APC

By Anwar Usman 

The All Progressives Congress Zamfara State chapter on Thursday applauded President Bola Tinubu for ignoring calls for the dismissal of his Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, making it clear that the allegation he sponsored some of the bandits terrorising the state was unfounded. 

The party also called on the current governor, Dauda Lawal, to consider deploying both the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches used by his predecessor to combat the worsening insecurity in the state. 

The appeal came two days after hundreds of women and youths from the state partake in a protest at the Department of State Services headquarters in Abuja over the worsening insecurity in Zamfara. 

The protesters also suspect the immediate past governor of the state for the activities of the bandits, which they said were a result of his alleged collaboration with them during his administration. 

The angry protesters, who arrived in about 12 long buses, were restricted from accessing the premises of the security agency. 

While addressing journalists in Abuja, the Zamfara APC Youth Coordinator, Ubaidullah Kaura, expressed concern that Lawal, who won the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, had failed to build on the progress made by his predecessor, particularly in the area of security. 

Kaura further reiterated that allegiance to different political parties should not be an excuse for not seeking continuity in governance.

He said, “We want to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for trusting Matawalle and allowing him to continue serving as the Minister of State for Defence in his cabinet. 

“Those protesters going from the EFCC to DSS alleging that Matawalle is involved with bandits and demanding his sacking are sponsored groups. We thank God the presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, has denied this. Even the NSA to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has also cleared the air after his investigation. 

“During the Matawalle administration, security challenges were tackled effectively with a balanced approach that combined both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. We urged Governor Lawal to revisit the handover notes left by the minister and do all that is necessary to tackle insecurity in the state.”

By Uzair Adam

The crisis within Kano’s ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has intensified as Governor Abba Yusuf reportedly distances himself from party leader and political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to some reports, the governor has allegedly ignored Kwankwaso’s calls and skipped meetings, indicating a potential split.

Supporters of Yusuf have launched the slogan “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba, stand on your feet), encouraging him to govern independently.

The Daily Reality learned that this internal rift stems partly from Kwankwaso’s alleged control over local government appointments without the governor’s input, leading Yusuf to eventually dismiss Kwankwaso-appointed caretaker chairmen in September.

Kwankwaso’s influence over the party has also faced challenges in court; recently, an Abia State High Court recognized Boniface Aniebonam as the party’s leader.

Some high-ranking NNPP officials, including State Secretary Baffa Bichi and several Kano lawmakers, reportedly support Yusuf’s autonomy and may be exploring alliances with the ruling APC.

The movement has gained traction, with some party members openly pledging loyalty to Yusuf and distancing themselves from Kwankwasiyya, Kwankwaso’s political movement.

By Alamin Musa Muhammad 

In recent years, Nigeria has stood at a pivotal juncture in its democratic evolution. Our country, rich in natural and human resources, has grappled with challenges that threaten to undermine its democratic institutions. While there have been successes, particularly in the peaceful transfer of power and the continuation of democratic processes, systemic issues call for reflection and reform.

At the heart of these challenges is the question of participation. Democracy, in its ideal form, seeks to empower every citizen, granting them a voice and ensuring that the governance structures are responsive to all needs.

Many since have similar opinions about the actual practice of democracy in Nigeria. Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the general election of 2023, has expressed dismay at the state of Nigerian democracy, claiming that it has seen numerous losses and is hampered by poor leadership.

He tweeted, “We have continued to rank low and perform badly in every measurement of true democracy, signalling a critical deficiency in our democratic system.”

The Nigerian experience with democracy has revealed gaps in this aspiration. These gaps are not necessarily due to a lack of commitment to democratic principles but rather to a broader issue of implementation and inclusivity.

One of the core pillars of democracy is the ability of its citizens to participate meaningfully in governance, or at least that is what the famous scholar Plato believes. While voting and elections form the bedrock of this participation, they alone are insufficient to achieve the broader goals of justice, equity, and empowerment.

Gabriel Dewan, Plateau state speaker house of assembly, said, “Nigerian leaders, including myself, have failed the people after 25 years of the country’s unbroken democracy; he rated Nigeria’s democracy low”.

Nigeria’s political landscape, shaped by decades of military rule and the influence of elite-driven politics, often fails to translate electoral victories into genuine empowerment for its citizens.

Premium Times reported the speaker to have said that the country was blessed with abundant human and natural resources, but the leaders did not correctly harness them. With the natural resources and blessings God had bestowed upon Nigeria, the country ought to be far better than it is now; there are countries with far fewer resources than Nigeria, yet they were in a much better state.

Like many before it, the current administration has embarked on a series of reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and addressing security issues. Yet, while commendable in intent, these efforts highlight the complexities of governance in a diverse and multifaceted society. The rising cost of living, coupled with increasing insecurity, suggests that reforms must be more attuned to the lived realities of the people.

Nigeria is a poignant example of the disconnect between democratic theory and practice within the country’s political landscape. As BBC reporter Simi Jolaoso noted in a Wikipedia publication, Nigeria is experiencing “the worst economic crisis in a generation,” marked by soaring inflation and skyrocketing food prices. 

The crisis has been exacerbated by economic reforms introduced under the current administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of Naira. While these measures were ostensibly aimed at liberalising the economy and attracting foreign investment, they have instead intensified the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. 

Protests erupted on July 29, 2024, with demonstrators taking to the streets, brandishing placards proclaiming messages like “Enough is Enough” and “We Are Not Slaves in Our Country.” Such sentiments highlight the erosion of social justice and the exclusion of the masses from meaningful political participation, reflecting the theories posited by Dewey and others that underscore democracy’s essence as a system of values rather than merely a political framework. 

Reforms must also extend to the institutions that safeguard democracy. A robust judiciary, a free press, and an active civil society are essential components of a functioning democracy. Strengthening these institutions will protect citizens’ rights and ensure that the government remains accountable to the people it serves.

Furthermore, the concept of democracy as merely a political system defined by elections and power transfers must evolve. Democracy, at its core, is about fostering a system of values—justice, equity, and social progress. A democracy that fails to address society’s socioeconomic disparities or marginalises large sections of its populace cannot fully claim the mantle of democratic legitimacy.

As Nigeria looks to the future, the question that must be asked is whether the current reforms genuinely work for the greater good of all Nigerians. While there are many challenges, they also present an opportunity—a chance to redefine governance in a way that is more responsive, more inclusive, and more attuned to the aspirations of its people.

The strength of Nigeria’s democracy will ultimately depend on its ability to adapt and reform in ways that bridge the gaps between policy and practice, between the elite and the grassroots, and between political ambition and the needs of everyday Nigerians.

The decisions made today will shape Nigeria for tomorrow. It is a call to action—not just for those in government but for every Nigerian who believes in the promise of democracy.

By Suleiman Usman

Is our democracy sinking so low that few truly grasp the seriousness and future impact of what happened today in our beloved Kaduna State? Let’s be clear: there was no actual election in Kaduna State on the 19th of October 2024.

What happened sets a dangerous example that has wholly destroyed democracy in the state. Governor Uba Sani, a self-proclaimed Hero of Democracy, oversaw this tragedy disguised as an election. This is not just a disappointment but a calamity of epic proportions. 

Although I have friends running for positions, mainly from the APC, that I supported, hoping for a fair election, I cannot stay silent or be part of this open robbery, political deceit, and the destruction of what little respect remains in our weak democracy. I refuse to accept any of those wrongly declared (as chairmen and councillors) through this unfair process, regardless of our friendship. 

How can those wrongly elected people comfortably assume these roles without feeling guilt or shame? If what happened in Kaduna is seen as democracy, then we are facing something worse than slavery. 

Many in the government are unhappy about this but remain silent for their ‘daily bread.’ But is life solely about sustenance and comfort? Should we tacitly condone this heinous act to safeguard our livelihoods? Do we even think about what message we are sending our children by staying silent in such situations, especially those of us who claim to be educated?

Since stepping down as the National Chairman of the Youth Party (YP) and joining the APC, I have chosen not to comment on political matters, especially in Kaduna State. But after today, any Nigerian hoping for a better future will be deeply disappointed. There was no actual election in Kaduna; we cannot ignore this. 

We will do everything within the law to push for a change in this sham of an election. I challenge anyone with a conscience to accept or celebrate what happened in Kaduna today as a legitimate election.

I know many may question my stance. But when discussing a better nation with a firm and fair democracy, what we saw in Kaduna today was never part of that vision. I understand the consequences that may affect my actions. 

As a Sociologist, I have been trained to be impartial and address issues for the betterment of society rather than individuals. As a Muslim, I am obligated to rectify wrongs through my actions, words, or silent disapproval. I, therefore, owe nobody any apology for being blunt in this enterprise.

Suleiman Usman Yusuf wrote from Kaduna, Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam 

A Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi as Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) due to his affiliation with a political party. 

Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the ruling following a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court also disqualified five other members of KANSIEC—Anas Muhammad Mustapha, Mukhtar Garba Dandago, Isyaku Ibrahim Kunya, Kabir Jibril Zakirai, and Amina Inuwa Fagge—on similar grounds. 

According to the court, they are active members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), making them unqualified for their roles under the Nigerian Constitution and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law.

Justice Amobeda further ordered that KANSIEC must cease all activities related to the upcoming 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State until a properly constituted commission is appointed in accordance with the law. 

This includes halting the issuance of election guidelines, candidate screenings, and the sale of nomination forms, all of which were declared null and void.

Additionally, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold all electoral materials, including the voter register, from KANSIEC until the commission is legally restructured.

The ruling emphasizes that any actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the 2024 Local Government Election are invalid unless qualified individuals are appointed to the commission.

By Sumayyah Auwal Usman

The late arrival of materials marred Saturday’s local government election in Kaduna State. Voters were seen stranded at various polling units across the metropolis and its environs.

The Daily Reality correspondent, who visited some polling units at Kawo, Unguwar Kanawa, Badarawa, Hayin Bakin, Kabala, Barnawa, Tudun Wada, and Badikko, among others, noted that the election materials had not been received as of 3:00 p.m.

However, a few voters were still seen at the collection centers awaiting the distribution of election materials. A voter at the Kawo polling unit, known as Dauda, told The Daily Reality that several people who came out to cast their votes left when the materials did not arrive on time.

At the time our correspondent left the metropolis around 3:38 p.m., only a few voters were still awaiting the arrival of election materials.

By Uzair Adam

A coalition of APC groups in North Central has said it ha suspended its agitation for Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National chairman of the All Progrssives congress (APC).

The Daily Reality reports that the chairman of the coalition, Hon Abdullahi Sale Zazzaga, disclosed this during an interview with DCL Hausa on Wednesday.

He said their superiors in the region cautioned then against the agitation, especially as the the party’s NEC meeting approaches. Zazzaga said that their agitation is purposely is for political and economic well-being of the region.

He said, “We have agitated steadfastly and we have bene heard loud and clear. This will not be the end of our agitation. We are doing it for our people.

“We suspended this agitation because webhad a talk with our supuriors. We sat at a table with them. They cited the upcoming NEC meeting of the party. They asked us to give the NEC a chance to make a final decision on the matter.

“We will wait to see what the NEC will do about it. Everybody in this country knows that we have agitation for the good of our people and our region. But we can’t go ahead with the agitation since we had a talk with our superiors.”

By Ishaq M. Sani

 To surmount all challenges, the good people of Zaria deserve the best leadership at the local government executive council. Therefore, it’s imperative to bring in competent, young, and vibrant representation to the good people of Zaria local government. 

The good people of Zaria equally need a leader who can foster a harmonious synergy between the local, state, and federal governments, paving the way for remarkable achievements, transformative development, and a brighter future—a leader with a proven track record of driving impactful changes and advancing grassroots priorities. With Engr Jamil piloting the affairs of the cosmopolitan Zaria, an era for Pressing forward in the direction of progressive outcomes and solid attainments for the good people of Zaria is possible. 

However, Jaga’s socio-political background and mentorship from both the executive governor, Mal Uba Sani, and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas, as Deputy chief of staff, have instilled in him the values of honesty, inclusivity, and open-mindedness to diverse views, contributing to effective governance. 

Ahead of the October Kaduna LGA elections 2024, a vote for Engr Jamil is a victory for addressing critical issues relating to Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Development, Security, Agriculture, Environmental management, Climate change, greenfield initiatives, Trade and Investment, and Robust Citizen engagements.

His focus on human capital development emphasised this: Engr Jamil is set to ensure education/scholarship, health, and social investment. He has tagged “Education: Knowledge and Skills Acquisition for the Future.” He is also Ensuring that scholarship opportunities are expanded to less privileged students to support lifelong learning. 

Elucidating impacting measures, combined with a continuous programme to improve teachers’ quality and teaching standards to ensure that basic education investments produce the desired learning outcomes in line with the sustainedmanifesto of his excellency Mal Uba Sani. Moving further, Zaria needs a well-equipped leader to support entrepreneurship in ICT, which is necessary for stimulating innovation and economic growth. 

Focus on Health ensures access to quality care in the health sector to consolidate the remarkable achievements recorded by Sen Mal Uba Sani, the state government leader, and Speaker Abbas’s critical interventions. Zaria looks forward to robust social investment through social welfare and liberating empowerment through dedicated funds for women and youth. 

The Zaria infrastructural development is also expected to focus on investment in sustainable environmental infrastructure such as water supply, sewage and solid waste management, and adequate infrastructure such as culverts, drainage and connecting roads/bridges for job creation, taking centre stage. 

The mission is to collaborate with the neighbouring LGAs and state and federal governments to continually improve the quality of connecting roads and ensure the expansion of the local electricity infrastructure, especially across Dembo, Wucicciri, and Dutsen Abba, among others. 

Furthermore, it promotes environmental conservation and sustainability, protecting Zaria’s natural resources and ensuring the sustenance of the conditions for economic dynamism through investments, vibrant commercial activities, skills development, and job opportunities.

However, like many other local governments, Zaria has been one of the hotbeds of security threats in Zone 1 of Kaduna state in the last eight years, with attacks happening on a regular basis. I commend the Governor and the honourable speaker for their robust efforts in maintaining the peace and stability of the state within their first year in office. 

Moreover, Engr. Jamil is expected to ensure a secure, peaceful, and united Zaria LGA. Effective collaboration between the state and federal government will ensure the deployment of security personnel and equipment for adequate security in the local government. Deep intelligence gathering through collaboration with traditional, religious, and community leaders will support security agencies. 

In light of the preceding, the competitive advantage of Zaria’s growth potential in the agricultural sector is viable through effective utilisation of agro-ecological zones, rising youthful population, irrigated farming opportunities while transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture and leveraging linkages with local manufacturing in the promotion of agri-business.   

Finally, Zaria envisions a leader who is committed to providing all-inclusive and diverse representation, Feedback mechanisms, and accountability processes, ensuring effective engagement with all communities for equity, responsiveness, collaboration, and accountability; this is possible when Engr Jamil is given the mandate. 

 Join Engr Jamil Ahmad Muhammad on this great journey…

Ishaq M. Sani writes from the office of the APC chairmanship Candidate, Zaria local government. Strategic communication directorate

By Sumayyah M. Auwal

In Kaduna State, over 10,000 supporters of Senator Shehu Sani have decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)and pledged their support to Governor Uba Sani.

The party’s State Chairman, Emmanuel Jekada, applauded the decampees for returning to the APC. He promised to work with everyone to move the party forward for peace and the development of Kaduna State. He noted that the APC in Kaduna State is open to all, irrespective of any differences. 

It would be recalled that Shehu Sani’s withdrawal from the APC in 2019 resulted from the acrimonious relationship between him and the then-governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Their disagreements eventually led to Sani and his supporters leaving the APC.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, on his victory at the polls. 

On Sunday, Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having defeated other contenders for the position.

President Tinubu commends APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory. He says the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering programme and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. 

He urges Senator Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service. He encourages him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development. 

President Tinubu also praises other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, saying peaceful political contests, such as the one on Saturday, portray Nigeria as a stable democracy. 

The President urges all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels.  

In addition, the president commends the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing of Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years. 

“I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise. 

“INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country”, President Tinubu says.