Headlines
I’m still a PDP member–Ganduje’s commissioner
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Sadiq Wali, the Kano state Commissioner for Water Resources has reiterated that he is still an active member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) despite his position in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Wali had raised eyebrows after his pictures emerged on social media platforms clutching a PDP membership card which he was said to have acquired alongside his father, Ambassador Aminu Wali, a former minister of foreign affairs and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a former senator.
The trio was said to have acquired the opposition membership cards last Saturday reportedly to avoid being expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities.
The Kano PDP split
It could be recalled that the PDP in Kano state had split into two factions after the elder Wali–whose son Sadiq had attempted to contest for the 2019 governorship election in the state was–forced out of the race by Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, who anointed his protege, Abba Yusuf as the PDP’s candidate.
After Mr Ganduje defeated Mr Yusuf in the 2019 elections, the anti-Kwankwaso PDP faction, led by Yahaya Bagobiri visited and congratulated Mr Ganduje on his election as governor of the state.
According Mr Bagobiri, who led the delegation, their support for the APC was not against the interest of their own party.
“We did it in the open and also through the media. That our people should support governor Ganduje in his second term bid. Which we all did. What we did was simply efforts in strengthening democratic structures and principle of free and fair choice.
“With this victory Your Excellency, we can say Allah saved us, Kano and its people from that tyranny. This is what we have been yearning for Your Excellency. That was why we came in block and supported your candidature, which yields fruits at the end of the day,” Mr Bagobiri had said.
Other members of the delegation included Aminu Wali, Akilu Sani Indabawa and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo.
In his response, Mr Ganduje welcomed the opposition chieftains and invited them to participate in an “all inclusive government as a show of appreciation and respect for the harmonious working relationship between him and the ‘original PDP members’ in the state”.
‘We answered Ganduje’s call’
But in his reaction to the speculations, Mr Sadiq Wali told KANO FOCUS that he had never left the PDP even after his appointment as commissioner, noting that Mr Ganduje called them to build an inclusive government.
“It’s not good for you journalists to speculate on something that did not happen.
“When I was invited the Kano state government told us it will form an all inclusive government.
“I have never collected a membership card from any other political party apart from my own political party the PDP.
“If I wanted to join the APC it would not be a shame for me and I will announce it everywhere, but I’m not willing to do so.
“Soon after Governor Ganduje won the supreme court verdict, he reiterated that he wanted an all inclusive government. So, I don’t know why people are trying to create problems,” he said.
The commissioner however blamed the Kwankwasiyya movement (led by Mr Kwankwaso) for “bringing destruction and disintegration in the PDP”, forcing them to join the opposition APC.
“We have been maltreated by the Kwankwasiyya faction. It’s not fair to us. Now somebody has won and asked us to help him. Do you expect us to reject him,” he asked.
“I’m willing to help Governor Ganduje since he invited us to help him in his government because he has faith in me,” Mr Wali added.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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