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Exposed: Coercion Over Coalition?: Youth Forum Reveals Presidency’s Desperate Moves on Kwankwaso
A political storm is brewing as the Coalition of Northern Youth Forum (CNYF), under the leadership of Alhasan Barau Gausu, has raised alarm over what it describes as desperate and undemocratic moves by the Presidency to force Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the group, the Tinubu-led administration is leveraging state institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to intimidate and coerce Kwankwaso into defecting to the ruling APC.
Central to the allegations is a revived petition detailing a 2016 contract worth N15.5 billion, awarded through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to a company reportedly linked to one of Kwankwaso’s closest allies—a known financier of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The EFCC reportedly invited the contractor for interrogation last week Tuesday.
The CNYF claims that the contractor is being pressured to implicate Kwankwaso in the alleged financial misconduct, suggesting the anti-graft agency is being used as a political weapon to break the opposition.
“This is nothing short of blackmail,” said Gausu. “They want to silence Kwankwaso’s rising political influence and force him into a weak alliance with the ruling party, using fear and intimidation.”
The group further disclosed that a high-powered delegation from the Presidency, led by a former Katsina State governor—now serving as TETFUND board chairman—recently visited Kwankwaso at his Abuja residence, appealing to him to join the APC.
However, sources say Kwankwaso responded with firm conditions for any possible defection.
These include:
• A reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
• Massive reinvestment in Nigeria’s education sector
• Reintroduction of the Almajiri Model Education System (originally implemented during President Jonathan’s administration)
• His appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
Allocation of three ministerial slots to his political associates from northwest, northeast and south-south.
Without these demands being met, Kwankwaso reportedly stated he would remain with the NNPP—or align with the emerging SDP coalition, being championed by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai.
The fallout from this meeting, according to the CNYF, may have prompted APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s recent public declaration that Kwankwaso would soon rejoin the APC.
Speaking during a visit by the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) to the APC national secretariat, Ganduje boldly claimed, “NNPP is dead,” insinuating that its leader was on the verge of returning to the ruling party.
Analysts believe the APC’s desperation stems from Kwankwaso’s undeniable grassroots influence in the Northwest—especially Kano State, which boasts over two million registered voters.
With growing public discontent over the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies, the Tinubu administration appears to be seeking strong political alliances ahead of 2027.
But for now, Kwankwaso remains unbowed, standing firm on his conditions and signaling that the NNPP—and its ideals—are not for sale.
Recently, the national and Kano state chapter of the APC were directed by the powrful forces from the villa to galvanize support and provide receptive atmosphere to recieve Kwankwaso and his teaming supporters back to APC.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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