News
United Nigeria Airlines Opens Kano, Sokoto Routes

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s fastest growing carrier, United Nigeria Airlines, has concluded plans to expand its operations to unite the northern part of the country with the opening of offices in Kano and Sokoto states.
KANO FOCUS reports that this is coming amid plans to also connect Edo, Plateau, and Borno states with the arrival of more aircraft.
The Kano and Sokoto offices of the airline will operate at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Sultan Abubakar International Airport.

Already, plans are in top gear for the inaugural flight to the two airports planned to take place between December 1 and December 2, 2023.
Commenting on the expansion of scheduled air transport services to Kano and Sokoto state, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, said the airline was interested in uniting Nigerians across more cities in the country.
According to him, the expansion of flight services to Kano and Sokoto, with a further vision for Edo, Plateau, and Borno states is part of the strategic plans of the company to unite Nigerians and offer them more options for air travel.
Mazi Okonkwo said that with the expansion of air transport services to the north, Nigerians would have more options to connect with more cities, their loved ones, and businesses in safety and in comfort.
“We shall soon commence scheduled flight operations to Kano and Sokoto. Already, we have put support infrastructure on the ground at the airports to facilitate this vision. Our mission is to expand the travel options available to Nigerians so that more people can travel by air.
“This will enhance connectivity between Nigerian cities, and families as well as enhance economic activities. Ours is to make sure that Nigerians travel in safety and in comfort across cities where we have already taken our services.
“As you know, with Kano and Sokoto united on our schedules, we look forward to bringing Plateau and Borno states on board just as are also putting up infrastructure to make sure that Edo state is also connected through the Benin Airport.
“We believe that with enhanced air transport services, Nigerians will interact more among themselves, and travel more to enjoy the beauty that nature has blessed this country with. So flying from Lagos and Abuja, we shall be able to connect Kano and Sokoto and even create opportunities for people in these states to also connect states in the southeast. So, it is about expanding possibilities and uniting Nigerians more,” he said.
Already, the operational offices of the airline at the Kano and Sokoto airports have been fully activated and awaiting the inaugural flight.

Headlines
Rurum, Rogo finally dump NNPP for APC


The gale of defection from opposition political parties intensifies as two members of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abdullahi Sani Rogo and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that both lawmakers represent Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya and Karaye/Rogo federal constituency of Kano State.
Both lawmakers announced their defection at plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
On hand to witness the defection on the floor of the House was the national chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accompanied by some members of the national working committee of the party.
However, the Minority Whip, Isa Ali JC, faulted the defection of the lawmakers on the basis that it was against constitutional provisions.
As of Thursday, no fewer than 30 members of opposition political parties have dumped their parties to join the APC.

Headlines
Power Shift in Kano: Ganduje Family Bows to Emir Sanusi as Nephew Gets Turbaned

In a dramatic political twist that may redefine Kano’s traditional power matrix, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has thrown his weight behind Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the monarch turbaned Ganduje’s nephew, Alhaji Jamilu Sani Umar, as the new Village Head of Ganduje.
This development signals a major shift in political allegiance, coming from a family that once stood at the heart of Emir Sanusi’s 2020 dethronement.
The former village head, Alhaji Sani Ganduje — who was removed from office — had openly challenged the Kano Emirate over the legitimacy of his removal, deepening the rift between the Gandujes and Sanusi’s loyalists.
However, following the recent reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, political equations in Kano have shifted rapidly.
In what many see as a move to realign with the prevailing tide, Dr. Ganduje reportedly convened a strategic meeting with his extended family and directed full support for the new appointment.

Rather than sending a delegate, the entire Ganduje family physically accompanied Jamilu to the Emir’s palace, a powerful public gesture of submission and allegiance to Sanusi’s throne.
Political analysts interpret this as Ganduje’s calculated pivot — recognizing Emir Sanusi’s regained influence and perhaps seeking to reposition himself within Kano’s changing political terrain.
The move also draws a clear contrast with the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who enjoyed close ties with Ganduje during his administration but is now increasingly sidelined.
By endorsing the turbaning and realigning his family under Sanusi’s leadership, Ganduje appears to be reading the political handwriting on the wall — that Emir Sanusi’s return is not just ceremonial, but a restoration of deep-rooted traditional authority with growing political resonance.
As Kano continues to balance tradition and politics, the Ganduje family’s public allegiance to Emir Sanusi may be the clearest indication yet that the old guard is adapting to a new power order.

Headlines
Kano legislator, Masu dumps NNPP for APC

Kano legislator Masu dumps NNPP for APC

A member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Sumaila Constituency, Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu, has defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Masu addressed his resignation letter to the Speaker, Ismail Falgore, and it was read during Monday’s plenary session.
However, Masu cited internal crises bedevilling the NNPP, including factional disputes and ongoing litigations, as his reasons for leaving the party.
He specifically emphasised the multiple claims of leadership within the party at both state and national levels, naming Dr Suleiman Hashim Dungurawa and Senator Mas’ud El-Jibrin Doguwa as those claiming control at the state level, while Dr Ahmed Ajuji and Dr Agbo Major were also asserting authority at the national level.
Masu’s resignation takes effect from 12 May 2025, and he pledged his full allegiance to the APC leadership at all levels.
