APC

Plans by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) have broken down after both sides failed to agree on how to share control within the party.

Talks between the governor, his Turaki-led PDP faction, and leaders of the APC ended without resolution. The disagreement centred on a proposed 60–40 arrangement for control of the party structure in Bauchi State, which the APC was said to have rejected.

Despite the setback, the governor’s camp has indicated that it may still pursue political realignment. His supporters said they are open to working with other parties and are already considering new options for possible defection from the ward level up to the state.

Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, the Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi, Sama’ila Burga, said the outcome of the talks showed the APC was not prepared to integrate the existing PDP structure or accommodate the state government.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has rejected reports that it has withdrawn support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, describing the claim as untrue.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Auwalu Abdullahi, said the report was attributed to a group identified as the Arewa APC Forum, Kano State Chapter. He said the claim does not reflect the position of the party.

The APC said the statement was false and intended to damage its reputation. It added that no recognised organ of the party in Kano had taken such a decision.

“The APC in Kano is aware of attempts by certain individuals and faceless groups to create confusion and disunity within the party.

“We wish to state categorically that this so-called forum is not known to the party structure and does not represent the views of APC members in Kano State.”

The party restated its backing for Tinubu and his administration. It said the Kano chapter remains committed to the President’s leadership and policies.

The statement also noted that the administration is focused on governance, economic reforms, and national development.

Under the leadership of Umar Doguwa, the Kano APC urged members of the party and the public to ignore the report. It described those behind it as individuals seeking to create tension.

“The so-called signatory of the purported withdrawal is faceless and not a stakeholder of the party at any level in Kano,” the statement read.

The party concluded by affirming its unity and continued support for Tinubu’s plans for the country.

By Mohammed Usman (Noble-pen)

Let’s talk beyond political party affiliation. Let’s tell ourselves the brutal truth.

Believing that all these people under the shade of one political party, ADC, and many more to move into it, are after the interest of the poor, the masses, instead of themselves, is the gravest mistake one will ever make. 

All these people have their own vested and individual interests, which spurred them to cross-carpet into the party, which seems to them promising, full of potential, and offering vistas for achieving those interests. And you know what? The poor, the masses, are the last thing they think of. Let alone the country’s future. 

Let me give you a practical, relatable elaboration on this by picking the few and the major points among them. Maybe, that way, you will understand what I am trying to say here.

1. Atiku Abubakar 

This person has been investing heavily and persistently in his ambition to become the country’s president. He never reneged since he started. He had been spending billions of naira on it. Therefore, do you sensibly think working for the poor, the masses, will be his top priority when he attains the power he has been so adamantly vying for, instead of looking for a return on his financial and material investment for years before? Don’t forget, he is a business-oriented person. And you should know what I mean. 

2. Nasir El-Rufai 

This person was once one of the cocks of the work of the current brutal government under the auspices of the APC. They entrenched it with their sweat and blood. And he never felt sorry for the poor suffering under the coarse, clueless policies of the government until the government, headed by Tinibu, betrayed him and denied him the opportunity he was dying for: a ministerial post and a place at the driving force of the government. That marked the genesis of his enmity towards the government and turned him into one of its most blunt and fierce foes. Hence, his decision to move to SDP, which refused him, then to ADC. His mission is purely to take vengeance on the government which made him an outcast rather than to save the poor masses from the bondage and shackles of poverty and insecurity, which they have been grappling with for donkey’s years.

3. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso 

Just like El-Rufai, Kwankwaso is being driven by the force of spite and vendetta over the betrayal he suffered at the hands of his once political apprentice accomplice, Abba Gida Gida. His mission is driven solely by the quest to uproot the government of Abba Gida Gida, rather than by the welfare of the people of Kano State. However, he is a politician with very, very good antecedents. No one can deny that. But he is not into ADC for the masses. No. 

4. Nasiru Gawuna 

This was once an accomplice to the current merciless APC government, who fought a political battle—over his inspiration for the Kano state gubernatorial office—with Kwankwaso and his boy, Abba Gida Gida, but lost to them. He was once their worst enemy. But today, he and the Abba’s boss kwankwaso have leagued up as sweet friends in another political party (ADC) each with different and individual vested interest: kwankwaso to dislodge the assumed betraying government of Abba Gida Gida as well as to occupy an influencial office in the presidency; while Gawuna, to use it as an opportunity to become the kano state governor which he failed to in his previous opposition party APC. 

4. Peter Obi 

This person has the worst political andecedent, being the former governor of Anambra State and has—allegedly— a strong affiliation to IPOB, being the terrorist and outlawed political group in Nigeria, which had been perennially insurgent and rebellious to successive Nigerian governments with their impossible mission of dividing the country and taking their own share, which they aimed to call BIAFRA. So Peter Obi might clearly have this scheme hidden in his mind to, when he tapped the supreme power —presidency—become instrumental for the IPOB to finally make it possible to see the last light —they have been dying and killing people for—at the end of the tunnel, and reach their daydreamed-promised land. Polarising the country is the plot of his horizon. 

Likewise, if you pay very close attention to the other people who will be cross-carpeting into the party, ADC. You will notice that they were once fundamental figures in the previous governments who failed the masses and never took concrete, robust action to save their lives and property. Let alone improving their welfare and standard of living. Tell me, when did they change to be trusted with our mandates and entrusted with our lives once again, simply because they moved into another political party? The same applied to the others who are beneficiaries of the current APC government and are now quitting it for the shining party of the day, ADC.

Let me wrap up by telling you the secret of these Nigerian politicians. 

The fact is, they are always the same set of people.  They only switch color and identity by jumping from one political party to another— using the very public funds they looted while occupying the public offices they were once either elected or appointed into — with romanticized manifestations to sway the minds of the poor masses and pave a wider way for themselves to achieving their vested and selfish interest; increasingly impoverish the already poor masses, steal their future and the future of their children and grandchildren; while enriching themselves, their children and grandchildren, making their lives and future always the brighter.

And mind you, they switch political parties based on their analysis of which political party the poor masses lean their attention and hope towards. This means that it’s always the previous, unchanging enemies the masses mistake for their beloved ones and the beacon of hope, revolution, and transformation. 

Therefore, until the poor citizens of Nigeria understand these Nigerian politicians’ Machiavellian formula and devise a way to dismantle it—instead of continuing with their primitive thinking that their problems lie with one political party and that the solutions are in another—they shall continue to live in bondage, suffering, humiliation and destitution.

Mohammed Usman (Noble-pen) is the Author Of “Butterfly’s Wings.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has officially set the stage for his 2027 re-election bid, meeting with all 36 state coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) at the Presidential Villa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and other top party leaders were also in attendance at the high-level strategy session.

The RHA, a grassroots mobilization group, was inaugurated by President Tinubu on November 25, 2025, specifically to champion his re-election campaign. Tuesday’s meeting marks the first major coordinated effort ahead of the 2027 polls, signaling a formal kickoff of campaign activities.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) on Monday disowned viral social media reports alleging that it had directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the claims as false and provocative.

In a strongly worded press statement, the Council said the reports, traced to anonymous and unofficial online platforms, were “misleading and unsubstantiated,” warning that they could incite tension and draw the organisation into partisan politics.

“At no time did the Council issue any such directive or threat regarding the conduct of elections,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, the SCSN said it remains committed to justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence and will not be used for political manipulation.

However, the Council restated its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be removed from office, citing concerns over what it described as prejudicial dispositions against Islam and Muslims. It maintained that its stance was rooted in the need for neutrality and integrity in public office.

The Council urged the public and the media to disregard unofficial statements and rely only on its authorised communication channels.

The statement was signed by the Secretary General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, and issued on April 13, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that it has yet to obtain a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours before its planned national convention, raising concerns over alleged obstacles facing the party.

A senior member of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known on Monday through a post on his X account. He outlined what he described as repeated setbacks, including refusals from both government-controlled and privately owned facilities.

Ologbondiyan explained that the party formally requested the use of Eagles Square and submitted an application to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that although the letter was acknowledged, approval has not been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He also said efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful despite several engagements with officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

The party further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have declined its requests due to fear of possible harassment or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the ADC maintained that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The development follows earlier claims by the party that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities. The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that access to Eagles Square was ignored, while the Velodrome was denied on the grounds of a scheduled sporting event.

The venue challenge comes at a time when the party is dealing with internal leadership disputes involving factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala. This followed the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not recognised either faction, pending a court decision, which has added to the party’s difficulties in organising the convention.

Prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola have also raised concerns. They recently staged a protest at the INEC headquarters, where they accused the federal government of undermining opposition parties.

However, the Presidency has rejected the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that all political parties are entitled to equal rights under the law.

With time running out and no confirmed venue, the ADC’s resolve to proceed with its convention points to possible tensions between the party and relevant authorities.

By Dr Aminu Tukur Adam

The recent political drama in Kano State, which began as a rumour before metamorphosing into a full-blown political battle, is interesting: how loyalty is being reinterpreted, how personal interest is being transformed into the people’s mandate, and how politics gradually takes over governance. 

It’s now becoming crystal clear to everyone that the Kano State government is not only static but also backtracking. At a critical point of state emergency and national concern, our dear state is being placed on hold. 

To begin with, APC was initially viewed as a disaster by Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano State governor and all their supporters; many of the supporters sacrificed their lives to rescue the state from the APC, a party that was hated for its immense corruption, extortion and oppression. 

As big as Kano State is, with its about 20 million population and an over 1 trillion naira budget, it will surprise you to know that the state’s executive council members are currently redundant; the council held only one executive session in the span of 90 days! The previous buzzworthy council is now scheduled for the end of recess. 

That probably explains why the only visible function of this government, road construction, is also neglected; no one is there to approve new projects or supervise the ongoing ones. 

The most unfortunate event was the visit of the Turkish ambassador to Nigeria to the Kano State government house, with the aim of consolidating multimillion-dollar projects, but astonishingly, only the Chief of Staff and two commissioners received a figure like this! For anyone familiar with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), it must have been a nightmare. 

TIKA isn’t like the usual agencies you see; it’s an international technical assistance agency. This same agency renovated the Kano capital school without a penny from the state government. 

We’re also talking about the Turkish Trading Firm, Direkçi, which has invested over $22 million in Nigerian states, with Kano as a major beneficiary.

The visit was intended to create an opportunity to secure scholarships for Kano state indigenes, to bring the Turkish humanitarian foundation IDDEF to boost humanitarian services in the state, and to commence visa services at the Turkish consulate in the state.

Yet, when that esteemed Ambassador walked into the Government House, he was neither received by the Governor, nor his deputy, nor the SSG.

While the governor plays an absentee landlordism, some villages in the state were burning and many lives were also lost; the recent unfortunate incident in the Katai and Fauda communities in Wudil local government generated widespread reactions, a police officer lost his life and villages were set ablaze; however, no formal press release, no condemnation and no any form of assurance from the state government. 

Astoundingly, when the governor was too busy to hold a council meeting, overwhelmed to meet the Turkish ambassador to Nigeria and also overloaded with responsibilities to comment on the Wudil incident, we saw his face in the convoy of Yilwatda, the APC national chairman, courting the governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammad, into APC. 

To add more salt to the injury, when the governor was returning to Kano, the local government chairmen and some of the governor’s aides orchestrated a drama, where a rented crowd were paid to welcome the governor from his political excursion. You may be surprised as to why the welcoming? Was he not just coming back from Abuja? Was the journey not a political journey for the APC’s convention? Is there any significance to this journey in the life of the innocent Kano people? 

This is the Kano first agenda they’re selling. It’s not about you or the state; it’s simply an idea to sell Bola Tinubu and his party.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has faulted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the situation as a setback for democratic values.

Obi made his position known in a post shared on X on Thursday. He expressed concern over what he described as a contradiction involving individuals who once championed democracy and human rights during the era of General Sani Abacha.

He stated that many of those figures, who were active under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), now appear to act in ways that contradict the ideals they once promoted. He added that recent developments suggest a decline in respect for democratic principles.

He wrote: “Yesterday defenders of democracy, today’s destroyers. What a shame.

“What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.

“today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed reveals character.”

Obi’s remarks followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as national chairman and national secretary of the ADC.

INEC also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is pursuing recognition as national chairman through the courts.

The commission further announced that it has suspended recognition of all factions within the party. It added that it would not monitor any congresses or conventions organised by the rival groups until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to withdraw recognition from the rival factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC had earlier stated that it would no longer recognise or relate with the two opposing groups within the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The commission explained that its action followed a review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment. It added that it would maintain the status quo until the Federal High Court gives a final ruling on the matter.

As part of the decision, INEC also removed the names of executives loyal to Mark from its official portal. The move sparked criticism from members of that faction.

Reacting to the development, APC spokesperson Felix Morka said the crisis within the ADC was caused by the party’s internal actions. He dismissed claims that the ruling party played any role in the situation.

“INEC decision to de-recognise the David Mark executive was utterly self-inflicted. APC didn’t do that. You orchestrate the hijack of the ADC by that executive. We didn’t. They did,” Morka said.

He also accused the Mark-led group of failing to follow due process in taking control of the party.

“You come in with your parachutes; you take over the party without reference to the constitutional stipulation about succession and how leadership is ordered in that party. This is the consequence,” he added.

However, the ADC faction loyal to Mark has rejected INEC’s stance. The group alleged that the electoral body acted under external influence in taking the decision.

By Anas Abbas

The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, has welcomed the defection of eight members of the House of Representatives from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing the move as strategic and significant for the party’s growth.

The lawmakers were formally received during a gathering attended by prominent political figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; and the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others.

The Speaker announced the defections during plenary, listing the lawmakers as: Aliyu Sani Madaki (Dala), Ghali Mustapha (Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya), Shehu Muhammad Bello (Fagge), Dankawu Idris (Kumbotso), Hussain Hassan Shehu (Nassarawa), Rabiu Yusuf (Sumaila/Takai), Muhammad Garba Chiroma (Gezawa/Gabasawa), Ibrahim Mohammed (Gwale), and Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe (Tofa/Dawakin-Tofa/Rimingado).

In a statement, Jibrin congratulated the defecting lawmakers, describing their decision as “bold and strategic.” He noted that their move would further strengthen the APC’s influence in Kano State and enhance the party’s commitment to good governance and effective representation.

According to him, the inclusion of the lawmakers whom he described as grassroots-oriented, experienced, and dedicated positions the APC to consolidate its leadership in the state ahead of future elections.

He expressed optimism that the party would achieve greater electoral success, emphasizing unity and collective efforts toward delivering dividends of democracy to the people.