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Top stories that dominated Kano in 2018
January – March
Kwankwaso’s visit to Kano aka “Zuwan Mahadi Kano”
Kwankwaso and Ganduje
The early months of 2018 were dominated by the factional crises within the ruling APC in Kano between the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya factions. The opening salvo was the proposed visit by Kwankwasiyya leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ostensibly to inaugurate the factions’ candidates for the local government elections scheduled to take place in February.
On 2nd January, Kano state governor was reported to be welcoming the senator while warning that he will not tolerate security breach. On 10th January commissioner for special duties Abdullahi Abbas instructed loyalists to stone the “political Satan” of Kano in a direct allusion to Kwankwaso.
The following week, six Kwankwasiyya loyalists including Walidi Abbas younger brother to Abdullahi Abbas were injured at a wedding on January 14. The next day police arrested the commissioner, his two children Sani and Abbas for alleged complicity in the attacks.
Walid Abbas: Injured in Kwankwasiyya Gandujiyya clash.
On January 26, the commissioner of Police Rabiu Yusuf advised Kwankwaso to shelve the visit. According to the commissioner, the move was to avert expected clashes with Gandujiyya loyalists.
In a similar vein, Gandujiyya faction announced plans to hold successive rallies in Bichi, Gwarzo, Kwanar Dangora and Wudil from starting from January 28th. The Kwanar Dangora event was conveniently scheduled for the 30th of the month when Kwankwasiyya adherents were expected to troop into Kano from Kaduna.
Rabiu Kwankwaso insisted that he would be visiting Kano on the set date and alleged that the commissioner of police had been comprised by Abdullahi Ganduje. However, a day to the event, Kwankwaso shelved the visit citing the intervention of elders.
The matter was on 1st February, tabled before the senate by Isah Hamma Misau (APC, Bauchi Central) but the two other senators from Kano, Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano South) and Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) asked for the issue to be treated as a family matter. Kwankwaso refused to comment.
Underage voting in Kano election
Montage of children voting in Kano LG elections.
On Saturday 10th February Kano state Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC conducted local government chairmanship and councillorship elections with the ruling All Progressives Congress APC winning all 44 local government chairman and 484 councillors seats.
While declaring the results at a press conference at KANSIEC Headquarters, the Chairman of the commission, Garba Ibrahim Sheka, said 25 political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), participated in the election with ruling All Progressives Congress winning all the seats.
However, video footage from the election showed some children casting ballots contrary to provisions of the electoral laws.
Sequel to calls from election observers, civil society groups, human rights groups and activists on the alleged underage voting, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC set up a committee to investigate the allegations.
The INEC report debunked the allegations saying that there was no any incident of underage voting and the pictorial depictions of childhood voters represented a clear manipulation of images to create a fake story.
The report asserts that some of the images presented as children voting were actually children on the queue for food at an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Borno State.
Fatima Ganduje’s Wedding
Fatima Ganduje showing her dance moves.
On Saturday March 2, 2018 Kano state received prominent personalities, including President Muhammadu Buhari, as they attended the wedding Fatiha of governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s daughter, Fatima and her groom, Idris Ajimobi son of Oyo state governor.
The wedding created an uproar due to the flamboyant display of wealth by the couple’s parents and open show of affection by the couple themselves. Mr. Buhari was flayed by critics for attending the event even as bloodletting continued unabated in many states across the nation as a result of herdsmen/farmers clashes.
A week before the wedding the Ajimobi clan including the first lady, their daughters and a few northern first ladies visited Kano State Government House to present the bride’s trousseau.
The bride-to-be received 27 customized Louis Vuitton travel boxes from her in-laws. While the contents of the LV boxes cannot be ascertained, each designer travel bag is estimated to cost about $5,000.00.
Another part of the story that attracted public censure were the skimpy dresses and crazy dance steps of the bride as well as videos and pictures of the couple cuddling and kissing in public.
An Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi criticized the wedding by warning the people of Kano to be cautious of the “wrath of God” lest He inflicts them with the same type of crisis plaguing Borno State.
April – June
KUST students’ protest
The second quarter of 2018 was dominated by a students, protest in one of the Kano state owned universities.
In May 2018 the Senate of Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, ordered students of the university to proceed on a two-week mid–term break following a violent demonstration.
KANO TODAY recalls that, on Wednesday May 2, 2018 hundreds of students launched an overnight protest to convey their displeasure over the circumstances surrounding the death of their colleague, one Faruk Abubakar, who died while swimming at River Wudil.
KUST students protest.
Three students of the University had gone to the river to swim and had ran into problems in the exercise, which resulted in the death of one of them as well as exposed the rest to a life- threatening situation.
During the protest, the students set up bonfire, barricaded the roads and damaged some property belonging to the university.
A month after the protest the Senate on June 22, 2018 ordered the students to pay N17,000 before resuming their studies.
According to the senate, N13,000 was the penalty for damages caused while N4,000 was to be used to test each student’s mental health before resuming to school.
An uproar followed the decision with most stakeholders crying that the universal application of the fine on all students was unfair and the sum was too expensive.
After the intervention of Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the penalty fees was reduces to 13, 000 instead of 17,000.
July – September
Political cross carpeting – Kwankwaso/Shekarau
The third quarter of 2018 saw a switch of political allegiances involving the two main political gladiators in Kano state, former governors Rabiu Kwankwaso and Ibrahim Shekarau.
On July 24 Kwankwaso decamped to PDP after failing to get the support of APC national leadership in his feud with incumbent governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He was welcomed by Shekarau initially as they met in the latters’ house in Asokoro, Abuja on 28th July.
Aside being a serving senator, Kwankwaso has in his political kitty, nine members of the House of Representatives (who defected with him), Kano deputy governor, Hafiz Abubakar, about ten members of the Kano House of Assembly and thousands of Kwankwasiya members spread across Nigeria.
This made the PDP to dissolve the Kano state exco of the party and appoint a caretaker committee headed by Kwankwasiyya leader Rabiu Suleiman Bichi.
Sheakarau welcoming Kwankwaso to PDP.
PDP leaders Shekarau and Aminu Wali resisted the move while the presidency and APC wooed Shekarau leading to his decamping to the APC. On September 7th Shekarau joined APC where he was welcomed by the party chairman Adams Oshiomhole and given Kwankwaso’s senatorial seat. He however lost some of his supporters who elected to stay with Kwankwaso.
During the PDP primary elections Kwankwaso contested and lost the presidential ticket of the party. His son-in-law and former commissioner Abba Kabir Yusuf emerged as the party’s governorship. In protest, Shekarau’s lieutenant Salihu Sagir Takai left PDP for the PRP where he clinched the governorship ticket.
Other Kwankwasiyya loyalists decamped from the PDP and returned to the APC. These include Hafizu Abubakar, Ganduje’s former deputy governor, Bala Gwagwarwa, former APC national treasurer, Aminu Dabo, former Managing Director Nigeria Ports Authority as well as Muazu Magaji, former special adviser to president Goodluck Jonathan.
The case of former deputy governor Hafizu Abubakar deserves special mention. He resigned his position in allegiance to Kwankwaso and joined PDP on August 7th only to leave for the PRP on November 1st in protest of Kwankwaso’s alleged highhandedness. Abubkar tried to get the PRP gubernatorial ticket but was defeated by Takai. On December 20th he returned to the APC after a meetng with president Muhammadu Buhari. Meanwhile Ganduje had already sworn-in Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as new deputy governor on September 19th.
KNHA and the return of Rurum
Rurum: In. Atah: Out.
Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, member representing Rano constituency in the Kano state house of assembly returned as speaker in July 2018 after resigning in 2017 following corruption allegations.
He replaced Yusuf Abdullah Atah representing Fagge constituency who was removed for alleged incompetence and other offences.
Earlier in May, the House was thrown into a crisis when 24 members attempted to impeach the speaker without meeting the required 27 signatories to form the 2/3 majority to impeach the speaker.
The assembly complex was shut down by the police and members were barred from entry. However, following an intervention by the state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the situation was resolved with the removal of other principal officers except the incumbent speaker.
As part of the compromise, Rurum emerged as deputy speaker paving the way for his later elevation to the position of speaker.
October – December
Ganduje Bribe videos
The most outstanding story in the last quarter of the year is the expose by DAILY NIGERIAN online newspaper accusing governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of collecting bribes amounting to $5 billion from contractors.
The paper claimed to have in possession 15 video clips showing Ganduje collecting the bribes from an unidentified contractor. DAILY NIGERIAN released three videos showing the governor pocketing vast wads of American dollars in what was said to be bribe payments from public works contractors. Three other clips were released online by anonymous sources.
A screenshot of one of the Ganduje bribe videos.
Following the publications, Kano State House of Assembly constituted a seven-man committee to investigate the authenticity of the video. DAILY NIGERIAN publisher Jaafar Jaafar appeared before the committee but governor Ganduje sent the commissioner of Information Muhammad Garba to represent him. He denied all allegations against the governor. On November 5th, the committee was however ordered by a Kano state high court to stop the investigation.
Ibrahim Magu chairman of the EFCC parried journalists’ questions about the videos at a press conference in Abuja on November 12 but acknowledged that the commission is investigating the issue when confronted by a London-based Nigerian lawyer Audu Bulama Bukarti.
Also in an interactive session with Nigerians in Paris, president Muhammadu Buhari said his government was verifying the videos and would take action if they are found to be genuine. He however went ahead and praised Ganduje for being a very responsible governor for completing projects started by his predecessor.
On November 15th, Ganduje sued DAILY NIGERIAN and its publisher for libel claiming a damage of N3 billion. In a related development, an anti-corruption advocacy group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) sued Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari in December before a Lagos High court for failure to order the probe of the allegation against Ganduje.
Kano Pillars lost Aiteo Cup final
On 24th October 2018 Kano Pillars football club had its most disastrous outing in the year as it lost the Aiteo cup final to Enugu Rangers.
Kano Pillars gave away a three-goal lead allowing Enugu Rangers to win the cup on penalties after the game held at Stephen Keshi stadium Asaba, Delta state capital ended 3-3 at regulation time.
The first goal of the encounter came in the 5th minute of play when Pillars skipper Rabiu Ali, found space between two Rangers defenders to slot in from close range. The dominant Pillars got their second goal in the 20th minute from Alhassan Ibrahim while the third goal came in the 47th minute when Pillars striker Nwagua Nymar took advantage of Rangers defensive blunder to slot home from close range.
Enugu Rangers recovering against Kano Pillars.
The flying antelopes bounced back, when midfielder Kelvin Itoya powered home a stunner from outside of the 18-yard box as they went on the rampage, after two Pillars players got injured in a space of 15 minutes and were stretched out of the field. Chidera Ezeh gave Rangers great hope as he scored the second goal in the 82nd minute. In the 92nd minute of extra time, Ajani Ibrahim beat a helpless Pillars defender to level the game at 3-3. The game went directly into penalties.
Pillars duo of Rabiu Ali and Jimoh Ismaila lost their penalties, while Rangers scored all its four penalties, ending the game 4-3 to lift the trophy.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced measures aimed at protecting smaller telecommunications operators from unfair competition by larger industry players through the release of a draft Business Rules framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commission has also invited operators and other stakeholders to submit comments and recommendations on the proposed regulations before their final adoption.
According to the NCC, the draft framework is designed to prevent dominant Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from using pricing strategies or operational delays to frustrate smaller operators and virtual network providers operating within the telecommunications sector.
The Commission noted that the proposed rules would promote fair competition, protect the interests of emerging operators, and strengthen operational standards across the industry.
As part of its stakeholder engagement process, the NCC has requested industry participants and interested parties to submit feedback on the draft framework on or before June 29, 2026.
The Commission also announced plans to hold a public consultation forum on July 9, 2026, where stakeholders’ submissions and recommendations will be reviewed and considered before the final implementation of the rules.
According to the NCC, the new regulations are intended to create a level playing field for all operators, encourage healthy competition, and accelerate growth within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Key provisions of the proposed framework include strict onboarding timelines, fair pricing mechanisms, revenue-sharing arrangements, and mandatory compliance requirements for telecommunications operators.
Under the draft rules, host network operators will be required to acknowledge MVNO connection requests within 10 days and provide feedback on technical readiness within 20 days.
The framework further stipulates that all technical and commercial agreements between host operators and MVNOs must be concluded within 120 days to prevent unnecessary delays in market entry and operations.
To ensure equitable participation in the market, the NCC has also proposed benchmark pricing structures covering data services, voice calls, SMS, and USSD services.
The Commission believes the pricing model will help prevent dominant operators from engaging in anti-competitive practices that could force smaller virtual operators out of the market.
In addition, the proposed regulations introduce a tiered operational framework that clearly defines the scope, responsibilities, and operational boundaries of different categories of operators within the telecommunications ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders are expected to make further contributions to the framework before its final adoption by the Commission.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Tsakuwa community honours teacher, Nupe man, nine others for development efforts
NCC moves to protect smaller telecom operators, releases draft MVNO business rules
Kano health journalists launch Network to strengthen health reporting, advocacy
NDC House of Representatives aspirant defects to APC in Kano
2027: I will continue distributing job opportunities, says Goro
AGILE Project: Kano awards ₦23.1bn contract for construction of 49 new secondary schools
K-SAFE Co-Chair wins Malala Fund-supported research grant on girls’ education
Max Air reschedules departure date for Kano pilgrims’ Hajj airlift
KASITDA moves to digitise Kano health sector
