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NDC governorship aspirant, others ask court to nullify Kano primaries
Nura Abdullahi
Fresh controversy has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a governorship aspirant, Mukhtar Muhammad, and four other party members have approached the Federal High Court seeking to nullify the party’s primary elections conducted in Kano State and restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising candidates that emerged from the exercise.
KANO FOCUS reports that the plaintiffs in the suit are Shuaib Abubakar Fagge, Mustapha Salisu Musa (Fanandas), Musa Hudu Yusuf, Mukhtar Muhammad and Mahfuz Yahuza.
In an originating summons filed before the Federal High Court, the plaintiffs challenged the legality of the NDC primaries held on May 28, 2026, alleging widespread violations of the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution and its guidelines for the 2027 general election.
According to the court documents, the plaintiffs alleged that the party unlawfully delegated the sale and distribution of its Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms in Kano State to a single individual, thereby allowing one party member to determine who could obtain nomination forms and participate in the primaries.
They argued that the arrangement violated the provisions of the Electoral Act, the NDC constitution and the party’s election guidelines, insisting that the responsibility for issuing nomination forms could not legally be transferred to an individual or faction within the party.
The plaintiffs further contended that no valid primary election recognised by law was conducted, alleging that there was no proper accreditation of delegates or members, voting, counting or collation of votes as required under the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.
They also claimed they were unlawfully denied nomination forms despite being eligible members of the party, thereby preventing them from contesting the governorship, House of Representatives and Kano State House of Assembly primaries for the Fagge, Tarauni and Gwale constituencies.
The suit seeks declarations that the party breached its constitutional and statutory obligations by denying the plaintiffs equal opportunity to contest and by failing to provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiffs asked the court to nullify all primary elections conducted by the NDC in Kano State on May 28, 2026, including the governorship, House of Representatives and State Assembly primaries.
They also urged the court to set aside the Certificate of Return issued to Aminu Suleiman Goro as the party’s candidate for the Fagge Federal Constituency and restrain him from presenting himself as the party’s flag bearer pending the conduct of fresh primaries.
The plaintiffs further prayed the court to issue perpetual injunctions restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting, recognising, publishing or acting on the names of candidates produced through the disputed primaries.
They also asked the court to compel the NDC to conduct fresh primary elections for the affected constituencies in compliance with the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution and its election guidelines.
In addition, the lead plaintiff is seeking a refund of the ₦2 million allegedly paid for his Expression of Interest and Nomination Form, as well as ₦200 million in general and exemplary damages for alleged breach of contract and denial of the opportunity to participate in the primaries.
The suit, filed by counsel, Moses Ademola Falana of Nayara Legal Consult, is expected to test the legality of the NDC’s primary election process in Kano and could have significant implications for the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections if the court grants the reliefs sought.
The NDC had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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