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Kano 2019: Kwankwaso is afraid of Shekarau – Ganduje campaign
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The senator representing Kano Central, Mr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not recontesting in 2019 because he is afraid of losing to former governor Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, says the Ganduje campaign team.
Mr Muhammadu Garba, chairman publicity committee of the Ganduje gubernatorial campaign told journalists on Sunday at Karaye local governor that Kwankwaso is “a spent force who is no longer relevant politically”.
Mr Garba, who is also Kano state commissioner of information said Mr Kwankwaso “saw the writing on the wall and tactically withdrew”.
“You can recall how Shekarau dealt with him in 2003 and 2007 when he defeated him as a sitting governor and also defeated his preferred governorship candidate in the 2007 governorship elections.
“Kwankwaso’s utterances in recent times depicts that of a defeatist who is aware that he has lost touch with the realities in Kano politics.
“The depletion of his Kwankwasiyya Movement and the gale of defection by former chieftains of the Movement to our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is also a pointer to the fact the former governor and his governorship candidate has already lost out even before the election.
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“You are also aware that even the remnants of the Kwankwasiyya Movement who pretend to be with him are not committed to ensuring that his in-law and political godson, who he singlehandedly made the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, against the wish of the party stakeholders, smell victory at the end of the day.
“As I speak with you, we are still receiving decampees from the Kwankwasiyya and the PDP, an indication that victory is sure for His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.”
Mr Garba added that, “the modest achievements of governor Ganduje have also intimidated Kwankwaso and his group so much that they are finding it very difficult to sell their governorship candidate.”
He therefore advised Mr Kwankwaso and the PDP to, “swallow their pride and accept defeat because the good people of Kano state have seen the light.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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