Headlines
Kano PDP suspends Bello Hayatu, secured court order restricting him to contest zonal election
Nasiru Yusuf
Barely two days to the election of new zonal executives, the Kano state chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed the earlier suspension of Bello Hayatu who was accused of anti-party activities in 2019 elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kano state Chairman of PDP Shehu Wada Sagagi announced this in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday.
The statement said “As we approach the impending northwest zonal party congress, the state executives of the PDP in Kano state and its 44 local government chairmen met on Wednesday the 9th of Feb 2023 and unanimously endorsed his suspension from the party due to his political romance with the ruling All Progressive Congress and direct involvement in anti-party activities as alleged by his ward during the 2019 general elections.
“You may recall that Gwarzo ward has issued a suspension letter to Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo . The suspension was endorsed by the local and state executive committees.
‘We wish to intimate the national working committee and the board of trusties of the party that we followed the necessary due process as enshrined in the constitution of our great party, (the PDP), this same procedure was followed to suspend the former national chairman of the party Prince Uche Secondus and today, the current NWC is the biggest beneficiary of such a process legally provided by party’s constitution.
“I wish to confirm that I am today in receipt of a court order directing both the National and the state chapter of our great party to stop Senator Bello Hayatu from participating in the up coming northwest zonal election.
“It is therefore necessary for us as a party to obey this order to avoid unnecessary legal tussle capable of spoiling our party’s bright chances in the coming 2023 general election
“Glaringly, Senator Bello Hayatu worked for Governor Ganduje’s re-election and he was rewarded by appointing his aide as the Managing Director, Kano Zoological Garden and some Special Advisers in Ganduje’s administration.
‘Therefore, the state executive committee reaffirmed the suspension of Senator Gwarzo, as such he does not have the right to contest any position in the party.
“It is our prayer that he will be withdrawn from the list of contestants as par the said court order.”
Below is the copy of the court order.


Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
