Headlines
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz defends Yusuf’s defection, says political survival not betrayal
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has thrown his weight behind Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, over his recent defection from his former political party, describing criticisms of the move as misplaced and politically dishonest.
KANO FOCUS reports that Abdulaziz made the remarks in a reaction posted on his Facebook page, where he responded to accusations that Governor Yusuf acted out of ingratitude by dumping the party that brought him to power.
In a strongly worded statement on Facebook, the presidential media aide said many of those now attacking the governor had previously believed that Yusuf would never be allowed to contest for any elective office under the control of certain political interests.
“Many of those who insult and accuse Governor Abba of ingratitude firmly believed that Madugu would not give Abba a ticket, in whatever party he controlled,” Abdulaziz stated.
He described it as contradictory for the same critics to now accuse the governor of betrayal for taking steps to secure his political survival.
Questioning the logic behind the accusations, Abdulaziz asked rhetorically: “So how, then, does saving one’s own life become ingratitude?”
Abdulaziz, who said he was present when Governor Yusuf officially announced his defection, explained that the decision was driven by prevailing political realities rather than personal vendetta or disloyalty.
He noted that politicians are often compelled to make difficult choices in response to internal party crises, power struggles and exclusionary practices.
According to him, political parties should not be treated as personal estates where access to tickets and opportunities is determined by loyalty to individuals instead of democratic processes.
Abdulaziz stressed that Governor Yusuf’s defection should be understood within the broader context of resistance to political exclusion, insisting that the move was a pragmatic step taken in the interest of political survival and effective governance, rather than an act of betrayal.
Headlines
Kano Police arrest six suspected car thieves, recover three stolen vehicles
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a car theft syndicate and recovered three stolen vehicles in a major breakthrough against vehicle-related crimes in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the arrest followed intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS), acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to intensify technology-driven crime-fighting strategies.
According to a statement issued on February 22, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the operation was carried out under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
The statement said the prime suspect, Aliyu Mamman, 35, was arrested on February 13, 2026, at Hotoro Ring Road in Kano. The suspect, a resident of Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, allegedly confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states.
During interrogation, Mamman reportedly implicated other members of the syndicate identified as Abdulhamid Usman, Saliha Abdulhamid, Auwal Shuaibu, Sani Bala and Ahmad Mannir. All six suspects are currently in police custody.
Police said the suspects’ confessions led to the recovery of three stolen vehicles: a Golf Wagon, a Golf Opel and a Hijet (popularly known as Kurkura).
Commissioner of Police Bakori commended the Special Intervention Squad for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the Command remains committed to sustaining operations aimed at curbing criminal activities across the state.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents in line with the Inspector-General’s vision of community-oriented policing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates winners of Kano bye-elections
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the winners of Saturday’s bye-elections in Kano State, describing their victory as a sacred mandate from the people.
In a State House press release issued on February 22, 2026, and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded the outcome of the polls conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies.
President Tinubu urged the victorious candidates to serve with humility, patriotism and dedication, stressing that the mandate given to them by the electorate should be regarded as a sacred trust.
He also congratulated the national and Kano State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as party members, on what he described as their success at the polls.
The President commended INEC, security agencies and voters for ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections, noting that the process reflected growing democratic maturity.
He further praised all contestants for their courage and discipline, stating that democracy thrives on vibrant participation and healthy competition.
President Tinubu affirmed that the smooth conduct of the elections strengthens Nigeria’s democratic culture and institutions, and called on INEC to continue improving its processes to deliver even more exemplary electoral outcomes in the future.
Headlines
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has commenced the distribution of food items ahead of the 2026/1447AH Ramadan, following the approval of a Ramadan Feeding Programme Committee by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, food distribution began on Thursday, February 19, 2026, across 115 feeding centres located within the eight metropolitan local government areas of Kano State.
The governor said the initiative is designed to support the less privileged and ease the burden of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. He urged members of the newly constituted committee to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, transparency and fear of God to ensure the success of the programme.
Committee Composition
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ahmed Tijani Auwalu.
Other members include the Commissioner for Local Government, Muhammad Tajo Othman; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Hashim; Chairman of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehu Maihula; and several special advisers and directors-general.
Also serving on the committee are the Accountant General of the State, Jamila Magaji Abdullahi; the Director General of the Hisbah Board, Abba Saidu Sufi; Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; and Director General, Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, among others.
All chairmen of the eight metropolitan local government areas—Tarauni, Fagge, Kano Municipal, Gwale, Nassarawa, Dala, Kumbotso and T/Wada—are members of the committee, alongside representatives from the Government House and the Zakkat Commission.
Akibu Isa Murtala, Special Adviser on Administration, will serve as Secretary, while Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary/AGS in the SSG’s Office, will serve as Co-Secretary.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that the Ramadan Feeding Programme remains a key social intervention initiative of his administration, aimed at promoting unity and providing relief to vulnerable residents across Kano State during the fasting period.
