Headlines
People with disabilities will participate in future elections with ease–INEC
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is taking measures to allow persons with disabilities (PWDs) to vote during elections across the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that Residents Electoral Officer, Zamfara state Hajiya Asma’u Maikudi disclosed this at a one-day meeting on capturing dis-aggregated data of persons with disabilities in the country held on Tuesday in Kano.
She said the unavailability of dis-aggregated data of PWD’s in the country has limited the commission’s plan for inclusive and effective participation of PDWD’s in the electoral process.
Mrs Maikudi, who read a speech on behalf of the commission’s national commissioner and chairman outreach and partnership committee, Dr Adekunle Ladipo said data on the size, location type and gender of PWD’s is needed to provide the required service effectively.
She added that data on the literacy level amongst PWD’s is also needed.
“Those who are required brailed need to be educated on how to use, same before they can effectively use it in making their choices on Election Day.
“In August 2019, the commission organized a national strategy meeting to develop a strategy of collecting the dis-aggregated data of PWD’s across the country.
“The meeting developed a harmonized formant to be used to ensure uniformity in collection of the dis-aggregated data of PWD’s in the register of voters across the nation,” she said.
In a remark the deputy director civil society organization division of the INEC Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said full participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process is one of the underlining principals of the United Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities adopted in 2016.
She added that in line with this, the commission demonstrated commitments toward ensuring participation of peoples with disabilities in the electoral process.
However she noted that inclusion of PWD’s in the electoral process required accurate data, hence ensuring that relevant statistic and research data are made available to the policy makers.
“There is an urgent need to capture the dis-aggregated data of PDW’s across the country.
“This will assist the commission towards knowing the concentration of voters with disabilities, number, gender and type of assistive aid to procure and deploy.
“The database of eligible PWD’s dis-aggregated by type of disabilities and gender will help the commission in inclusive planning,” Mr Bello said.
On his part the executive director Center for Citizens with Disabilities David Anoyaele commended INEC for involving persons living with disabilities in electoral process.
He said “INEC is really building inclusive with the release of the PWD active participation in Electoral process document which has become a motivating factor and power for every disabled person.”
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
