News
Haske to declare for 2027 Adamawa governorship race
Ibrahim Khalil
Abdulrahman Bashir Haske is set to officially declare his intention to contest the 2027 Adamawa State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a major rally scheduled for April 25 in Yola.
According to a press statement issued on Wednesday by his publicity secretary, Abdulgaffar Ahmed, the declaration rally will take place at the Mahmud Ribadu Square and is expected to attract about 50,000 supporters, including party leaders, political allies, women and youth groups, and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.
Observers have described the event as one of the largest political gatherings in Adamawa State and the wider North-East in recent years.
The rally is also expected to feature a formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, underscoring its broader political significance at both state and national levels.
Central to the event will be the unveiling of Haske’s policy framework, tagged the Adamawa A.R.I.S.E. Agenda, which focuses on accountable governance, economic resilience, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, social development, and security.
The statement noted that the agenda is designed to address key challenges facing the state, including high poverty levels, dependence on federal allocations, and rising youth unemployment.
Haske, described as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has in recent weeks garnered endorsements from various APC stakeholders and interest groups ahead of the 2027 race. During the party’s recent congresses in the state, several leaders reportedly backed him as a preferred aspirant, citing his leadership capacity and vision for socio-economic transformation.
The statement added that 265 women’s groups across the state have also endorsed his candidacy, highlighting his grassroots appeal and philanthropic interventions, including the distribution of agricultural inputs, food items, and Ramadan support to vulnerable households.
Support has also come from advocacy groups such as the Renew Team for Unity, Progress and Initiative Forum and the Making Adamawa Great Again (MAGA) movement, both of which pledged backing for his ambition.
At the community level, residents of Yoro in Ganye Local Government Area have similarly endorsed Haske, promising support for his campaign.
The statement further noted that Haske has continued to mobilise young people through initiatives like Operation Youth-O’Clock and Youths4Youth, aimed at promoting political inclusion and youth empowerment.
Analysts say growing support for his candidacy suggests a potentially competitive contest ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for May 23 in Adamawa State.
They also noted that Haske’s entry into the race reflects increasing demand, particularly among younger voters, for new leadership and a shift towards capacity-driven governance in the state.
At 36, Haske is seen by supporters as representing a new generation of political actors, bringing a background in enterprise and exposure to global best practices into the political arena.
The statement was dated April 22, 2026.
Headlines
Gov Yusuf Nominates Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakintofa as Commissioner
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated his spokesperson, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and Hon. Balarabe Sa’idu Gani for appointment as commissioners.
KANO FOCUS reports that their names have been forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The Speaker of the House, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, announced the nominations during plenary on Monday after reading a letter from the governor conveying their names for consideration.
Falgore said the nominees would undergo screening in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa currently serves as the governor’s spokesperson.
The latest nominations come barely a week after the Assembly screened and confirmed six commissioner nominees, including former commissioners Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa and Professor Sani Lawan, a former chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission.
The two nominees are expected to appear before the Assembly for screening before their confirmation.
Headlines
Kano Association of Persons with Disabilities Affirms New State Executive Through Consensus
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), Kano State Chapter, has affirmed a new nine-member state executive through consensus for a four-year tenure.
KANO FOCUS reports that the new leadership emerged at the association’s General Congress meeting held on Sunday, at its state secretariat in Kabuga, Kano.
Mustapha Usman Jibril emerged as the new chairman, while Bilkisu Ado Zango was affirmed as vice chairman.
Other members of the executive include Sulaiman Zubairu, Secretary; Rabi’u Isah Yahaya, Treasurer; Ibrahim Abubakar, Financial Secretary; Abana Danladi, Organising Secretary; Sulaiman Musa, Public Relations Officer; Idris Muhammad, Auditor; and Zubairu Muhammad, Ex-officio member.
The meeting was attended by members of the congress, the North-West Zonal Coordinator, stakeholders, ex-officio members and local government area executives from across the state.
In a statement issued by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Musa, the new executive emerged following consultations among members and stakeholders, during which eligible and capable members were identified for the various positions.
The statement said the outgoing Chairman, Yahaya A. Yahaya, the outgoing Secretary, Abdullahi Idris, and Fatima Abubakar Hassan were nominated to coordinate the proceedings and oversee the nomination, deliberation and affirmation processes.
It added that the nominees were confirmed to have accepted the responsibilities before receiving the endorsement of at least two-thirds of members present.
The congress consequently resolved that the new executive should assume office with immediate effect and administer the affairs of the association for four years in accordance with its constitution.
It also emphasised the need for financial accountability, transparency, unity and responsible leadership in advancing the welfare and interests of persons with physical disabilities in Kano State.
The congress called on members to support the new leadership and work collectively towards the growth and development of the association.
It also appreciated its partners, stakeholders, media organisations and security agencies for their continued support and cooperation, while acknowledging the outgoing executives for their dedication and contributions to the association.
Headlines
NUJ urges Kano residents to support task force on drug abuse
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
