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.
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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