Politics
Disquiet, heavy security as Kano Gov joins APC
There was a tense atmosphere and disquiet in Kano state on Monday, following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was rescheduled to Monday after the January 5 date.
Governor Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP but decided to join the ruling APC to improve on his development efforts in the state, his aides say.
It was also learnt that Yusuf’s decision stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP that could jeopardise his mandate.
Although, there was no official speech from the State Government or formal ceremony heralding the defection, it was clear that the Governor and his administration were no longer of the NNPP platform.
Unlike before the defection, some government officials were walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with the infinity insignia of the famous President Bola Tinubu’s freedom cap.
The Tinubu cap had surfaced since Sunday at a Government House function attended by the Governor and cabinet members.
The NNPP flag at the main entrance to the seat of power was removed leaving the pole naked, while new national flags were flying.
The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also seen removed when The Nation correspondent visited the two premises.
Senior government officials were not in their offices, except their junior counterparts spotted holding talks in groups.
The discussants did not wear the Kwankwasiyya caps and their discussions were not without the defection.
Heavy security apparatuses, including armoured tanks and personnel, were deployed at the State Government House.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS) and those of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen tightening security at the gate of the State House.
A grapevine source told The Nation that the Governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.
“We are no longer in NNPP. The most important things about the defection to APC have been done and the process is still ongoing,” a member of the cabinet told The Nation on Monday.
Credible sources told The Nation that Yusuf was billed to fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu, having defected.
It was gathered the ceremony was skipped to avoid violence between the governor’s supporters and those of his benefactor Rabiu Kwankwaso who has kicked against the defection.
Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano, who doubles as factional leader of the NNPP, has vehemently disapproved the move, insisting that the governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.
The disagreement between Yusuf and Yusuf has divided the state.
It was however, gathered Governor Yusuf decamped with all the chairmen of local government councils and all NNPP House of Assembly members to the APC.
Politics
Former PDP National Women Leader Joins APC
A former National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hajiya Maria Waziri, has left the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State.
Waziri made her decision public on Monday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, where she arrived with a group of her supporters to formally register with the APC.
She was received by the state governor, Nasir Idris, who praised her move and described it as coming at the right time for the party and the state.
The governor assured Waziri and those who came with her that they would be fully accepted into the APC without discrimination.
Idris said the ruling party remained open to all politicians who were ready to contribute to the development of Kebbi State.
He added that his administration would continue to focus on projects and policies that improve the lives of residents, regardless of their political background.
The governor also spoke about his personal relationship with Waziri, noting that he was familiar with her experience and political strength and believed she would add value to the party and the state.
The APC chairman in Kebbi State, Abubakar Kana-Zuru, also welcomed the former PDP leader and her supporters.
He assured them that they would enjoy equal rights and opportunities within the party, just like other members.
Kana-Zuru pointed to the achievements of the current administration in the state and said Waziri’s decision to join the APC showed confidence in the direction of the government.
Speaking on her decision, Waziri explained that her move was influenced by the performance of the APC-led government in Kebbi State and at the national level. She noted that this was her first time changing political parties in about 20 years.
She said she had spent most of her political life in opposition and chose to remain there until now, but recent developments in governance convinced her to take a new path.
Politics
2027: APC Members Push For Ambode
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have said the candidacy of former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, in the 2027 governorship election will make the party’s electoral victory seamless in the state.
The party members made this declaration during the South-South APC Lagos State Women Forum PVC Sensitisation Exercise and APC e-Registration Mobilisation held in Ikorodu area of the state that was propelled by the Tinubu – Ambode Support Group.
The party faithful, women leaders, and grassroots mobilizers had gathered at the event to strengthen the party’s base and encourage wider political participation.
In her address at the event, group women leader, Mrs. Justina Osara, emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Governor Ambode remained symbols of purposeful leadership, visionary governance, and people-oriented administration.
Osara noted that Ambode’s track record in office speaks volumes, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, public service reforms, and inclusive governance.
According to her, Ambode’s re-emergence on the political stage would bring renewed confidence, unity, and strategic direction to APC, especially at the grassroots level where his policies and projects positively impacted ordinary citizens.
She commended women leaders from the South-South community for their commitment to democratic participation through PVC sensitisation and active involvement in the APC e-registration process, describing them as the backbone of grassroots mobilisation and a critical force in shaping electoral success.
Speakers at the event described former Governor Ambode as a leader who listens, delivers, and prioritizes the welfare of the people, and further described him as a bridge-builder, a technocrat with a human face, and a dependable political asset whose leadership style aligns with the aspirations of party members and the general populace.
They concluded by assuring APC members that with renewed mobilisation, unity, and the strategic inclusion of experienced leaders like Ambode, the party stands on a stronger footing to achieve greater electoral victories and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Lagos State and beyond.
They urged all members, especially women and youth, to continue participating actively in PVC registration, party e-registration, and grassroots mobilisation, stressing that collective effort was key to securing a more prosperous future for the APC.
Politics
2027 presidency: Kwankwaso supporters propose joint ticket with Obi
The Kwankwaso Support Group 2027 has proposed a joint presidential ticket pairing former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, with Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
Speaking in Kano on Friday, the leader of the group, Abba Gwale, stated that as loyal supporters of Senator Kwankwaso, they found it necessary to appeal to Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, describing it as a chance to rescue the nation from its current challenges.
‘As Kwankwaso supporters and loyalists, we have proposed and thrown our weight behind the joint presidential ticket, especially with Peter Obi, in any of the political parties. The current political trajectory has shown where the tide is shifting.
‘If the duo gets a mandate in the upcoming election, Nigeria will be a better place. For real, we’re tired of insecurity, hunger, and starvation.
‘We want a political alliance to bring together Obi’s strong support base in the South and Kwankwaso’s formidable support in the North, creating a powerful coalition that could potentially shake up the political landscape. With this partnership, the duo is poised to give the ruling party a run for their money.
‘At the heart of this alliance is a shared ambition to wrestle power from the ruling APC and bring about meaningful change to Nigeria. Both Obi and Kwankwaso have consistently emphasised their commitment to assisting the common man in Nigeria, and their partnership is seen as a key step towards achieving this goal’, he said.
Gwale, who hails from the same constituency as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, further explained that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket is banking on a wave of popular discontent with the current administration, adding that their message of hope and change is resonating with many Nigerians. He added that with their combined strength, they are emerging as a formidable challenger to the ruling party.
‘As 2027 approaches, all eyes are on the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance to see how they will capitalise on this momentum and translate it into votes. One thing is certain — the duo is determined to shake things up and bring about a new era of politics in Nigeria’, Gwale added.
On Kwankwaso’s alleged demands for a significant number of positions from the ruling APC as part of joining the party, Gwale noted that if there were anything like that, it should be seen as outrageous, given the calibre of the former governor.
According to him, Kwankwaso has presented the best demands that can cater to the needs of his supporters and party members across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
‘Supporters of Kwankwaso cut across every divide, especially among ordinary Nigerians who are living from hand to mouth’, Gwale added.
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