was in attendance, while the Secretary-General of NAJUWA, Musa Atase read the text of the news conference. 

    Amankye highlighted the pains and predicament the Jukun-Wanu people of Benue State face as a result of deeply entrenched and systemic marginalisation of the communities in the State by Tiv people he described as the major ethnic nationality in Benue. 

    According to him, the Jukun Wanu people have been marginalised from the scheme of things in the state, saying the communities are left without representation in government either at state or national level with the situation exacerbated by complete absence of social amenities. 

    READ ALSO: Lagos unveils Nigeria’s first LG-owned radio station

    “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow over the injustices we continue to face, but we remain resolute in our commitment to peace, justice, and truth.

    “There is a complete absence of government infrastructure and services in our communities—no secondary schools, no hospitals, no roads, and no access to clean water,” Amankye said.

    He added, “Our heritage and identity; the Jukun Wanu, riverine descendants of the historic Kwararafa Empire, are a people with a rich and well-documented heritage. Our longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence and hospitality is evident in our relationships with neighboring communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa states. 

    “In Benue State alone, Jukun Wanu communities are found in about 21 locations across Makurdi, Guma, and Logo Local Government Areas.

    “Despite being the original inhabitants and rightful custodians of lands now comprising 14 Local Government Areas, we have endured marginalization, suppression, and inhumane treatment.

    “Our history and identity have been repeatedly challenged and distorted, yet we have consistently chosen dialogue and lawful means over retaliation.”

    He said there was the urgent need to  address the global community through the media because of the persistent misrepresentation, bullying, and dispossession faced by the Jukun Wanu people, saying the Association is particularly troubled by the escalation of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, which has led to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

    “The media is replete with allegations, and the response from authorities has often been inadequate, leaving our communities vulnerable,” he stated.

    Amankye, therefore, called on President Tinubu to intervene by urging the Benue State Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia to consider and act on the review of Chieftaincy Laws, saying the Benue State Traditional Council and Chieftaincy Laws of 2016 must be reviewed and amended to formally recognise the traditional stools and leadership structures of the Jukun-Wanu people.

    He equally called on the Federal and State Governments to implement the recommendations of past commissions of enquiry into the Tiv-Jukun-Wanu conflict—most notably:

     -the Justice Oki Commission Report (1995); the Commassie Commission Report (2003). 

    NAJUWA also demanded the formal reinstatement and recognition of Jukun Wanu historic chiefdoms at Abinsi and Agyogo (Wurkum Makurdi), in line with the 1934 documentation of the Jukun-Wanu Chiefdom.

    Other demands of the Association include, grading of traditional stools, noting the Jukun Wanu traditional leadership structures should be formally graded and incorporated into the state’s chieftaincy framework.

    “We seek immediate government intervention to provide functional secondary schools, health care centers and hospitals, roads and drainage systems, potable water and other essential public utilities,” Amankye stated. 

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Association towards ensuring peaceful co-existence with other communities in the state, insisting however that there must be justice, inclusion, and equity for the Jukun-Wanu people. 

    He added: “We demand our rightful place in the socio-political and economic structure of Benue State and Nigeria at large.”

    ​

  • SPRiNG programme backs inter-state collaboration for peace in Benue Valley

    SPRiNG programme backs inter-state collaboration for peace in Benue Valley

    The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Samuel Ode, has called on national and international stakeholders to deepen their commitment to peace and security in the Benue Valley, stressing the importance of collaboration across state boundaries to tackle persistent conflicts in the region.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day Interstate Workshop on Collaborative Approaches to Enhancing Peacebuilding in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, Barr. Ode urged participants to view peacebuilding as “a journey, not a destination.”

    “Our shared borders mean our destinies are interconnected. Strengthening coordination and collaboration across these states is the only way we can truly secure our communities from conflict and external threats”, he said.

    The workshop, held in Makurdi, was convened by the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BECPR) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme. 

    It brought together representatives of government, civil society, traditional institutions, and international partners committed to fostering regional peace.

    Addressing the gathering, Director General of BECPR, Ms. Josephine Habah, called for a holistic approach to conflict resolution. 

    “As we foster partnerships among the three states, my expectation is that we empower the traditional and religious leaders who truly hold their communities. We must dig deep to understand the real root causes of conflict — not just farmer-herder clashes — and co-create meaningful, long-term strategies for peace.”,” she said.

    The two-day workshop focused on the root causes of violent conflict in the region, including farmer-herder clashes, illegal mining, and boundary disputes — all of which have led to widespread displacement, loss of livelihoods, and heightened insecurity in North Central Nigeria.

    Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, SPRiNG Team Lead, underlined the programme’s broader objective of promoting systemic change through inclusive engagement. 

    “SPRiNG is about behavioural and institutional change. We work with governments, civil society, and communities to promote non-violent approaches to conflict resolution. This workshop reflects our belief that sustainable peace requires collaboration across state borders, inclusive engagement, and trust-building among all stakeholders”, he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Graham Gass, Senior Social Development Adviser at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting grassroots and policy-level interventions. 

    “We designed the SPRiNG programme to support well-meaning stakeholders in their search for peaceful, practical solutions to the complex conflicts affecting Nigeria’s North Central region. This workshop must lead to concrete, timely actions that make sense within the realities of the communities affected. Only through collaboration, mutual understanding, and follow-through can we truly shift from conflict to sustainable peace”, he said.

    At the close of the workshop, participants developed a joint action plan outlining several commitments aimed at addressing the region’s challenges. 

    These include the establishment of a defined framework for interstate conflict prevention and resolution, improved governance of natural resources through community participation, revitalisation of degraded grazing reserves, and the strengthening of local peace architectures by training community peace advocates and linking peacebuilding to long-term development planning.

    The workshop marked a major milestone in efforts to institutionalise peace mechanisms across state lines. SPRiNG will continue to provide technical support, conduct research, and promote community-led initiatives to ensure the action plan is implemented effectively and aligns with broader efforts to reduce violence and build climate resilience.

    The SPRiNG Programme is a four-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

    It aims to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management, boost public confidence in governance structures, and create sustainable incentives for peace in Nigeria’s most conflict-affected regions.

  • Tinubu will inherit Buhari’s northern support base — Arewa Think Tank

    Tinubu will inherit Buhari’s northern support base — Arewa Think Tank

    A northern socio-political group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring the late former President Muhammadu Buhari with a befitting state burial in Daura, Katsina State.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the group’s convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described the gesture as a mark of deep respect for Buhari and a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to national unity.

    Yakubu noted that the move has further endeared Tinubu to the North and positioned him to inherit Buhari’s widespread support base in the region. 

    He expressed confidence that, like Buhari who secured over 12 million votes from the North in the 2019 presidential election, President Tinubu could enjoy similar electoral strength due to the growing trust in his leadership.

    According to him, “The befitting state burial was not only a mark of honour for Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria, but also a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership capacity and his ability to foster unity across the country.”

    He urged Nigerians to give President Tinubu the opportunity to deliver on his promises and consolidate on the gains made under Buhari, especially in the areas of economic stability, security, and democratic governance.

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    “The people of Northern Nigeria appreciate President Tinubu’s thoughtful gesture and will surely reciprocate with their votes in future elections,” Yakubu said.

    He added: “Northern voters have always stood by leaders who demonstrate genuine commitment to national development. From what we have seen, President Tinubu is building on the foundations laid by his predecessors and is determined to take Nigeria to greater heights.”

    Yakubu noted that the late Buhari would be remembered for his efforts to stabilise the economy, improve security and deepen democracy, stressing that Tinubu’s decision to honour him with a dignified state burial underscored his own statesmanship.

    “By granting Buhari this befitting farewell, President Tinubu has shown that he is a leader who respects history, honours the sacrifices of those before him, and is ready to work with all stakeholders to build a better Nigeria,” he said.

    The ATT Convener further urged Nigerians across political and regional divides to rally behind President Tinubu and support his administration’s policies aimed at fostering national development and unity.

    He concluded by reiterating that the people of the North would stand solidly behind President Tinubu, confident that he would sustain the legacies of past administrations while charting new paths for the nation’s progress.

  • Ex-presidential aide Imoukhuede pays tribute to Buhari

    Ex-presidential aide Imoukhuede pays tribute to Buhari

    Afolabi Imoukhuede, former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, has paid glowing tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82.

    In a heartfelt statement, Imoukhuede described Buhari as “a general, a leader, and a statesman,” noting that serving under his administration was a defining moment in his career and a turning point for youth empowerment in Nigeria.

    He recalled his role as the SSA on Job Creation and Youth Employment, particularly in delivering the N-Power programme, one of the flagship initiatives of the Buhari administration under the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP).

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    “My Principal, as his SSA-P on Job Creation and Youth Employment, delivering the N-Power Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Programme was one of the high points of his administration,” Imoukhuede said. “Thank you for your service, your leadership, and for giving me the opportunity to serve my fatherland.”

    The N-Power programme, launched in 2016, provided job placements, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support to hundreds of thousands of Nigerian youths, significantly addressing youth unemployment and poverty.

    Imoukhuede concluded his tribute by praying for comfort for Buhari’s family, the people of Daura and Katsina State, and the nation at large.

  • Ignorance biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy — PAACA boss

    Ignorance biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy — PAACA boss

    Widespread ignorance among citizens has been identified as the biggest threat confronting Nigeria’s electoral process and democracy, warning that unless it is urgently addressed, efforts to deepen democracy ahead of 2027 polls will remain superficial.

    Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, stated this while speaking at a one-day town hall meeting on electoral reform organised by PAACA in Kaduna on Wednesday, adding that, the organisation had been traversing the country’s geopolitical zones to sensitise citizens on the electoral process, its inherent challenges, and recent innovations that could strengthen democracy if properly understood.

    According to him, “It’s been very humbling. Across the country, more and more people are eager to understand how the process works. Once they do, we’ll have a better electoral environment by 2027,” he said. But he quickly added:

    “The biggest challenge remains ignorance. In a hall of 30 people, we found only six who even had copies of the Electoral Act or the Constitution. If citizens don’t engage with the documents that govern elections, what we’re treating are mere symptoms, not the root cause.”

    Nwagwu highlighted how PAACA, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, is working with partners to demystify the electoral process and empower citizens to ask tough questions and hold politicians accountable.

    He also pointed to major improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system which, he noted, often go uncelebrated.

    “The introduction of technologies like BVAS and the IReV has quietly revolutionised the process. For example, in Anambra, candidate nominations closed without the usual noise about substitutions. This is because INEC’s new upload system blocked politicians from besieging the commission at the last minute with conflicting lists,” he explained.

    According to him, BVAS has similarly curtailed bloated voter registers by verifying identities on Election Day. “Before, some states had inflated registers but recorded half the turnout. Now, the biometric system has fixed that. These are incremental gains we must acknowledge even as we push for more improvements,” he said.

    Nwagwu urged journalists not to only focus on electoral flaws but also spotlight systemic shifts that could gradually deepen democratic culture. “While we keep an eye on what didn’t go well, we must also highlight progress. That’s how to build trust and sustain reforms,” he stressed.

    Also speaking at the event, Kaduna State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Danjuma Makama, said the agency remained committed to educating citizens on electoral laws, party symbols and voting procedures. He noted that during the 2023 elections, NOA worked to combat vote buying and electoral violence through grassroots campaigns.

    “The last elections exposed both our vulnerabilities and strengths. We saw voter inducement and violence, but also resilience. Going forward, NOA will intensify efforts to promote peaceful participation and voter education,” Makama assured.

    On his part, Chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Kaduna, Mr Mikailu Abubakar, described electoral reform as “a national imperative.” He called for further strengthening of INEC’s independence, electronic transmission of results, improved security for voters and officials, and deliberate inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

    “Our democracy must reflect fairness and equal opportunity for all. These town halls are essential platforms for advocacy and institutional change,” he said, urging participants to approach discussions with patriotism and an open mind.

    Read Also: PAACA lauds Tinubu, INEC for sacking three suspended RECs

    Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CSC Ndan Nicholas Kur emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies, INEC, political parties and the media to secure the electoral space.

    Kur said the 2023 elections offered vital lessons, citing INEC’s own data showing an 11.27% increase in registered voters and over 180 incidents of violence across 18 states, with Kano topping the chart. “Strengthening inter-agency coordination, civic education, and conflict resolution mechanisms are key as we move forward,” he said.

    The town hall concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to push for credible, inclusive and technology-driven elections that truly reflect the will of Nigerians.

  • NUTGTWN, FEPSAN mourn Buhari, hail his commitment to industrial, agricultural revival

    NUTGTWN, FEPSAN mourn Buhari, hail his commitment to industrial, agricultural revival

    The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) have joined millions of Nigerians and the international community to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as a huge loss to the nation.

    NUTGTWN, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Peters Godonu, and General Secretary, Ali Baba, recalled Buhari’s pivotal role in championing policies that sought to revive Nigeria’s moribund textile industry, create decent jobs, and promote industrial growth.

    The union noted that President Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London after a prolonged illness, was the first Nigerian leader to grant audience to its leadership, during which he promised to reverse the decline in the textile sector and return it to its glory days.

    “During his 2015 campaign, he was perhaps the only candidate who made textile revival a major campaign issue. As President, his policies laid a solid foundation for the revival of industries, particularly textiles,” the union stated.

    They highlighted Buhari’s introduction of a comprehensive Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) policy, firm support for Executive Order 003 mandating local content in public procurement, and the Central Bank-backed funding support for industries as landmark initiatives that buoyed local production and rekindled hope among workers.

    “In recognition of his commendable efforts to revive the textile industry, our National Executive Council conferred on him the title of Honorary Member of the Union,” the statement added.

    Read Also: Shettima, governors head to Daura for Buhari’s third-day prayer

    Similarly, FEPSAN, in a tribute signed by its President, Alhaji Sadiq Kassim, said Buhari would be remembered as a principled and resolute leader whose tenure significantly impacted Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

    “Throughout his time in office, he remained committed to the agricultural sector as a driver for economic development. We pay tribute to his life and enduring legacy and salute his contribution to the advancement of Africa’s unity and voice on the global stage,” Kassim said.

    Both organisations prayed for the repose of Buhari’s soul and urged Nigerians to sustain his vision for a stronger, self-reliant and industrially vibrant nation.

  • Why APC must woo Kwankwaso back: A Northern force too potent to ignore

    Why APC must woo Kwankwaso back: A Northern force too potent to ignore

    By: Goni Mustapha 

    As Nigeria gently edges closer to the decisive threshold of 2027, the political atmosphere is already thick with permutations, alliances, and shadowboxing. At the heart of the emerging northern narrative stands one man whose presence is as towering as it is undeniable — Engineer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. In a region as complex and electorally consequential as Northern Nigeria, Kwankwaso’s influence is not just a factor. It is the factor. If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is to make meaningful inroads into the northern strongholds and maintain a firm grip on power, it must face reality — and that reality spells K-W-A-N-K-W-A-S-O.

    Kwankwaso is not merely a politician; he is a phenomenon. In the arid landscapes of Kano and across the Sahelian belt of Nigeria’s northern plains, he is regarded with almost mythical reverence. His name resonates from the muddy alleys of Kurna Asabe to the sun-scorched farmlands of Katsina. To the talakawa (commoners), he is not just a leader — he is Mai Gida, the man who never abandoned them, the red-capped crusader who speaks their language, walks their path, and shares their pain.

    For a party that seeks to maintain dominance in the country’s northern region, it is impossible to overlook a figure who commands the hearts and loyalty of millions. The APC, though still the dominant national party, cannot afford the luxury of complacency — not with the rising tide of discontent, economic challenges, and fraying internal cohesion. To consolidate power and neutralize any looming threat from rival camps, the ruling party must do more than watch from the sidelines. It must act — deliberately, strategically, and humbly. And part of that action must involve extending an olive branch to Engineer Kwankwaso.

    The power of the Red Cap

    What sets Kwankwaso apart is not just his political experience — which spans over three decades — but his grassroots machinery that has been tested and trusted in the furnace of northern politics. The Kwankwasiyya Movement is not a symbolic group of admirers; it is an army of believers. With unmatched organizational depth, visible branding, and ideological loyalty, the Kwankwasiyya movement is Nigeria’s closest model to a people-powered revolution within a democratic framework. From the motorcyclist to the university professor, his followers cut across age, education, and class. Their red caps are not just fashion statements — they are worn as badges of faith, loyalty, and resistance against political betrayal.

    The APC leadership must be reminded: political power is not won solely in Abuja boardrooms or elite dinner tables. It is built in the dusty, sunburnt streets of Kano, the rural courtyards of Jigawa, and the crowded mosques of Zaria. That is where Kwankwaso reigns.

    Tinubu’s 2027 Bid and the Kwankwaso Variable

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no stranger to the chessboard of Nigerian politics. His 2023 victory was a culmination of decades of strategic planning, political alliance-building, and relentless ambition. Yet, even he would agree that 2027 will be an uphill climb. The post-2023 electoral landscape has left the APC fractured in pockets and bruised in spirit. With the PDP regrouping and the Labour Party slowly extending its reach, the party must circle its wagons and fortify its base.

    In this context, Kwankwaso is not just a desirable ally — he is a necessary one.

    His participation in the 2023 elections under the NNPP not only reshaped the political outcome in Kano, but also exposed the vulnerabilities of the APC in the region. The fact that the NNPP, a party with minimal national structure, could sweep Kano State under Kwankwaso’s direction, should serve as a wake-up call. Kano, with over five million registered voters, is too strategic to be left in opposition hands. And there is only one man capable of delivering it on a silver platter — Kwankwaso.

    Mending Old Fences, Building New Bridges

    Some would argue that political bridges between Kwankwaso and the APC were once burned beyond repair. But history tells us otherwise. Nigerian politics is a dance of shifting alliances and redefined relationships. Enemies today are allies tomorrow. After all, was it not Tinubu who once realigned with former adversaries to build the formidable APC? Was it not Kwankwaso who left the PDP to help birth that same APC in 2013 before his eventual exit?

    Reconciliation is not weakness. It is statesmanship.

     This point was eloquently echoed by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima during a recent book presentation by former Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke. In a moment of subtle diplomacy wrapped in praise, Shettima referred to Kwankwaso as the “fire-spitting leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement”, extolling the former governor’s charisma and political might. In what appeared to be a deliberate olive branch, he hailed him as “Kwankwaso of NNPP/APP/APC” and went on to state: “We are all one.” This phrase — simple yet profound — symbolized a clear message: the door is open. “What binds us together surpasses whatever divides us,” the Vice President noted, in what many analysts interpreted as a strategic overture to bring Kwankwaso back into the APC fold.

    Such recognition from a figure as highly placed as Shettima underscores Kwankwaso’s political weight and hints at the growing consensus within APC that the party cannot afford to leave such influence outside its gates. Perhaps it is his vast following, strategic intelligence, and unmatched connection with the grassroots that puts Kwankwaso a step ahead of any politician in the region.

    A Rallying Call for Strategic Inclusion

    To ignore Kwankwaso is to gamble with the future. The APC must not allow ego or old rivalries to blind its vision. The party needs the vigor of his voice, the weight of his followership, and the reach of his political network. With Kwankwaso back under the APC umbrella, a North-West consolidation becomes a real prospect, not just a dream.

    This is not the time for overconfidence. It is a season to embrace strength where it exists and forge alliances where possible. The beauty of democracy lies in diversity, and no party has ever succeeded by alienating powerful constituencies.

    Let this then be a rallying call to the APC hierarchy: Facify Kwankwaso — not out of desperation, but out of wisdom. Let this not be a tale of missed opportunity or a tragic repeat of 2023’s miscalculations. Let this be the moment the ruling party opened its arms, reimagined its strategy, and expanded its tent.

    In Conclusion: When the Eagle Soars, Let the Falcon Fly

    Kwankwaso is a falcon whose wingspan covers the entire northern political skyline. He is not a man that can be ignored. He is a movement, a mindset, and a manifestation of the northern soul. The APC must rise above internal misgivings and do what is politically right — not just for its survival, but for national cohesion.

    It is time for the eagle (APC) to fly higher, but even the eagle needs companions in the sky. In Kwankwaso, the party has a falcon whose altitude could direct the wind in 2027. Let the ruling party reach out, negotiate with grace, and welcome him back — not just into the party, but into the future.

    Goni Mustapha, writes from Maiduguri

  • North Central APC group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    North Central APC group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    The North Central APC Accord, a political pressure group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally endorsed Senator Mohammed Sani Musa as the next national chairman of the party, following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In a statement jointly signed by its President, Rev. Matthias Ikani, and Secretary General, Ambassador Moses Audu, the group described Senator Musa as “the most credible and unifying option” for a party at a crossroads, and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC to cede the position to the North Central zone in the interest of fairness, stability, and renewed internal cohesion.

    “We make this call not on the basis of mere sentiment, but from a long-standing conviction that Senator Sani Musa represents the future of progressive leadership in our party. He is calm, visionary, tested and trusted. In a time when our party needs internal healing and national balance, Senator Musa is the bridge between legacy and future,” the statement reads.

    The group argued that since the party’s inception in 2013, the North Central has remained one of the most loyal and consistent support bases for the APC, delivering crucial victories in national elections, yet repeatedly overlooked in the zoning of strategic positions, including the chairmanship.

    “This is a matter of equity and justice. Our region has played its part in building and sustaining this party from the days of the CPC-ACN merger. Yet, the North Central has never produced a substantive national chairman. Now that a vacancy has emerged, it is both timely and just that we are given the opportunity to lead — and Senator Musa is best positioned to take up that mantle,” the group added. 

    Senator Musa, who represents Niger East in the Senate and currently chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, is widely seen as an experienced hand in both legislative and party affairs.

    “He has no baggage, no history of factionalism, and no record of backroom deals that damage public trust. We have watched Senator Musa closely — in his constituency, on the floor of the Senate, and within the party. He exudes discipline, strategic thinking, and humility. These are the qualities our party needs at the center right now,” the statement added. 

    The North Central APC Accord warned that imposing a chairman from outside the zone, or one lacking grassroots acceptance, could further fracture the party and diminish public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “Our democracy is maturing, and the APC must reflect that maturity. Leadership cannot be reduced to reward systems or political survival tactics. It must reflect balance, inclusion, and merit. Senator Musa represents a safe pair of hands, someone who will not alienate key blocs, and who understands the national character of our party.”

    Read Also: Group backs Sani Musa for national chairman, seeks Tinubu’s support

    The group also appealed to President Tinubu to lead by example and support the move toward inclusion, fairness and internal democracy — values he once championed in his years as national leader of the party.

    “The President has a historic opportunity here to reinforce the unity of the party by supporting a process that is inclusive and consultative. We know the kind of legacy Mr. President wants to leave behind. Supporting Senator Musa as national chairman is a firm step in that direction.”

    Calling on other stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones, the North Central APC Accord said the time has come to “restore integrity, loyalty and inclusiveness to the leadership of the party”, warning against a return to divisive politicking and elite capture.

    “We are not asking for a handout. We are demanding what is right — for the North Central, and for the APC. We do not want a party driven by the whims of a few; we want a party led by visionaries who will secure its future,” the statement said.

    Several youth and women groups across the country have also announced their endorsements in recent days, calling him “a servant leader with the right temperament”.