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How Buhari’s associates, relatives were defeated in APC primaries
Nasiru Yusuf
In what appears the diminishing of President Muhammadu Buhari’s influence within his ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), many of his loyalists, aides, and relatives were beaten in primaries to elect the party’s candidates in the next year’s general elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that while some of them contested to be the party’s candidates in elective positions during the general elections, others sought to be rẹ-elected as the party’s representatives for positions they currently occupy.
Below is the list of Buhari’s associates and relatives who were defeated during the APC primary elections.
Sha’aban Sharada
Sha’aban Sharada is the former Personal Assistant broadcast media to President Buhari. He is also the chairman House Committee on Internal Security.
He is believed to be one of Mr Buhari’s closest allies from Kano. He has been a staunch supporter of Mr Buhari since his days in the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and one of the founding members of the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC), which merged with the Action Congress of Nigeria to form the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Mr Sharada failed in his bid to become the governorship candidate of the party in Kano. He was defeated by Governor Ganduje’s anointed candidate Nasiru Gawuna by 2,289 votes to 30 votes.
In a statement sent to journalists a day after the primary, Mr Sharada said he nearly escaped assassination and that his supporters were attacked and some killed.
He called on security agencies and party leadership to “investigate and punish the perpetrators. He also asked for the nullification of the primary election saying it was marred by irregularities, vote-buying and intimidation.”
Ismaeel Ahmed
Ismaeel Ahmed is the immediate past senior special assistant to the President on social investment.
Mr Ahmed sought to be the APC candidate for Kano Central Senatorial District but stepped down just before the commencement of the primary elections due to the intervention of the governor of the state Abdullahi Ganduje.
“In the last few weeks, we ran a good campaign for the Senate of my Senatorial District in Kano. We toured all the Local Governments and interacted with delegates and party leaders and elders.
“However, yesterday I got a call from our leader and Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and he asked if I could step down for some reasons, I met with my team and supporters and pored over all other considerations and knowing that in a delegate election it’s all about what the Party leadership wants, we stepped down, ” he wrote on Facebook.
Bashir Ahmad
A former new media aide to President Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, failed to secure the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) ticket to contest the House of Representative seat for Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency, Kano, despite his relationship with the president.
Mr Ahmad was defeated by the incumbent member, Abdullahi Gaya, with 109 to 16 votes.
The election was conducted by the chairman of the Kano Municipal local government council Fa’izu Alfindiki, a staunch loyalist of Mr Ganduje.
Mr Ahmad had on the day of the election written on his Facebook page that he left the venue of the primary to protect his supporters because thugs were intimidating them.
“As an aspirant, I left the venue of the primary election for Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Federal Constituency, because of the security of our majority delegates, if want to compete with the best, thugs shouldn’t be part of any election,” Mr Ahmad wrote.
The following day, Mr Ahmad in a statement rejected the result of the election and called for a fresh, free and fair election.
Sani Sha’aban
Sani Shaaban, an in-law to President Muhammadu Buhari, also lost a bid to secure the APC governorship ticket in the Kaduna state governorship primary
Mr Sha’aban came third with 20 votes only from 1,245 delegates accredited for the exercise.
Uba Sani, Nasir El-Rufai’s anointed candidate, polled 1,149 votes to clinch the governorship ticket while Bashir Abubakar, scored 37 votes.
However, Mr Sha’a ban kicked against the entire exercise, alleging that the poll was fraught with irregularities.
He alleged that the election was a ‘charade’, as most of the delegates from the 23 local governments were locked out of the voting venue and denied the right to vote for candidates of their choice.
Muftahu Muhammad
President Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, and member representing Daura/Sandamu/Maiadua Federal Constituency, Fatuhu Muhammad, also failed in his bid to be re-elected as the party’s candidate for the Constituency.
Mr Muhammad lost the primary to Aminu Jamu who polled 117 votes to Mr Muhammad’s 30 votes.
Faruk Adamu
Faruk Ádámù is another close associate of Mr Buhari who lost the APC governorship primary in Jigawa state.
He was defeated by the deputy governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, aka Danmodi, with 1,220 to 15 votes.
He was the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives between 2003 – 2007.
Mr Adamu had also failed to secure the slot of the deputy national chairman (North) of APC during the last convention.
He was said to have lost reelection due to his unflinching support to Mr Buhari.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Galadiman Kano and senior Kano Emirate official.
KANO FOCUS reports that Abbas Sanusi died at 92 after a protracted illness. Many children and grandchildren survive him.
Among his children is Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu described the deceased as a strong pillar of the traditional institution, its survival and development.
The President said the services of the late Sanusi, a titleholder since 1959, would be appreciated far beyond Kano Emirate and Kano State.
President Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kano State, the Kano Emirate Council and the family of the late chief for the irreparable loss.
The President prayed to Allah to admit the Galadima in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort the family.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside his Edo State counterpart, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Monday visited the Torankawa community in Kano to commiserate with the families of the 16 victims brutally killed in Uromi, Edo State.
The visit, which brought together key government officials and community leaders, was aimed at reassuring the affected families of the government’s commitment to securing justice and providing necessary support.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and reiterated his demand for the swift prosecution of those responsible.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
“This visit is not just about condolence; it is about reaffirming our commitment to justice. The families of these victims deserve more than words—they deserve action. We will not rest until every perpetrator is brought to book, publicly paraded, and held accountable,” Governor Yusuf stated.
He further urged the Edo State Government to expedite the promised compensation for the victims’ families, emphasizing that the loss of breadwinners had left many households in distress.
On his part, Governor Okpebholo extended his heartfelt condolences, assuring the families that his administration was working tirelessly with security agencies to ensure justice is served.
“I want to personally assure you that we are treating this case with the urgency it deserves. Edo is home to all Nigerians, and this kind of violence will not be tolerated. The security agencies have made significant progress, and I assure you that justice will be swift,” Governor Okpebholo said.
Community leaders in Torankawa expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging that it had helped ease tensions and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that his administration would continue to follow up on the case until justice is fully served.
In his response, His Highness Amb. Muhammad Isa Umar, the emir of Kano on behalf of the community, appreciated the two Governors for thier proactiveness in handling the unfortunate incidence.
Edo Killings: Gov Okpebholo visits Kano, pledges compensation for travelers
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, paid condolence visit to the families of the 16 northern travelers killed in Uromi, Edo State.
KANO FOCUS reports that youths and women on Monday took to the streets in Bunkure Local Government Area, welcoming the visiting governor accompanied by governor of Kano.
At Torankawa, Governor Okpebholo assured the families that compensation would be provided and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
On his part, Governor Yusuf pledged cash assistance and food supplies to the affected families, though he did not specify the exact amounts or quantities.
Both governors reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that such incidents do not occur again.
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