Headlines
Kano Assembly backs Yusuf’s planned defection to APC
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Members of the Kano State House of Assembly have unanimously endorsed the planned decision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening legal and leadership crises within the NNPP.
KANO FOCUS reports that the lawmakers said remaining in the NNPP poses serious political and legal risks, warning that the party’s internal disputes and ongoing court cases could jeopardise the mandates of elected officials in the state.
The legislators recalled the political crisis in Zamfara State, where the ruling party lost power despite winning elections, as a key reason behind their support for Governor Yusuf’s proposed exit from the NNPP.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the Majority Leader of the House, Lawan Hussaini, said the Assembly could not ignore what he described as the “dangerous legal situation” surrounding the party.
“There is an existing court judgement that recognises a particular faction of the NNPP,” Hussaini said. “We cannot continue to remain in the party and risk a repeat of the legal disaster that happened in Zamfara State.”
He explained that the NNPP is currently embroiled in rival leadership claims and multiple court cases, creating uncertainty over the party’s legal standing and the validity of its nominations ahead of future elections.
According to Hussaini, the Zamfara experience remains a painful reminder of how internal party disputes can nullify electoral victories. In the 2019 general elections, the APC won most elective offices in Zamfara State but failed to conduct valid primaries due to internal disagreements.
He noted that shortly before the inauguration of elected officials, the Supreme Court ruled that the APC had no valid candidates, declared the votes cast for the party wasted and ordered that candidates with the next highest votes who met constitutional requirements be declared winners.
The judgement handed the governorship to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Bello Matawalle, while the PDP also secured nearly all legislative seats in the state, despite losing at the polls.
Drawing lessons from that precedent, Hussaini warned that Kano could face a similar fate if the NNPP’s internal crisis remains unresolved. He said continued factional battles and litigation could invalidate the party’s candidates, even after successful elections.
The Majority Leader disclosed that this concern informed the Assembly’s decision to support calls urging Governor Yusuf and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to consider leaving the NNPP for what lawmakers described as a more stable political platform, including the APC.
He added that consultations were already ongoing with Governor Yusuf and Senator Kwankwaso to agree on what he termed a “strategic and timely” defection that would safeguard the mandate given to them by the electorate.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Resident raises concern over rising lawlessness, poor urban planning in Kano
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
K-SAFE commends Kano for timely school census, inclusion of non-formal education data
Kano to distribute 16,906 desks to primary schools in 13 LGAs
