Headlines
Kwankwaso considers ADC Alliance with Atiku, Obi as opposition forces realign ahead of 2027
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a political alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the move is coming amid significant political shifts in Kano State, following the reported defection of Governor Abba Yusuf, alongside most members of the Kano State House of Assembly, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
THISDAY Newspaper gathered that while Kwankwaso’s political structure in Kano appears to be gravitating towards the APC, the former governor himself is engaged in discussions with the ADC over the possibility of joining the party, along with members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, his core political base.
Sources disclosed that discreet negotiations are already underway among Kwankwaso, Atiku and Obi as they explore the prospects of forming a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The talks are said to be driven by a shared desire to present a formidable challenge to the ruling APC.
There are also strong indications that Governor Yusuf, the only NNPP governor in the country, is set to officially defect to the APC on Monday. His planned defection, sources said, has been strongly opposed by Kwankwaso and has triggered sharp disagreements within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
According to sources close to the governor, Vice President Kashim Shettima; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Yitwalda Nentawe; and the APC Kano State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend a brief ceremony marking Yusuf’s defection in Abuja.
Political analysts say that if the proposed alliance between Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso materialises, it could significantly reshape the opposition landscape and alter Nigeria’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso finished second, third and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election, making their potential alliance one of the most consequential political developments in the build-up to the next general polls.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
