News

By Uzair Adam

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue his ambition of becoming the governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 elections.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuggar’s resignation on Monday through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

It was gathered that the minister submitted his resignation letter to the president shortly after noon and is expected to contest the governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His resignation follows a directive issued earlier in March by the presidency.

The order, conveyed through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, required all political appointees intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive affects ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants and heads of federal government agencies.

It is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday formally aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development observers describe as a significant moment for opposition politics in Nigeria.

The Daily Reality reports that the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, received Kwankwaso and his supporters at his residence on Monday.

Mark said Kwankwaso’s decision to join the party represented more than a political realignment, noting that it reflected growing calls by Nigerians for a united and formidable opposition capable of safeguarding democratic values.

He explained that the ADC was emerging as a rallying platform for a broad-based national movement founded on inclusion, integrity, competence and progress.

According to him, the coalition aims to offer Nigerians credible alternatives and rebuild public confidence in democratic governance.

Mark also expressed concern over what he described as a gradual shrinking of opposition space in the country, warning that actions capable of limiting political participation could threaten democracy.

“The future of Nigeria cannot be built on domination but on participation. Leadership must be earned through trust rather than sustained by control,” he said.

The ADC chairman noted that Kwankwaso commands a large grassroots following, particularly in Northern Nigeria, through the Kwankwasiyya movement.

He called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional lines to join the movement and play active roles in building a more inclusive and accountable system of governance.

Mark also invited other political parties, civil society organisations and youth groups to work towards a united coalition, stressing that strengthening democracy requires collective effort and sacrifice.

He expressed optimism that the emerging alliance could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging citizens to embrace unity, participation and hope in shaping the country’s future.

Earlier, Kwankwaso urged ADC supporters to register massively as members of the party.

He also encouraged them to promote the party’s ideals and prepare to elect credible leaders for good governance through registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Germany has declined the nomination of former minister Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s ambassador, citing concerns over his past remarks and conduct, according to an exclusive report.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had approved Mr Fani-Kayode’s appointment on March 6, assigning him to a Central European country as ambassador-designate. However, the German authorities rejected the nomination a week later, on March 13, 2026.

Officials in Germany based their decision on what they described as “erratic behaviour, controversial past statements, particularly his divisive ethnocentric, tribalistic, and religious fundamentalist comments in Nigeria”, which they said were “destabilising”.

The development followed a recent incident in Abuja where Mr Fani-Kayode reportedly clashed with the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. The disagreement occurred during a Ramadan dinner hosted by Senator Bashir Lado, the president’s special adviser on Senate matters.

Efforts to obtain Mr Fani-Kayode’s response were unsuccessful as of Sunday.

A senior government official, however, indicated that the former minister might be reassigned to South Africa in a similar diplomatic role.

Mr Fani-Kayode remains one of the high-profile figures nominated by President Tinubu for ambassadorial positions. He has, over the years, attracted attention for controversial public statements and social media posts.

In August 2020, he faced criticism after verbally attacking a journalist who questioned the source of funding for his nationwide tour. At a press briefing in Calabar, the reporter had asked, “Who is bankrolling you?” Mr Fani-Kayode responded by calling the journalist “stupid” and described the question as “insulting”. He later issued an apology following widespread backlash.

He was also involved in a public dispute with his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu, over child custody.

In addition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed charges against him, including fraud, money laundering, and forgery spanning nearly two decades. However, between 2024 and 2025, courts dismissed the cases. The rulings cited the prosecution’s inability to establish a link between Mr Fani-Kayode and the alleged offences, which included claims of fraudulent receipt of N4.9 billion, laundering of N200 million and later N8 billion, as well as forgery of medical documents.

By Uzair Adam

Several top figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have arrived at Miller Road in Kano, the residence of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of his expected official defection to the party today.

Those present include the former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark; the party’s National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Dino Melaye; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

The delegation arrived in Kano through Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), where they were received by the immediate past deputy governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump has disclosed that a large military facility is being constructed beneath a proposed ballroom at the White House.

The president approved plans last October to demolish part of the existing East Wing to create space for the new ballroom, which is intended to host major events such as state dinners and official receptions.

According to Mr Trump, the project is being funded privately with contributions from him and other donors. The estimated cost has risen from $200 million to $400 million.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, he said, “The military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that’s under construction, and we’re doing very well, so we’re ahead of schedule.”

He added, “It’s part of it, the ballroom essentially becomes a shed for what’s being built under the military [complex] including [protection] from drones and including from any other thing. The glass on the windows is extremely thick – it’s high-grade bulletproof glass.”

Mr Trump did not provide detailed information about the underground structure. He stated that details became public “because of a stupid lawsuit that was filed”.

While presenting architectural illustrations of the project, the president highlighted the importance of the ballroom. He said, “We just got these in from the architects. A lot of people are talking about how beautiful the ballroom is.”

He noted that previous administrations had considered a similar project. “For 150 years, they’ve wanted to build a ballroom at the White House, and other presidents have wanted it [for] when we have dignitaries coming, like President Xi of China, or anybody else, and we have very small rooms that are not big enough to handle the kind of capacity that you need,” he said.

Mr Trump also described the proposed structure as unique in scale and design. “This [the ballroom] is the same height as the White House – it’s an incredible fitting. I think it’ll be the finest ballroom of its kind anywhere in the world,” he said.

He added, “A lot of people are giving it really good reviews, some are giving it reviews without even seeing the building, because these pictures just came out today.”

The president explained that he chose to unveil the designs while travelling due to his schedule. “I don’t have time to do this. I’m fighting wars and other things. But this is important because this is going to be with us for a long time,” he said.

The plan has drawn criticism from some quarters. Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had earlier accused Mr Trump of altering the historic building, saying he was “destroying” the White House, which was “not his house”.

Mr Trump has long argued that the current East Room is too small for large gatherings. It accommodates about 200 guests, which often requires additional arrangements on the White House grounds. He said the new ballroom would span about 90,000 square feet and hold up to 1,000 people.

However, the design has generated debate among planners and architects. Critics say the new structure could overshadow the main White House residence and obstruct key views from Capitol Hill along Pennsylvania Avenue.

In October, Mr Trump dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, which had been reviewing the proposal. A White House official indicated that the president preferred members who were “more aligned” with his “America First policies”.

No official completion date has been announced, although the White House has said the project is expected to be finished before the end of Mr Trump’s term.

The National Capital Planning Commission is expected to take a final decision on the proposal later this week.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Islamic teacher, Malam Murtala Saidu, was killed when terrorists attacked Garin-Gozai village in Na’alma ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State.

It was reported that the attack occurred on Sunday evening, shortly before Maghrib prayers, as gunmen stormed the village and opened fire indiscriminately. Saidu was reportedly shot while trying to escape the scene.

Security and intelligence expert Bakatsine confirmed the attack in a security alert issued soon after the incident. He noted that the terrorists moved freely and extended their assault to nearby communities.

“This evening before Maghrib prayers, terrorists stormed Garin-gozai village in Na’alma ward, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, killing a local Islamic teacher, Malam Murtala Saidu, who was reportedly shot while attempting to flee. The attackers then moved toward Mai Jimina community in same LGA, firing shots before retreating,” Bakatsine said.

The attack has sparked fear among residents who had hoped that earlier peace agreements between authorities, community leaders, and armed groups would bring lasting calm to the area.

Bakatsine raised concerns about the credibility of the peace arrangement, saying the latest violence exposes serious gaps in its enforcement.

“This comes despite a prior peace agreement between local stakeholders and armed groups, raising urgent concerns about its effectiveness,” the alert stated.

He further questioned the commitment of the parties involved, asking, “If a peace deal was already in place, why are such attacks still occurring, and who is failing to uphold the agreement?”

The incident gives an alert about the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State, where communities continue to face repeated attacks despite dialogues and formal agreements aimed at curbing violence.

By Nasir Yakub

In moments like these, society often reveals not just its opinions—but its depth of understanding.

The criticism directed at Prof. Isa Ali Pantami for attempting reconciliation between Nasir El-Rufai and Uba Sani during a moment of grief is not entirely surprising. What is surprising, however, is how quickly we rush to question sincerity where reflection is most needed.

We often speak about peace as if it should arrive only under perfect conditions, carefully scheduled, emotionally neutral, politically convenient. But history, human nature, and even faith teach us otherwise: true reconciliation rarely waits for ideal timing. It finds its way through cracks, through pain, through loss, through moments when the soul is stripped of its usual pride.

A funeral is not just a ceremony of farewell. It is a confrontation with reality. It is a silent sermon louder than any speech. In such moments, hearts soften, egos retreat, and the illusion of permanence fades. If there is ever a time when a word of peace can penetrate deeply, it is then.

So what did Pantami truly do?

He recognized a moment many would ignore.
He spoke where many would remain silent.
He acted where others would hesitate out of fear of perception.

And yet, he is criticized, not for division, but for daring to suggest unity.

Let us ask ourselves honestly:

If he had remained silent, would these same voices not accuse him of cowardice? Of political bias? Of abandoning the moral responsibility to speak truth?

We must be careful not to create a society where every action is condemned and every silence is also condemned. That is not accountability; that is confusion.

To those who argue that reconciliation is misplaced because of past betrayals, one must ask: is politics not a landscape of shifting alliances? Did differences between Atiku Abubakar and El-Rufai prevent gestures of humanity in times of grief? Today, former adversaries stand side by side. Yesterday’s distance becomes today’s alliance.

This is not hypocrisy. This is reality. And perhaps, more importantly, it is a reminder that human relationships are larger than political disagreements.

Peace is not weakness.
Reconciliation is not surrender.
And timing, as we often misunderstand it, is not always about comfort; it is about opportunity.

Prof. Pantami did not force reconciliation. He did not impose unity. He simply opened a door.

Whether those involved walk through it or not is their choice. But opening that door, at a moment when hearts are most receptive, is not insensitivity. It is wisdom.

In the end, the real question is not whether the timing was perfect. The real question is:

When the opportunity for peace presented itself… would you have chosen silence?

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Government has declared a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area following an attack that claimed lives in Angwan Rukuba on Sunday.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the curfew would take effect from midnight until April 1.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang condemned the attack and assured that measures were being taken to apprehend those responsible for the incident.

The government called on residents to remain calm, stay alert, and cooperate with security agencies to facilitate investigations.

It further emphasized that the curfew was aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property in the area.

By Ishaka Mohammed

A son-in-law of Aliko Dangote, Captain Jamil Abubakar, has raised multimillion naira to support entrepreneurs in northern Nigeria. Captain Jamil, a pilot, is the son of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.

On March 21, 2026, Captain Jamil tweeted his wish to attract investors to Arewa businesses, and by the end of the following day (March 22), he had already raised 100 million naira. He disclosed that he had asked other willing donors to wait until after the pilot phase of the initiative, the Arewa Business Support Fund. 

He revealed that beneficiaries would receive interest-free business loans, which, when repaid, would be used to support more businesses. Beneficiaries would also enjoy free mentorship and consultancy. 

Responding to concerns that fluency in English could be a barrier, the captain assured the public that local languages would feature prominently in the Fund’s activities, stressing that businesses domiciled in the North, regardless of ownership and owners’ language proficiency, would be considered. 

He mentioned names of other stakeholders, including the acting financial secretary of the Fund, Mohammed Jammal (aka White Nigerian), Khalil Nur Khalil (economic adviser to Katsina State Government), and Mohammed Bello El-Rufai (a member of the House of Representatives), among others.

During a discussion among the stakeholders on X, it was revealed that Saleem Abubakar Musa (simply called Saleem) had been like a personal assistant to Captain Jamil.

On March 27, Saleem (@AM_Saleeeem) tweeted the summary of the subsequent activities of the Fund as follows:

“Next Steps:

– The website will be launched to the public soon, featuring comprehensive details, business templates, and practical guides (how to, when to, and what to do).

– Formal registration of the Arewa Business Support Fund as a legal entity, including banking and all required documentation.

– Nomination of Board of Trustees.

– Rollout of the pilot phase.”

However, the Fund will consider only existing businesses in the pilot phase; business ideas alone would be rejected.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has stepped down from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), pointing to the need for a shift in political direction.

Kwankwaso, who flew the party’s flag in the 2023 presidential election, made his decision public in a statement released on Sunday. He confirmed that his resignation takes immediate effect.

“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect.”

He described the move as difficult, given his history with the party, but said current political realities influenced his choice.

“As a committed and bonafide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.

Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the leadership of the NNPP, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, as well as other party organs, for their support during his time in the party.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed and the entire National Working Committee for their steadfast support throughout my time. I also thank the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, and all levels of leadership across the party — from the ward to the state level,” he stated.

He also acknowledged the backing of members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and party supporters across the country.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.

The former governor did not reveal his next political destination. However, sources within both the NNPP and the African Democratic Congress indicated that he may formally join the party on Monday in Kano.

Party insiders disclosed that top figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, are expected to receive him into the ADC.

There are also indications that Kwankwaso may move alongside former Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

In a related development, former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and a key figure in the ADC, Atiku Abubakar, recently hosted Kwankwaso in Abuja. According to Atiku, the visit was a courtesy call during which both leaders discussed national issues at length.