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Kwankwaso’s defection: ADC alleges plot to destabilise party, urges INEC to resist pressure
Ibrahim Khalil
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of plotting to destabilise the party following the defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alleging undue pressure on the leadership of the electoral body.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that there were coordinated efforts to influence the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, to interfere in the internal affairs of the party.
The ADC alleged that a March 28 letter written by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, purportedly on behalf of an expelled party member, was being used to pressure INEC into invalidating decisions taken by the party’s leadership before the courts deliver a final ruling.
According to the party, the move is part of a broader attempt to weaken what it described as a growing opposition platform.
“The decision of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join our party has understandably unsettled the ruling party,” Abdullahi said, alleging that government officials had intensified actions aimed at discouraging other prominent figures from aligning with the ADC.
The party further claimed that the letter to INEC sought to compel the electoral body to reverse key party decisions, including the recognition of its leadership, under what it described as a “curious interpretation” of a Court of Appeal ruling on maintaining the status quo.
It also alleged that the authors of the letter threatened the INEC chairman with arrest if their demands were not met within seven days.
The ADC, however, dismissed the claims of the individual at the centre of the dispute, Nafiu Bala Gombe, stating that he was never a national chairman of the party and had previously resigned alongside other members of the National Working Committee before his expulsion.
The party insisted that any attempt to reinstate him or alter its leadership structure outside judicial determination was unfounded.
Describing the situation as a mix of legal pressure and political interference, the ADC warned that it would resist any attempt to undermine its leadership using constitutional means.
It called on INEC to remain neutral and uphold its constitutional mandate as an impartial electoral umpire.
“This is bigger than the ADC. It is about whether Nigerians can freely choose a different path,” the statement added.
The party also maintained that its growing support base across the country would not be derailed by what it termed “manufactured confusion” or external pressure.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
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.
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
