Ibrahim Khalil

Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out withdrawing from the presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing its campaign team of engaging in unnecessary attacks against him, presidential candidate Peter Obi and their party.

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso stated this in a post on his Facebook account on Saturday, insisting that the NDC presidential ticket remained committed to contesting the election and offering Nigerians an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He accused the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) of attempting to create the impression that the NDC ticket was working for the ruling party or planning to withdraw from the race at the last minute in favour of the ADC candidate.

“The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate His Excellency Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful,” he said.

According to Kwankwaso, political parties should concentrate on presenting their candidates’ competence, credibility and capacity to Nigerians rather than attacking their opponents.

He argued that the ADC campaign team would be better served responding to allegations reportedly levelled against its candidate by Vice-President Kashim Shettima instead of targeting the NDC leadership.

Kwankwaso also warned that the ADC campaign might attempt to mislead NDC supporters shortly before the election by claiming that his party intended to withdraw in favour of its candidate.

“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party. We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria,” he declared.

He further denied any alliance with the APC, stressing that the NDC ticket, which he referred to as the “OK ticket,” was neither working for the ruling party nor acting on behalf of any of its candidates.

The former governor maintained that there was no reason for the NDC to abandon the presidential contest, describing reports suggesting otherwise as unfounded.

Assessing the political alternatives available to Nigerians, Kwankwaso criticised the APC-led government, saying it had failed the country, while arguing that the ADC did not offer a better alternative.

He described the NDC ticket as a credible and viable option, citing its record, capacity and support across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

According to him, the ticket is committed to promoting national unity and addressing major challenges confronting the country, including insecurity, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and economic development.

Kwankwaso also described the NDC as the country’s most formidable and viable opposition party, urging supporters and Nigerians sympathetic to its cause to remain committed to its electoral success.

He concluded his message with the slogan, “Nigeria will be OK.”

Kidnapped victim freed unharmed in Falgore Forest

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Police Command has reported the killing of two suspected bandits and the recovery of N10 million ransom following the rescue of a kidnapped victim in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when three suspected bandits allegedly emerged from the forest to collect the ransom demanded for the release of a 45-year-old man, Kabiru Aliyu, of Falgore village.

Aliyu was reportedly kidnapped on September 11, 2026, and had spent days in captivity before his abductors secured the N10 million ransom.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the victim was released unharmed after the suspects collected the money.

However, the suspects were reportedly ambushed by local hunters, popularly known as Yan Bula, while returning to their hideout in Falgore Forest.

The police said two of the suspected bandits were killed during the encounter, while the third escaped with injuries.

The entire N10 million ransom was recovered intact from the deceased suspects, according to the statement.

Preliminary investigations identified one of the suspects as Dogo Isah, a commercial motorcycle operator from Maigwanda village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the local hunters for their efforts in complementing the police-led Operation Kukan Kura in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in the Falgore Forest axis.

Bakori also directed the Area Commander, divisional police officers and tactical teams operating in the area to intensify searches to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover any weapons used by the gang.

The police said the rescued victim had been debriefed, medically examined and reunited with his family.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.

The statement was signed by CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Police Command, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

Nura Abdullahi

The Senior Special Reporters and Special Reporters, SSR/SR Forum has accepted the apology tendered by the Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing, Hon. Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, following discussions over his earlier remarks.

KANO FOCUS reports that Amir Abdullahi Kima, Chairman of the SSR/SR Forum, announced the decision in a statement published on his Facebook account on Saturday.

According to Kima, the decision followed a meeting between representatives of the forum, Hotoro and other stakeholders in media-related affairs, during which the APC youth leader apologised for his remarks.

He said Hotoro had also published an apology on his Facebook page.

Kima explained that the forum subsequently convened a special meeting on October 18, 2026, to deliberate on the matter and hear the views of its members before agreeing to accept the apology.

“The forum has accepted the apology tendered by Hon. Salisu Yahaya Hotoro. This means the matter has been laid to rest, paving the way for continued peace, mutual understanding and unity,” the statement said.

The forum urged its members, supporters and well-wishers to exercise restraint and allow the matter to rest, warning against actions that could create division or misunderstanding among stakeholders.

It reaffirmed its commitment to unity and peaceful engagement, as well as its continued efforts to publicise the programmes and activities of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The forum said its activities would continue to be guided by mutual respect, peace and understanding.

Kima also expressed appreciation to individuals who contributed to resolving the disagreement, commending their efforts in facilitating an amicable settlement.