Headlines
Gales of defection rocks Kano APC as Ganduje’s Chief of staff, Kofa, Sumaila defect to NNPP
Nasiru Yusuf
The gale of defection in Kano APC continued on Friday, with the chief of staff to governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Ali Makoda, Director General of Bola Tinubu’s pesidential campaign, Abdulmumin Jibrin, and former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Legislative Affairs Kawu Sumaila, dumped the party and joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
KANO FOCUS reports that Makoda announced his defection to NNPP on Friday shortly after tendering his resignation letter to governor Ganduje.
He has since visited the residence of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso with other other notable politicians who defected along with him.
Notable among those who defected from APC to NNPP is the Director General of Bola Tinubu’s pesidential campaign, Abdulmumin Jibrin.
The former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, few days ago, announced on his social media handle of his decision to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to irreconcilable differences in the party.
Although, he was silent on his next political move, his defection to NNPP may have dealt a major blow on Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Another prominent politician who announced his defection to NNPP on Friday is former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Legislative Affairs Kawu Sumaila.
Although, Sumaila did not issue any formal complaint and reason for leaving APC, the former minority leader of House of Representatives mobilised APC members and loyalists to denounce APC.
Others are member representing Dambatta/Makoda Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Badamasi Ayuba, member representing Dambatta in the state House of Assembly and Murtala Musa Kore and serving chairman of Dambatta Local Government Council Abdullahi Wango.
The remaining politicians who defected to NNPP on Friday include the State Auditor of APC, Ahmed Speaker; zonal APC Youth Leader, Najib Abdussalam; former chairman of Makoda Local Government, Umar Maitsidau; former member of the House of Assembly representing Rimingado/Tofa Halliru Danga Maigari, and former member of the state House of Assembly representing Dambatta Constituency Hafizu Sani Maidaji.
The former governor of Kano and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau representing Kano Central may formally announce his defection from the APC this weekend.
It was gathered that Shekarau’s decision to dump APC was arrived at the stakeholders’ consultative meeting this week.
Ganduje accompanied by state APC chairman Abdullahi Abbas have on Friday night visited Shekarau to persuade him not leave the party.
Shekarau’s spokesperson Sule Yau Sule on Saturday told BBC Hausa that Mr Ganduje had visited Shekarau at his residence while he was having a meeting with his political associates on his next political step.
Sule said shortly after Ganduje left, some prominent APC bigwigs who defected to NNPP visited the residence of Shekarau to persuade him to join NNPP.
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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.
