By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former lawmaker and activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the next general election.

The primary election took place on Monday. Shehu Sani defeated former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, as well as another aspirant identified as Shettima.

The Returning Officer for the exercise, Sameera Ibrahim, announced the results after the completion of voting.

She stated that Shehu Sani scored 9,105 votes to emerge winner of the contest and secure the APC ticket for Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

According to her, Zailani received 1,021 votes, while Shettima polled 1,253 votes.

Ibrahim described the exercise as peaceful and transparent. She also praised party delegates and officials for maintaining order throughout the process.

The outcome signals a political return for Shehu Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He is known for his activism and strong opinions on governance, democracy and social justice.

Political analysts said the result could shape political calculations within the APC in Kaduna State ahead of the general elections because of the profile of the contestants involved in the race.

Moments after the announcement, supporters of the former senator celebrated the victory and expressed optimism about his chances in the forthcoming election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has issued a strong warning to his former political ally and mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over what he described as repeated attacks against him.

The governor spoke on Monday in Rano during the official affirmation of Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kano South.

Yusuf said his decision to remain silent should not be seen as weakness, adding that he could respond publicly if the situation continues.

He said, “For us, Kano peace is our priority, but if we are pushed to the wall, we will open our mouths and talk. Silence is not a sign of fear.

“To even keep quiet is an act of worship, not because we are afraid, not because we are kids. How could a 69-year-old call a 63-year-old a kid? It is just a personal respect that you are slightly elder than me.

“However, if an old man does not respect himself and keeps quiet, the younger one will have what to say. So, we are pleading with them in the name of Almighty and His Messenger to keep their mouths shut. Else, you will hear a lot of revelations.”

The remarks marked one of the governor’s strongest public responses to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement since both politicians fell apart earlier this year.

Yusuf’s comments followed a recent interview granted by Kwankwaso to Trust TV, where the former Kano governor criticised Yusuf’s decision to leave the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Kwankwaso, who is also a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition (NDC), reportedly stated that the movement played a major role in Yusuf’s emergence as governor after serving as his personal assistant.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has declared that he is “not open” to granting concessions to Iran as diplomatic efforts continue over the ongoing conflict involving Washington, Tehran and Israel.

Trump’s remarks came after Iranian authorities confirmed that they had sent a response to the latest American proposal through Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator in the talks.

The latest developments emerged amid growing international concern over security, energy supplies and humanitarian conditions across the Middle East.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended Iran’s right to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes. Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said, “Iran, like any other member of the Non-Proliferation Agreement, has the full right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.”

He also stressed that Russia would not obstruct ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

“We will support any resolutions agreed upon and accepted by the negotiating parties themselves. In this case, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Lavrov said, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

Meanwhile, Iran announced plans to tighten its oversight of the Strait of Hormuz through the creation of a new body known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iranian officials said the authority would provide real-time operational updates concerning the strategic waterway, which handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments.

Reports also indicated that Tehran plans to introduce an insurance scheme for vessels operating through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf waters. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, transactions linked to the insurance arrangement would be settled through cryptocurrency payments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Iranian state media said both officials discussed regional developments and diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington.

Germany joined calls for restraint after fresh attacks in the Gulf region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other regional allies.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence,” Merz wrote on social media.

He further urged Iran to resume negotiations with the United States, halt threats against neighbouring countries and ensure unrestricted access through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the occupied Palestinian territories, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry criticised Israel’s reported decision to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah area.

Palestinian officials warned that the move represented a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine international law. They said Israeli authorities planned to construct army and security facilities on the site, reportedly under the cover of establishing a museum.

Elsewhere, the Gaza Health Ministry said the territory’s medical system had suffered severe damage during the war. Officials stated that more than 76 percent of medical imaging equipment had been destroyed.

According to the ministry, all MRI services in Gaza have stopped after the destruction of nine machines. Only five of the enclave’s 18 CT scanners remain operational, while many X-ray machines are reportedly worn out and frequently malfunctioning.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned a recent drone strike targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant. UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber described the attack as “a terrorist attack on a peaceful project, built to the highest safety standards, that powers homes, hospitals, and industries across the UAE.”

Authorities in the UAE said investigations were ongoing to determine the origin of the drones, which reportedly entered the country’s airspace through the western border.

In Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for stronger cooperation between Europe and North America amid tensions between the United States and NATO allies over the conflict involving Iran.

“It is the task of all of us here in Poland, in Europe, across the Atlantic, in the US, in Canada, to ensure that transatlantic cooperation regardless of various political variables survives this difficult period,” Tusk said.

Tensions also escalated after organisers of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla announced that Israeli authorities detained several participants, including Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

In a pre-recorded message released by organisers, Connolly stated: “If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I’m now being held illegally in an Israeli prison.

“I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla – it is the largest to date.”

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has introduced a new tactical formation, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in a renewed push to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent offences across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the development during the unit’s inauguration, describing it as a major boost to efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property in Kano.

He explained that the unit, which was established on April 24, 2026, followed directives from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen intelligence-driven policing and improve operational effectiveness.

According to Bakori, the VCRU is a specialised team equipped to confront serious security threats, including banditry and organised violent crimes that continue to affect communities and economic activities.

“Our goal is simple: to reduce response time, dominate public spaces and deny criminals the freedom to operate within Kano State,” he said.

The police chief added that the unit would prioritise swift response to emergencies, proactive crime prevention strategies, as well as thorough investigation and prosecution of suspects.

He noted that personnel assigned to the unit underwent rigorous screening and specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, and human rights standards to ensure professionalism in line with global best practices.

Bakori stressed that discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights would guide the operations of the unit, assuring residents that the command would remain accountable for its activities.

He further revealed that the VCRU would depend largely on real-time intelligence, data analysis, and credible information from the public, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful tips.

To strengthen transparency, the command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board made up of civil society representatives, traditional leaders, legal practitioners, and community stakeholders.

The board, he said, is expected to promote public confidence and encourage inclusive policing.

The inauguration ceremony drew the attendance of senior police officers and community members, many of whom welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention to address the state’s security challenges.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, on Sunday organised a dinner as part of activities marking its 2026 Law Week in Kano.

The event brought together legal practitioners, judges, and guests from within and outside the state to celebrate the legal profession and strengthen professional ties.

Speaking at the dinner, the branch chairman, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Gwadabe, commended members for their dedication and support, particularly the executive committee.

“I commend all members for their support, especially the EXCOs, for their unwavering commitment to the growth of this branch,” he said.

He noted that the occasion would likely be his last Law Week dinner as chairman, as he is set to complete his tenure.

“This may be my last time attending this annual dinner as chairman of the Ungogo Branch. It has been a privilege serving this association,” he added.

Also speaking, Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, who sponsored the publication of The Legacy Journal—the first of its kind in the branch—reaffirmed his support for the association.

Ozoani was represented at the event by Barrister Barth Okoye Aniche, who apologised for his absence, citing prior engagements.

“He would have loved to be here personally, but due to other commitments, he asked me to represent him,” Aniche said.

He added that the Senior Advocate expressed strong admiration for the Ungogo Branch and pledged continued support.

“He holds this branch in high regard and assured members that he will always be available to support initiatives that promote the growth and sustainability of the association,” he said.

Aniche also commended the branch’s achievements despite its relatively recent establishment.

“For a young branch, the level of organisation and commitment is impressive. From hosting a Law Week to producing a publication like The Legacy Journal, it shows vision and dedication. Some branches take years to achieve this,” he noted.

In his remarks, Sadiku Sammani Lawan, Secretary of the Law Week Committee, said the dinner was part of broader activities aimed at fostering unity and professional development among members.

“Law Week provides an opportunity to bring together legal practitioners, judges, and stakeholders to celebrate the profession and reflect on its development,” he said.

He added that the programme also includes outreach activities such as visits to correctional centres and orphanages, as part of efforts to promote social responsibility within the legal community.

“This dinner is one of the activities lined up for the week. It offers members and invited guests an avenue to interact, network, and celebrate together,” he said.

The event attracted participants from different NBA branches, highlighting the growing relevance of the Ungogo Branch within the legal community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are in mourning after kidnappers reportedly killed one of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle.

The victim, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly murdered in a video said to have been released by the abductors on Sunday.

The footage, which surfaced on Telegram and was seen by journalists on Monday, showed the teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was killed. The incident has sparked anxiety over the fate of the remaining captives.

Families of the victims, community members and concerned residents have continued to urge security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held by the gunmen.

The Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Monday. He said the governor had sympathised with the family of the deceased teacher and assured residents that the government would employ both military and non-military measures to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Olanrewaju also disclosed that security agencies had arrested about six persons linked to the abduction.

He further condoled with the families of soldiers, members of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes who died during rescue operations.

According to him, the operatives encountered Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the abductors during the mission.

He added that injured security personnel were responding to treatment and assured that the state government would provide the necessary support for their care.

He appealed to families of the victims, religious organisations and other stakeholders to remain calm while rescue efforts continue.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

The governor’s aide also said progress had been made in the investigation, with several suspects already in custody.

“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.

“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.

“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he said.

The abduction occurred on Friday, May 15, when armed men stormed the school and kidnapped the principal, several teachers and some students.

The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, especially after an earlier attempted kidnapping along the Ibadan-Ijebu road reportedly claimed the life of a traveller.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent Islamic cleric and peace advocate, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, has strongly warned against any move to invite foreign military interventio, particularly from the United States, to address Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Gumi argued that involving the U.S. military would turn Nigeria into a “new arena” for international terror networks, which he said would inevitably escalate violence. He also accused some Nigerians of having a “slave mentality” for allegedly supporting the idea of surrendering national sovereignty to foreign powers.

The Failure of the ‘Kinetic Approach’

Reflecting on the 17-year insurgency involving Boko Haram, which began after the extrajudicial killing of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009, Gumi criticized the military’s heavy reliance on force.

He attributed the “gross failure” of this kinetic approach to a lack of moral discipline among security personnel, noting that civilian casualties have significantly undermined the war effort.

“Until innocent people are safe from our excesses in the application of the kinetic approach… the war is going to erode our sovereignty, which it has already,” Gumi stated.

He added that the military is fully capable of addressing the situation internally, provided that the rules of engagement are “free from prejudices and deception, both in the application of force and finances.”

Allegations Against Foreign Actors

To support his opposition to Western involvement, the cleric referenced historical and recent controversies involving U.S. officials.

Gumi questioned the silence of former American envoy Russell Hanks regarding his alleged involvement in the 1995 bombing of a bookshop at the Durbar Hotel in Kaduna.

He also cited allegations made in February 2025 by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had inadvertently funded terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

Denial of Military Restraint

Gumi dismissed claims that the Nigerian military has been restricted from attacking bandits or Boko Haram insurgents due to peace talks or amnesty arrangements.

He described such claims as “false and malicious,” insisting that the military has never stopped operations against unrepentant terrorists. According to him, the only blanket amnesty in Nigeria’s recent history was granted to Niger Delta militants under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“Our sovereignty is a red line!” Gumi declared, urging Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign subjugation. He also offered prayers for the continued stability of the country and the strength of its armed forces.

By Oladoja M.O

More often than not, in my commentaries and advocacy, I have argued, sometimes gently, often forcefully, that Nigeria’s development dilemma is not merely a question of resources but of structure. And by structure, I mean governance structure. Specifically, the chronic underdevelopment of the local government system, a tier that should be the nerve centre of citizen reality, but has instead been reduced to a ceremonial appendage.

Local government, in its truest form, should not be an administrative afterthought but the frontline of governance, the first point of contact between policy and people, where statistics acquire faces, and where development either becomes tangible or remains theoretical. Health outcomes, food systems, primary security, sanitation, grassroots education, these are not abstractions.

They are all local. Deeply, stubbornly local.

Yet, in Nigeria, the local government has long operated like what I once described as “an employed man with no office”, burdened with responsibilities, stripped of authority, and perpetually dependent. A facility structurally present but functionally absent.

This is why the agitation for local government autonomy has not just been valid, but urgent. However, we must be careful not to mistake noise for nuance. The autonomy worth pursuing is not the shallow, politically convenient version, one that merely shifts financial pipelines or creates the illusion of independence while leaving structural weaknesses intact. No! 

What Nigeria requires is a deeply constitutional, deliberately engineered autonomy, one that recognises local government as a true tier of governance, not a subordinate convenience.

Anything less is cosmetic.

But here lies the uncomfortable pivot, the part we are not speaking loudly enough about.

What happens after autonomy?

Because autonomy, by itself, is not redemption. It is merely an opportunity.

And opportunities, in the wrong hands, are dangerous.

There is a growing unease, one I cannot ignore. Having observed, listened, and engaged within spaces where prospective local government leadership is being shaped, I would be dishonest if I claimed confidence. The dominant political culture that has hollowed out higher levels of governance is not magically absent at the grassroots. But present, alive and waiting.

And that is the real threat.

If autonomy is handed over to the same cadre of actors, those driven not by systems thinking but by transactional politics, not by development logic but by opportunistic instincts, then what we are building is not a solution. We are constructing a more efficient failure.

A freshly liberated arena, quickly captured.

A new playground, governed by old habits.

A structure with potential, turned once again into a cemetery of governance.

This is why the conversation must evolve. We cannot afford to celebrate autonomy as an end. It must be treated as a beginning, a fragile, high-stakes transition that demands vigilance, design intelligence, and, most importantly, a redefinition of who gets to lead at that level.

Local government leadership cannot remain the fallback position for political recycling. It is too important for that. In fact, if anything, it should attract the most competent administrators, the most systems-oriented thinkers, the most innovation-driven leaders. Individuals who understand that governance at that level is not about occupying office, but about engineering outcomes.

Because if properly structured and competently led, local government has the capacity to recalibrate Nigeria’s development trajectory faster than any centralised intervention ever could. It is the closest lever to the people, and therefore the most powerful.

But power without accountability is a familiar Nigerian tragedy.

So, beyond autonomy, what should we focus?

First, a non-negotiable radical transparency. Financial flows, project allocations, and procurement processes must not exist in bureaucratic shadows. They must be visible, traceable, and open to public scrutiny in real time. Autonomy cannot become a shield for opacity.

Second, citizen participation must move from rhetoric to architecture. Governance at the local level must be deliberately designed to include the people, not as passive recipients, but as active stakeholders in decision-making. Budgeting, planning, and monitoring must have structured entry points for citizen engagement. Not symbolic inclusion, but functional involvement.

Third, accountability frameworks must be ruthless in their clarity. No immunity structures that protect incompetence. No procedural loopholes that enable mismanagement. Consequences must be immediate, visible, and enforceable.

And finally, there must be a cultural shift in how we perceive local governance. It is not inferior governance. It is foundational governance. Until we treat it with the seriousness it deserves, we will continue to recycle failure at scale.

Nigeria stands at a delicate threshold. The body language of decentralisation is becoming more pronounced, and within it lies a rare window of opportunity. But history has taught us that structural reforms, when poorly executed, can entrench the very problems they were meant to solve.

So yes, we should pursue autonomy.

But we must do so with our eyes wide open.

Because beyond autonomy lies a more difficult question, one that demands honesty, courage, and intentional design:

Are we truly ready to govern differently?

If the answer is no, then autonomy will not save us.

It will simply expose us.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com.

A response to Barr Ahmed Umar Farouk.

My dear learned brother, Barr Ahmed Umar Farouk, as I pledged to respond to your post, let me briefly add a few lines, as my learned friend, Barr Hassan Saraki, has already engaged you on the other issues you raised, which I think makes my work easier. 

According to the Nigerian Constitution, any Nigerian aged 35 years and above can contest the senatorial seat. This legal provision makes Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed fully qualified to run for the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections. 

As a retired director from the federal service, a senator for about 3 years, a minister for more than 5 years, and currently a sitting governor serving a 2nd 4-year term, these alone are exceptional qualities that make Senator Bala Abdulkadir the best choice for the Bauchi South senatorial district. Could this ring a bell for you?

His contributions to the Senate gave him an edge over all the contestants across all political parties. His brief sojourn in the red chamber was notable for his active legislative role and key administrative positions within the Senate. His contributions during this period primarily focused on committee leadership, advocacy for reform, and a landmark constitutional motion. 

Key among his legislative contributions was the Doctrine of Necessity Motion during the political uncertainty of late 2009. He courageously moved the motion that empowered then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as acting president during President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s illness, effectively resolving a looming constitutional crisis. 

Senator Bala Mohammed was recognised as one of the most outspoken and vibrant legislators during plenary sessions. He championed bills focused on public service reform and anti-corruption, advocating for greater transparency in governance. During his two years in the Senate, Senator Bala Mohammed tackled essential social issues by providing water and sanitation infrastructure, improving health facilities, and addressing youth unemployment and other social challenges, among other initiatives. 

Senator Mohammed served as a member of several committees and held strategic leadership positions, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Secretary of the Northern Senators Forum, and member of the Committees on Communication, Finance and Public Accounts, Rules and Business, Environment, Labour and Productivity, and Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Jos Crisis. 

As Governor for seven years, Bala Mohammed has implemented a series of reforms and projects aimed at transforming Bauchi State. His administration focuses on a blueprint designed to revitalise critical sectors of the economy. His achievements in health, education, and infrastructural development are clear examples of a representative and responsible government. 

This piece has done justice to the four items you presented as the reasons why Governor Bala Mohammed is the least suited to represent the Bauchi South senatorial district in the red chamber. 

Governor Bala Mohammed is contesting the Senate position not as a retirement home but to continue with the good works he started between 2007 and 2010. Don’t forget that His Excellency defeated a sitting governor, Dr Ahmad Adamu Mu’azu, with a landslide victory to win the Bauchi South senatorial seat in 2007. 

With these few paragraphs, I hope my learned brother can see the differences between His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and the other contestants, which are far below his pedigree, given his educational qualifications and requisite experience in governance and national assignments.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is of No 555, Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

By Anwar Usman

Mr. Yusuf Gagdi, a two-term lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State has failed to secure ticket of All Progressives Congress, APC, to return to the National Assembly for the third time.

Mr Gagdi is currently the Chairman, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Navy.

Gagdi lost the primaries of his party conducted across the three Local Government Area, LGAs, that make up his constituency.

NAN reports that, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Daspan Ishaya, announced the results of the polls on Sunday in Pankshin.

Mr Ishaya said that Dr John Tongshinen scored 29,968 to defeat Gagdi, his closest opponent, who polled 5,849 votes.

“By the powers conferred on me as the Chairman of this committee, I hereby declare Mr John Tongshinen as winner of the APC primaries for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam federal constituency,”he said.

Ishaya explained that the primaries was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.