Headlines
Exposed: Coercion Over Coalition?: Youth Forum Reveals Presidency’s Desperate Moves on Kwankwaso
A political storm is brewing as the Coalition of Northern Youth Forum (CNYF), under the leadership of Alhasan Barau Gausu, has raised alarm over what it describes as desperate and undemocratic moves by the Presidency to force Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the group, the Tinubu-led administration is leveraging state institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to intimidate and coerce Kwankwaso into defecting to the ruling APC.
Central to the allegations is a revived petition detailing a 2016 contract worth N15.5 billion, awarded through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to a company reportedly linked to one of Kwankwaso’s closest allies—a known financier of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The EFCC reportedly invited the contractor for interrogation last week Tuesday.
The CNYF claims that the contractor is being pressured to implicate Kwankwaso in the alleged financial misconduct, suggesting the anti-graft agency is being used as a political weapon to break the opposition.
“This is nothing short of blackmail,” said Gausu. “They want to silence Kwankwaso’s rising political influence and force him into a weak alliance with the ruling party, using fear and intimidation.”
The group further disclosed that a high-powered delegation from the Presidency, led by a former Katsina State governor—now serving as TETFUND board chairman—recently visited Kwankwaso at his Abuja residence, appealing to him to join the APC.
However, sources say Kwankwaso responded with firm conditions for any possible defection.
These include:
• A reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
• Massive reinvestment in Nigeria’s education sector
• Reintroduction of the Almajiri Model Education System (originally implemented during President Jonathan’s administration)
• His appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
Allocation of three ministerial slots to his political associates from northwest, northeast and south-south.
Without these demands being met, Kwankwaso reportedly stated he would remain with the NNPP—or align with the emerging SDP coalition, being championed by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai.
The fallout from this meeting, according to the CNYF, may have prompted APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s recent public declaration that Kwankwaso would soon rejoin the APC.
Speaking during a visit by the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) to the APC national secretariat, Ganduje boldly claimed, “NNPP is dead,” insinuating that its leader was on the verge of returning to the ruling party.
Analysts believe the APC’s desperation stems from Kwankwaso’s undeniable grassroots influence in the Northwest—especially Kano State, which boasts over two million registered voters.
With growing public discontent over the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies, the Tinubu administration appears to be seeking strong political alliances ahead of 2027.
But for now, Kwankwaso remains unbowed, standing firm on his conditions and signaling that the NNPP—and its ideals—are not for sale.
Recently, the national and Kano state chapter of the APC were directed by the powrful forces from the villa to galvanize support and provide receptive atmosphere to recieve Kwankwaso and his teaming supporters back to APC.
Headlines
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
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.
