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Christian Pilgrimage: Kaduna Christian Group Commends Uba Sani, Condemns El-Rufai

Christian Pilgrimage: Kaduna Christian Group Commends Uba Sani, Condemns El-Rufai

A faith-based advocacy group, Christian Forum for Peaceful and United Kaduna, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for reinstating the Christian pilgrimage scheme in the state, describing the move as bold, inclusive and a step toward rebuilding trust between government and the Christian community.

The group, in a statement issued in Kaduna, applauded the governor for approving the 2025 Christian pilgrimage and facilitating an orientation programme for 50 intending pilgrims held on February 17, 2026.

In the statement signed by the Secretary , Reverend Ishaya Bulus ,the group said, “The development marks the return of the programme after it was suspended in 2015 by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose administration also scrapped the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

According to the forum, the reinstatement signals a renewed commitment to fairness and religious harmony in the state.

“We commend Governor Uba Sani for taking a courageous and just decision to reinstate the Christian pilgrimage scheme. This is a testament to inclusivity, equity and a genuine desire to strengthen unity among the diverse religious communities in Kaduna State,” the statement read.

The group recalled that it had strongly criticised the suspension of the scheme under the previous administration, arguing that it denied Christians in the state the opportunity to undertake pilgrimage to the Holy Land and offer prayers for peace and progress in Nigeria.

It noted that the return of the programme represents what it described as a departure from an atmosphere it perceived as unfavourable to Christians during the last administration.

“Today, a milestone has been achieved. The return of the pilgrimage programme demonstrates that government policies can be reviewed in the interest of justice and unity. It restores confidence among Christian faithful who felt marginalised,” the forum added.

“We are happy that Governor Sani’s administration has framed the reinstatement as part of broader efforts to promote religious harmony, inclusiveness and fairness in governance. We are also glad that the government has also emphasised the need to rebuild relationships with faith-based organisations across the state.

However, the Christian Forum further linked the development to what it described as improved security in Southern Kaduna, noting that the relative calm being experienced in recent months stands in contrast to the insecurity and tensions witnessed in previous years.

The group which condemned the decision of the former Governor,Mal Nasir Elrufai to suspend the pilgrimage scheme, urged the Governor Uba Sani to sustain policies that promote peace, equity and mutual respect among Kaduna’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Elrufai marginalized Christians in Kaduna and planted seed of discord and hatred amongst the two main religions.But we thank God ,Uba Sani has uprooted all those trees that hitherto created the cracks .

“Kaduna State, known for its complex religious and ethnic composition, has in the past grappled with sectarian tensions, it against this background that we say initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and interfaith cooperation remain critical to consolidating peace and stability in the state.” It stated .

Renewed Hope Initiatives: President Ahmed Tinubu and the Solarization Drive in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

Renewed Hope Initiatives: President Ahmed Tinubu and the Solarization Drive in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has positioned energy reform as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic transformation agenda. Among the most consequential initiatives is the accelerated push toward solarization—the large-scale deployment of solar energy systems across public institutions, rural communities, and critical infrastructure. In a country long challenged by unreliable grid electricity, high diesel costs, and energy poverty, the solarization project represents both an economic and social intervention with far-reaching gains.

In actualizing these gains, the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw the need to appoint someone with the right capacity, knowledge and verve to lead the sectors drive towards solarization of the nation, for a more focused sector that will ensure steady energy supply to all Nigerians. The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was therefore, applauded for his choice of Engineer Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN and, the choice of appointment has not failed in the task assigned him.

Expanding Energy Access and Reducing Energy Poverty
Nigeria has historically struggled with inadequate electricity generation and distribution, with millions of citizens lacking reliable access to power. The solarization initiative, supported through federal programs and partnerships with development finance institutions, aims to bridge this gap by:

. Deploying off-grid and mini-grid solar systems in rural and underserved communities
. Installing solar panels in schools, primary healthcare centers, and government facilities
. Supporting decentralized renewable energy solutions where grid extension is impractical
By prioritizing solar in rural electrification, the Tinubu administration has strengthened Nigeria’s progress toward universal energy access. Solar mini-grids have empowered small businesses, improved healthcare delivery (through reliable cold storage for vaccines and lighting for surgeries), and enabled students to study after dark.
The shift to decentralized solar solutions reduces overreliance on the national grid, which remains constrained by aging infrastructure and transmission bottlenecks.

Fiscal Savings and Reduced Diesel Dependence
One of the most significant gains of the solarization project is cost reduction in public sector energy consumption. Federal ministries, departments, and agencies have traditionally relied heavily on diesel generators due to inconsistent grid supply. This has led to:
. recurrent fuel expenditure
. Maintenance costs for generators
. Exposure to fluctuating diesel prices
Solar installations under the Tinubu administration are gradually lowering these operational costs. By replacing diesel generators with photovoltaic systems and battery storage, government institutions reduce long-term energy spending. These savings can be redirected toward social services, infrastructure, and economic development.
Additionally, reduced diesel use lowers Nigeria’s demand for imported refined petroleum products, supporting broader macroeconomic stability and foreign exchange conservation.
Boosting Economic Productivity and MSMEs
Solarization contributes directly to economic productivity, especially among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In markets and commercial clusters where power outages are frequent, solar-powered solutions provide:
Reliable lighting for extended business hours
Power for refrigeration, welding, tailoring, and agro-processing
Reduced operational costs compared to generator use
Lower energy costs increase profitability for small businesses and improve job retention. This aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda, which emphasizes private-sector growth and industrial competitiveness.
In agricultural communities, solar-powered irrigation systems and cold storage facilities enhance food preservation and reduce post-harvest losses—an important contribution to food security.
Environmental and Climate Benefits
Nigeria is a signatory to international climate agreements and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The solarization project strengthens Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner energy sources by:
Lowering carbon emissions from diesel generators
Reducing air pollution in densely populated areas
Supporting sustainable development goals
Solar power, as a renewable and low-emission source, aligns with global energy transition trends. Under Tinubu’s leadership, renewable energy deployment sends a signal to investors that Nigeria is open to green finance and climate-aligned investments.
The environmental gains also translate into public health benefits, as reduced generator fumes mean lower exposure to particulate pollution in homes, offices, and markets.
Strengthening Energy Security and Diversification
Nigeria’s energy paradox—being an oil-producing nation with persistent electricity shortages—has long hindered economic growth. The solarization project contributes to energy diversification, reducing dependence on gas-fired power plants and vulnerable transmission infrastructure.
Solar systems distributed across regions create a more resilient energy ecosystem. Unlike centralized power plants that can disrupt large areas if they fail, decentralized solar installations:
Limit systemic blackouts
Improve localized energy reliability
Enhance disaster resilience
This diversification strengthens national energy security and supports long-term stability in the power sector.
Attraction of Investment and Private Sector Participation
The administration’s emphasis on renewable energy has encouraged investor interest in Nigeria’s solar market. Through policy reforms, regulatory clarity, and partnerships with international development agencies, the government has:
Facilitated financing for solar mini-grids
Encouraged public-private partnerships
Promoted local assembly and manufacturing of solar components
Increased investor confidence is critical in a capital-intensive sector like energy. By creating an enabling environment, the solarization drive helps unlock domestic and foreign investment, fostering innovation and competition.
Job Creation and Skills Development
The expansion of solar infrastructure generates employment across multiple segments:
Solar panel installation technicians
Engineers and project managers
Maintenance personnel
Local manufacturing and assembly workers
Training programs associated with solar deployment help build technical capacity among Nigerian youth. This not only reduces unemployment but also cultivates a workforce equipped for the global green economy.
The renewable energy sector’s growth diversifies Nigeria’s labor market beyond oil and gas, making the economy more adaptable to global shifts.
Support for Public Institutions and Social Infrastructure
Under President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, solarization has been integrated into national development priorities, including education and healthcare. Solar-powered public institutions benefit from:
Uninterrupted lighting in hospitals and clinics
Reliable electricity for diagnostic equipment
Digital learning tools in schools
These improvements enhance service delivery, especially in rural communities where grid power may be unreliable or nonexistent. Stable electricity enables digital governance, improves administrative efficiency, and supports modern public service systems.
Long-Term Structural Reform of the Power Sector
Solarization complements ongoing structural reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. By encouraging decentralized energy solutions, the administration reduces pressure on a grid that has struggled with transmission capacity constraints and distribution inefficiencies.
Furthermore, renewable expansion fosters competition and innovation, challenging traditional power supply models. Over time, this diversification may contribute to:
Improved electricity reliability
More cost-reflective tariffs
Increased consumer choice
The solarization project, therefore, is not merely an environmental initiative but part of a broader restructuring of Nigeria’s electricity landscape.
Conclusion
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s solarization initiative marks a strategic shift in Nigeria’s energy policy—one that prioritizes renewable energy, fiscal efficiency, and decentralized access. The gains are multidimensional:
Expanded energy access in underserved communities
Reduced diesel dependence and fiscal savings
Improved productivity for small businesses
Environmental sustainability and climate alignment
Enhanced energy security and diversification
Increased investment and job creation
While challenges remain—including financing scale, maintenance capacity, and regulatory coordination—the solarization project represents a significant step toward a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
In positioning solar energy as a central pillar of national development, the Tinubu administration underscores the transformative potential of renewables in addressing long-standing power sector deficiencies. If sustained and effectively implemented, the solarization drive could become one of the defining energy reforms of his presidency.
Stakeholders within the energy sector have continued to commend the DG/CEO of ECN for his commendable strides since his assumption into office especially with the solarization drive and renewable energy for all Nigerians.

Breaking: Magazine Names Tinubu West African Person of the Year

Breaking: Magazine Names Tinubu West African Person of the Year

THE REPORTERS Nigeria Magazine, now nine years old in Nigeria’s dynamic media landscape, has declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its West African Person of the Year 2025, citing what it described as “measurable stabilisation, reform boldness, and macroeconomic recalibration with regional implications.”

Founded in March 2017, THE REPORTERS Nigeria Magazine is a fortnightly publication focused on politics, economy, energy, security, leadership, and both local and international affairs. Its editorial philosophy centers on development journalism, good governance, national unity, and peaceful co-existence.

In a statement released by its editorial board and signed by its Chairman/CEO – Malam Abdullahi Sabiu, the Magazine explained that the decision followed a multi-year performance assessment of leadership outcomes across West Africa, with emphasis on economic management, inflation trends, food security, security architecture reforms, and investor confidence indicators.

According to the editors, developments in Nigeria under President Tinubu’s administration stood out in scale and measurable impact.

“The recognition is rooted in performance metrics,” the board stated.

“Within three years of assuming office in 2023, the administration has overseen a notable shift in inflation moderation, food price trends, security coordination, fiscal restructuring, and investment flows — outcomes that carry weight not only nationally but across the subregion”, it added.

The Magazine noted improvements in headline and food inflation figures, renewed agricultural activity linked to improved security, FX market reforms, subsidy restructuring, strengthened federal revenues, and growing foreign investor engagement as central factors in its decision.

Beyond its print edition, THE REPORTERS operates THE REPORTERS Newspaper, its online arm, delivering round-the-clock updates on governance, economy, security, and development issues. Both platforms share a guiding belief that journalism is a veritable tool to uplift humanity, spotlight critical issues, and contribute to practical solutions.

Reaffirming its mission, the organization stated that it remains committed to neutrality, objectivity, fairness, and accuracy, while supporting government and private initiatives that advance the cause of the Nigerian masses — alongside holding public office holders accountable.

Its long-term vision, the editorial board added, is to build one of the most credible and reliable development-driven media platforms in the country, anchored on patriotism and responsible journalism.

By naming President Tinubu as its West African Person of the Year 2025, THE REPORTERS says it is continuing its tradition of spotlighting leadership decisions that reshape national direction and influence broader regional stability.

Ex-Councilors Demand Immediate Arrest of El-Rufai Over Alleged Security Claims

Ex-Councilors Demand Immediate Arrest of El-Rufai Over Alleged Security Claims

…Say he’s a security threat

The National Forum of Ex-Councilors of Nigeria has called for the immediate arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations bordering on national security.

The group made the demand at a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, February 16, 2026.

National President of the Forum, Hon. Amb. Auwal Kasim Hassan, described El-Rufai as a threat to national security, alleging that the former governor had confessed to tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Hassan said the allegation by El-Rufai that he was marked for death through food poisoning allegedly orchestrated by the Office of the National Security Adviser was too serious to be ignored.

According to him, the gravity of the claims warrants immediate action by security agencies to prevent what he described as attempts to whip up public sympathy from opposition elements.

“The allegation that he was marked for food poisoning by the Federal Government is weighty and cannot be treated lightly. We are calling on relevant security agencies to immediately arrest him and investigate these claims,” Hassan said.

He further disclosed that the forum was prepared to institute direct criminal charges against El-Rufai through its legal representatives to compel him to provide evidence to substantiate his allegations.

The forum also reiterated its support for the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the President not to be distracted by what it described as the “antics” of the former governor and his associates.

Sighed:
Amb. Hon. Auwal Kasim Hassan
National President
08023444205

Kaduna Victims’ Coalition: Survivors and Families Demand Full Accountability for Abuses Under Nasir el-Rufai – No More Impunity, No More Silence

Kaduna Victims’ Coalition: Survivors and Families Demand Full Accountability for Abuses Under Nasir el-Rufai – No More Impunity, No More Silence

We speak today as representatives of countless individuals, families, and communities who endured eight years of profound hardship, terror, fear, and loss under the governorship of Nasir el-Rufai in Kaduna State (2015–2023). Our coalition includes citizens from all walks of life: community and business leaders, serving and retired public servants, traditional rulers, faith leaders, academics, journalists, lawyers, and other professionals.

Among the many victims are high-profile cases that symbolize the era’s impunity:

HRH Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, the Agwam Adara (paramount ruler of the Adara Chiefdom), abducted in October 2018 and brutally murdered despite ransom payment. His killing occurred amid efforts to restructure traditional institutions, including the controversial conversion of the chiefdom into an emirate structure, deepening ethnic and communal tensions. Till date the suspects arrested for the murder of Agwam Adara are yet to be successfully prosecuted and their whereabouts can not be ascertained.

Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata), a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsenma and social media commentator critical of governance issues, abducted from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna, on August 2, 2019. He has remained missing, effectively disappeared for nearly seven years. August 2026 will mark the seventh anniversary of his abduction and trigger the statutory presumption of death under Nigerian law.

Shortly after Dadiyata’s abduction, on December 23, 2019, at 10:16 hrs, Bashir el-Rufai, son of the then-Governor, posted a tweet widely perceived as gloating over the incident and dismissing calls for his safe return.

During his tenure, Nasir el-Rufai presided over a pattern of indiscriminate actions: arbitrary abductions, persecution of critics, reprisal violence, unlawful demolitions of homes, mass dismissals of workers without due process, forced sackings by employers of perceived opponents, and the displacement of citizens into exile.

These acts bypassed constitutional safeguards and Nigerian law, turning gubernatorial immunity into unchecked impunity.

We are deeply troubled by recent attempts to reframe this history, portraying Nasir el-Rufai as a champion of due process and human rights, while survivors and families continue to seek truth and justice.

On behalf of ourselves, and in solemn memory of those killed or disappeared who cannot speak, we have a moral and civic duty to bear witness. Our sole demand is accountability under the rule of law: thorough, independent investigations; prosecutions where evidence warrants; and closure for traumatized victims and families. By pursuing justice, we aim to prevent future suffering and uphold the dignity of all Nigerians.

We stand ready to cooperate fully with all relevant law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and human rights institutions in Nigeria. We will provide testimonies, evidence, and any material assistance to support inquiries and ensure those responsible for crimes face due process.

#JusticeToElrufai

#JusticeForKadunaVictims

#WhereIsDadiyata

#AccountabilityNow

Signed on behalf of the coalition of survivors, victims’ families, and concerned citizens:

1. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

2. Audu Maikori, Esq

3. Gloria Ballason, Esq

4. Steven Kefas

5. Luka Binniyat

6. Midat Joseph

7. Segun Onibiyo

8. House of Justice

9. Community Development & Rights Advocacy Foundation

10. Resilient Aid and Dialogue Initiative

11. Southern Kaduna Indigenously

12. Progressive Forum (SKIPFo)

13. Atrocities Watch Africa, AWA

‘Civilizational Significance’: Boss Mustapha Lauds Huba Chiefdom’s Progress on 1st Anniversary, Urges Unity, Progress

‘Civilizational Significance’: Boss Mustapha Lauds Huba Chiefdom’s Progress on 1st Anniversary, Urges Unity, Progress

By Tom Garba,Yola

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, CFR, today described the restoration of the Huba Chiefdom as a milestone of profound “civilizational significance,” delivering a compelling address as Chairman of the grand finale marking the chiefdom’s first anniversary.

Speaking at the Hong Mini Township Stadium amid vibrant cultural exhibitions, traditional processions, and community gatherings, Mustapha a distinguished son of Hong reflected on the deep historical roots of the Huba (also known as Kilba or Həba) people.

He highlighted how their organized pre-colonial systems of governance and authority were disrupted by colonial realignments, yet the aspiration for recognition endured across generations with “patience, dignity, and abiding faith in fairness.”

“The creation of the Chiefdom is therefore not merely administrative in character; it is civilizational in significance,” Mustapha declared, framing the event as the formal acknowledgment of a resilient heritage that colonial interventions could not erase.

Mustapha heaped praise on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, crediting his visionary leadership for fulfilling a long-standing dream.

The governor, who created the Huba Chiefdom in December 2024 as part of reforms establishing seven new chiefdoms and emirates, and presented the staff of office to its paramount ruler on February 14, 2025, was honored during the celebrations with the traditional title Midala Huba.

“Your Excellency, what you did was not merely to create a Chiefdom; you restored institutional dignity and corrected a long historical imbalance,” Mustapha said, expressing deep gratitude on behalf of the Huba community for ending what leaders have described as over 120 years of chieftaincy struggle and subjugation under previous administrative structures.

The former SGF also commended His Royal Majesty, Tol Huba Dr. Alheri Bulus Nyako, for his steady, unifying leadership in the chiefdom’s inaugural year.

Mustapha noted the monarch’s wisdom and inclusiveness in establishing governance structures, describing his role as essential in providing stability amid the transition.

Emphasizing the modern relevance of traditional institutions, Mustapha positioned them as vital partners in peacebuilding, conflict mediation, social cohesion, and grassroots development within Nigeria’s evolving governance landscape.

He spotlighted the anniversary’s blend of heritage and progress, including the unveiling of the Hong Local Government Development Plan a forward-looking blueprint for infrastructure, growth, and community advancement alongside cultural displays, an inter-district football tournament (the Tol Alheri B. Nyako Annual Tournament), thanksgiving services, and a mini Durbar procession.

“Anniversaries are thresholds,” Mustapha urged. “They ask not only what has been achieved, but what must now be built.”

He called on the Huba people, under the stewardship of the Tol Huba, district heads, stakeholders, and the diaspora, to consolidate unity, strengthen institutions, mobilize resources, and ensure the chiefdom becomes a “pillar of stability, a bridge of unity, and a partner in development” for Adamawa State and Nigeria.

The celebrations underscored a triumphant year since the chiefdom’s restoration, symbolizing renewed pride, cultural revival, and developmental momentum for the Huba people. Mustapha concluded with optimism and a blessing: “May this Chiefdom flourish in strength. May it stand in unity. And may it contribute meaningfully to the enduring harmony and advancement of Adamawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The event drew traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and residents, reinforcing the intersection of tradition, effective governance, and collective progress in Adamawa State.

EFCC Invitation: Group Accuses El-Rufai of Diversionary Tactics, Urges Him to Face Charges

EFCC Invitation: Group Accuses El-Rufai of Diversionary Tactics, Urges Him to Face Charges

A northern advocacy group, the Northern Progressives Forum for Development (NPFD), has asked former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to “face the charges against him with the courage he claims to possess” rather than allegedly attempting to divert public attention with accusations against the National Security Adviser.

The group’s position follows reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited El-Rufai over allegations bordering on corruption and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.

In a statement signed by Mal Musa Mohammed Sule and made available to journalists , the NPFD said it was concerned about what it described as “a pattern of diversionary narratives” coming from the former governor at a time he is expected to respond to anti-graft inquiries.

El-Rufai had, in a letter dated January 30, 2026 and reportedly received on February 11, 2026, written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) seeking clarification over the alleged procurement of about 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate, a toxic chemical substance, purportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” stated that he was acting “as a concerned citizen” and requested details on the purpose of the acquisition, regulatory compliance, and safety protocols surrounding the substance.

However, reacting swiftly, the NPFD alleged that the move was calculated to shift focus from the EFCC’s invitation.
“It is unfortunate that at a time when he is expected to answer serious allegations raised by the EFCC, Malam El-Rufai is seeking to introduce unrelated matters into public discourse,” the group said.

“We observed that he development comes amid claims attributed to El-Rufai that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had ordered his arrest — an allegation that reportedly led to tension at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in recent days.

” El-Rufai was also quoted as alleging that an unnamed individual had tapped the NSA’s phone and confirmed Ribadu’s alleged involvement in plans to detain him. ” The group stated .

The NPFD described the claims as “serious and weighty,” urging the former governor to provide credible evidence to security agencies rather than making public accusations.

“It is disheartening that someone who has served as governor and minister would resort to what appears to be blackmail and rabble-rousing in the face of lawful investigation,” the group stated.

The forum insisted that the EFCC, as a statutory anti-corruption agency, should be allowed to carry out its mandate without interference or politicisation.

“We expect Malam El-Rufai to respect the institutions of state and submit himself to due process. If he believes he is innocent, the proper place to prove that is before investigators and, if necessary, in a court of law — not in the media,” the statement added.

Kano’s Power Shift: How the ‘City Boy’ Youth Surge is Redefining 2027

Kano’s Power Shift: How the ‘City Boy’ Youth Surge is Redefining 2027

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini

In politics, timing is everything. In Kano, the timing could not be more decisive.

With the formal movement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the conversation about “possible alignment” between Kano and the federal government is no longer speculative. It has happened. The real question now is not whether Kano will realign—but how profoundly that realignment will reshape 2027.

For a state long considered the strategic heartbeat of northern politics, this development is seismic. Kano is not just numerically significant; it is symbolically powerful. It has birthed movements, defined oppositions and influenced presidential trajectories. Any shift in its political center of gravity sends ripples across the federation.

In 2023, the dominance of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) under the formidable influence of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso appeared to signal a durable restructuring of Kano’s loyalty map. But politics in Kano has always been dynamic rather than permanent. Structures hold—until they don’t.
The Governor’s shift fundamentally alters the architecture of power in the state.

In Nigeria’s federal system, alignment between a state government and the presidency is not merely symbolic; it is structural. It affects project delivery, fiscal coordination, political patronage networks and most importantly, public perception.
When voters see synergy rather than rivalry between Kano and Abuja, it changes the psychology of governance. Federal presence becomes more visible; infrastructure collaboration accelerates and political messaging becomes unified rather than combative. In a state where performance increasingly shapes voter behavior, this matters.
The alignment also supercharges an already growing youth mobilisation wave around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The “City Boy Movement”, once dismissed by critics as branding theatrics, now operates within a dramatically altered terrain. Youth-driven digital messaging combined with institutional state backing is a far more potent formula than online enthusiasm alone.

Kano is demographically young. Its streets, campuses, markets and online spaces are politically alive. Youth identity and aspirational politics are becoming central drivers of loyalty. When that demographic energy aligns with both the state and the federal factor, it creates a consolidation effect that opposition forces will find difficult to fracture.

More provocatively, the Governor’s move forces a recalculation within opposition ranks. Political narratives built around resistance lose potency when governance delivery improves under alignment.
The argument of marginalisation becomes harder to sustain if federal-state cooperation produces visible results.
It is true, none of these guarantee 2027. Economic pressures have remained real and misinformation about ongoing reforms exist. Likewise, voter volatility is a permanent feature of Nigeria’s democracy and Kano’s political culture has never been short of surprises.

But what cannot be ignored is this: the electoral battlefield has shifted. What was once a competitive triangle is steadily consolidating into a power bloc. The APC no longer approaches Kano as an external contender—it now operates from within the state’s executive core.
Kano has made a move. Governor AKY has made a move. And with federal alignment now an established reality rather than a theoretical possibility, the game of thrones in 2027 has not merely evolved – it has been irrevocably rewritten. For Nigeria, the game has changed.
In a country where electoral arithmetic is often decided by strategic states, Kano’s latest chapter will not just influence the next election; it will define it.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State-AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters

Pro-El-Rufai Group Leader Urges Supporters to Attack EFCC Office…as group says ,such Call not only Preemptive,but also counter productive

Pro-El-Rufai Group Leader Urges Supporters to Attack EFCC Office…as group says ,such Call not only Preemptive,but also counter productive

A pro-El-Rufai advocacy group leader, Mr. I.G. Wala, has called on supporters to accompany former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, drawing criticism from civil society groups who described the move as disruptive and capable of undermining due process.

El-Rufai is expected to appear before the anti-graft agency on February 16, 2026, in response to allegations of financial misconduct and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Wala urged a mass turnout of supporters, writing: “Over 4,999 people to accompany Malam Nasir El-Rufai to EFCC and bring him back home on Monday.” He argued that any attempt to detain the former governor would violate his constitutional rights to freedom of movement, especially as he had reportedly agreed to honour the invitation voluntarily.

Wala, who describes himself as an anti-corruption crusader, maintained that the show of solidarity was necessary to prevent what he termed a potential infringement of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights.

However, the call has been strongly condemned by the Northern Movement for Good Governance (NMFGG), which warned that mobilising supporters to the EFCC office could obstruct the agency’s operations and escalate tensions.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Inusa Muhammad, the group said such action was “counter-productive and disruptive,” stressing that the EFCC must be allowed to carry out its constitutional mandate without intimidation or interference.

“El-Rufai has merely been invited to respond to allegations relating to his time in office as governor of Kaduna State, nothing more,” the statement said. “To call on citizens to storm the EFCC office is pre-emptive and could even be injurious to the very person he claims to be defending.”

The group noted that being invited for questioning by the EFCC does not amount to a conviction and should not be politicised. “El-Rufai is not the first public official to be invited by the EFCC for investigation and he certainly will not be the last. Due process must be respected,” it added.

NMFGG further cautioned that any attempt to obstruct a federal agency in the discharge of its duties could attract legal consequences.

The group posited that the development underscores rising political tensions in Kaduna and beyond, as investigations into alleged financial improprieties involving former public office holders continue.

Wala is no stranger to controversy. In 2018, he was convicted and jailed over false allegations made against a former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Abdullahi Mukhtar, a case that attracted national attention at the time.

BREAKING NEWS: US Visa Ban on Kwankwaso ‘Ill-Informed, Politically Motivated’ — Group Fires Back

BREAKING NEWS: US Visa Ban on Kwankwaso ‘Ill-Informed, Politically Motivated’ — Group Fires Back

ABUJA — Outrage is boiling over as the Kwankwasiyya Ambassadors for Good Governance (KAGG) has detonated a political bombshell, fiercely rejecting the proposed United States visa ban targeting former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing it as “a calculated political attack dressed up as human rights advocacy.”

In what analysts are already calling a diplomatic flashpoint, the KAGG group accused certain U.S. lawmakers of advancing what it termed a “dangerously shallow and geopolitically reckless narrative” that misrepresents Nigeria’s internal realities.

In a blistering press release by the group’s Coordinator, Barrister Abubakar Kurawa, the group said “This is not about religious freedom. This is not about accountability,” the group thundered. “This is about power, perception, and an attempt to redraw Nigeria’s political map from Washington.”

KAGG warned that placing Kwankwaso’s name in a sanctions conversation alongside armed groups amounts to “international political defamation of the highest order,” insisting that no credible judicial findings or internationally recognized investigative outcomes justify such drastic action.

The group further alleged that the proposal reflects “external lobbying influence and partisan intelligence briefings,” arguing that the move risks weaponizing visa policy as a tool for political intimidation.

“Today it is Kwankwaso. Tomorrow it could be any Nigerian leader who refuses to align with external interests,” the statement read.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot and must not be subcontracted to foreign legislatures”, it added.

In a dramatic escalation, KAGG warned that if pursued, the proposed measure could trigger diplomatic friction and provoke calls for a reassessment of bilateral engagements between Nigeria and the United States.

“This is a test of mutual respect between sovereign nations,” the group declared, urging U.S. lawmakers to retract this ill-advised move before it damages decades of “strategic partnership” between the two nations.

The controversy has now ignited fierce debate across political and diplomatic circles, with supporters describing the visa proposal as an “overreach,” while critics argue it reflects growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s governance challenges.

But for KAGG, the message is unmistakable: “Hands off Nigeria’s democracy.”

As reactions mount and pressure builds, what began as a legislative proposal in Washington is rapidly evolving into a full-blown geopolitical storm — with implications that could reverberate far beyond visa desks and diplomatic cables.