By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has suddenly turned into a prayer warrior as he prays that key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the SDP, cited dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s leadership as his reason for defection. His move has sparked speculation about a potential opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai emphasised the need for opposition leaders to unite under one platform.

What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment with the current administration, stating that his initial support for Bola Tinubu was based on the expectation that he would replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level.

El-Rufai stated, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”

Addressing claims that he had betrayed Atiku, El-Rufai clarified that their relationship was professional rather than political.

“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue. When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now?” he added.

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has reaffirmed her commitment to standing in solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan when she formally presents her sexual harassment petition before the Senate.

Kingibe emphasized that she remains unwavering in her advocacy for justice and women’s rights, stating that her stance is rooted in truth rather than political sentiment. She clarified that her actions were never intended to undermine Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio but to ensure due process in handling the matter.

In a statement released to journalists, Kingibe acknowledged the public outcry surrounding the issue and sought to clarify her position.

“As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory in the 10th Senate and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, I recognize the concerns of Nigerians and would like to officially address them,” she stated.

She assured that she would be at the forefront of ensuring that the allegations are thoroughly investigated when they reach the Senate floor.

“I am aware of the ongoing discussions, and I want to set the record straight. My position was never to dismiss or undermine the claims made by my colleague. Rather, I was initially unaware of any such incidents. However, I remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of violence against women and girls,” she added.

Kingibe underscored the need for a fair and transparent investigative process, insisting that sexual harassment allegations must be handled with diligence.

“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally presented to the Senate, it is imperative that the matter is investigated thoroughly using the appropriate mechanisms within the institution. The office I chair—the Senate Committee on Women Affairs—serves as a beacon of hope, equality, and justice for Nigerian women. Therefore, I demand an open and transparent investigation into these allegations, ensuring justice for all parties involved, regardless of gender, status, or social class,” she asserted.

Advancing Gender Equity and Legislative Efforts
Kingibe reiterated her dedication to championing gender rights and expanding female representation in governance. She revealed that she is actively working on legislative initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity, including the 35% Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women in governance.

“The Gender Equity Bill 2025 (SB 743), which I am sponsoring, has passed its first reading and is now awaiting a second reading. This bill is critical in ensuring increased political representation for women across all sectors,” she noted.

Furthermore, she reaffirmed her commitment to good governance and dispelled any misinformation suggesting she sympathizes with sexual harassment in any form.

“Any claims attempting to portray me as indifferent to sexual harassment, whether in the Senate or elsewhere, should be disregarded. As a leader and senator, I will never do anything to betray the trust of the people,” she stated.

A Call for Justice and Accountability
Kingibe concluded by reiterating her dedication to upholding democracy, fairness, and justice in Nigeria.

“I remain resolute in my service to the Nigerian people and committed to fostering a democracy where justice, fairness, and equality prevail. I urge all Nigerians, especially women, to remain steadfast in demanding accountability and justice in all aspects of governance,” she declared.

Her statement comes amid growing calls for institutional reforms to address sexual harassment and gender-based violence in Nigeria’s political and professional spaces.

Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, has clarified that the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, does not invalidate the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

He made the clarification while speaking to journalists on Friday, Dederi said that the Court of Appeal had already affirmed the Kano State Government’s authority to reinstate Sanusi in a landmark ruling on January 10, 2025.

He stated that it is impossible for the same court to overturn its own decision, adding that only the Supreme Court has the power to do so.

His statement came in response to Friday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal on an application for a stay of execution filed by Alhaji Aminu Baba Dan Agundi, a kingmaker loyal to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. The appeal seeks to suspend the implementation of the ruling until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment.

Dederi explained that the Court of Appeal’s ruling simply maintains the current status quo until the Supreme Court decides on the matter. He stressed that the January 10 judgment remains valid and has not been quashed.

“The Appeal Court today, after hearing their application for a stay of execution, ruled that the status quo should rather be maintained as it is now, until after the judgment of the Supreme Court. The have filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

“It doesn’t mean that the judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, has been quashed. That judgment is still standing and still in place and subsisting. The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own decision. It is not possible. It is only a supreme Court that has the power to set aside the judgment given by a lower court,” Dederi stated.

Sanusi II was originally dethroned as Emir of Kano on March 9, 2020, by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. His removal was attributed to alleged insubordination and conflicts with the state government. Following his dethronement, he was banished to Nasarawa State. However, in May 2024, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf repealed the Kano State Emirate Council Law 2019, which had split the Kano Emirate into five smaller emirates. This paved the way for Sanusi’s reinstatement as the sole Emir of Kano, reversing the previous administration’s decision.

It will be recalled that on January 10, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, led by Justice Mohammad Mustapha, nullified an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Kano, which had invalidated the Kano State Government’s actions under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. This ruling upheld Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s reappointment as Emir.

However, Dan Agundi challenged the verdict at the Supreme Court and also sought a stay of execution to delay its enforcement until the apex court delivers its final ruling.