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Abba Kabir Yusuf shuns NMA gubernatorial debate on healthcare
Nasiru Yusuf
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, has boycotted the gubernatorial candidate debate on healthcare, organised by Kano branch of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf did not also send his running mate, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam to represent him at the debate attended by five gubernatorial candidates.
However, speaking at the beginning of the programme, a former Commissioner of Health and member of NNPP Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf presented an excuse on behalf of Engr Yusuf, saying that he was unavoidably absent, alongside his running mate, Abdulsalam.
Governorship candidates who participated in the debate
According to him, the governorship candidate received the invitation letter for the debate late while he was already out of town.
Dr Labaran also told the organisers that he wants to represent the NNPP governorship candidate, but the NMA leadership refuse to oblige, insisting that only governorship candidates or running mate will be allowed to participate.
Also Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Sadiq Aminu Wali, and that of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa were conspicuously absent at the debate.
Governorship candidates in the debate
Governorship candidates at the event
Another candidate who absconded from the debate is Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, of Action Democratic Party (ADP), but was represented by his running mate, Rabi’u Bako.
However, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Kano state Deputy Governor and governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and chairman of Council of Ulama Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate attended the debate.
Others who graced the occasion include Bashir Ishaq Bashir, candidate of Labour Party (LP), representative of ADP candidate, Bako and Salihu Tanko Yakasai, gubernatorial candidate of People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
During the debate, all the five candidates present pledged to address the major challenges bedeviling the health sector in the state.
The gubernatorial candidates have presented divergent approaches and agenda in reforming the health sector if elected. The candidates also presented different programmes designed to improve healthcare system in the state.
Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai
In his remarks the chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano state branch Dr Abdullahi Kabir Sulaiman said debate was organise to increase awareness of health issues amongst gubernatorial candidates in order to put health on the front burner of their administration when voted into office.
Dr Sulaiman added that the interactive session will also assist the candidates to formulate an implementable action plan to address the lingering problems in the state healthcare.
The NMA chairman raised concern on lack of indigenous pharmaceutical companies in Kano state despite its large population.
“For instance, the major supplier of antimalarial drugs in Kano is India followed by China. This means if India and China refuse to sell antimalarial drugs to Nigeria, we will be left with major crisis in malarial treatments and this will increase malarial deaths in the state.
Cross section of diginatries at the event
“One of the key WHO recommendations in achieving universal healthcare coverage for all, is collaborations with other health related sectors such as environment, water resources and rural development, electricity, housing and urban planning, as well as agriculture among others. This means there is need to have such sustainable collaborations in the state,” Dr Sulaiman said.
KANO FOCUS recalled that the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier boycotted the Arewa Joint Committee interactive session with presidential candidates.
Cross section of diginatries at the event
Dr Kwankwaso alleged that his team is in possession of credible information that some people behind the engagement have been compromised, and the event will be used to “clandestinely endorse” another candidate from Northern Nigeria.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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