Kano State

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has nominated Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor of Kano State, forwarding his name to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued early Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

The statement explained that the nomination aligns with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to appoint a deputy in the event of a vacancy.

It noted that the position became vacant following the resignation of former Deputy Governor, Abdussalam Gwarzo, on March 27, 2026.

According to the statement, the governor’s decision followed extensive consultations with key political stakeholders, after which he urged the Assembly to grant prompt approval for the nomination.

Garo, 48, is described as an experienced political administrator with over two decades of service across elective and appointed roles.

His career includes stints as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government.

He also previously served as Chairman of ALGON in Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections.

The nomination, the statement added, is part of efforts to strengthen governance and maintain effective service delivery in the state.

The deputy governorship seat had, in recent weeks, attracted intense lobbying from political actors seeking the position.

By Uzair Adam

The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned proceedings in the Kano Emirate dispute until April 17, 2027.

The Daily Reality reports that the case, presided over by Justice Adamu Jauro, was deferred to the new date for further hearing.

More details are expected to follow.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has welcomed former governor and senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his return as a major boost to the party’s strength in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, who said the development reflects the party’s growing appeal and consolidation in Kano.

Governor Yusuf said a date would soon be announced, in consultation with the party’s national secretariat, for the formal reception of Shekarau into the APC.

He noted that the party “continues to witness increasing support and consolidation,” positioning it as a dominant force in the state.

According to the statement, the governor expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for future elections, stressing that unity and strategic political alignments are key to its rising strength.

He added that the APC is “battle-ready to win all elective positions” in the forthcoming polls.

Yusuf further assured members that the leadership remains committed to strengthening internal cohesion and expanding its grassroots base across Kano.

He urged party loyalists to remain steadfast and intensify mobilisation efforts.

“We call on all party faithful to remain committed and continue mobilising support as we prepare for future political contests,” the governor said.

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 Sunusi Abubakar, ACA

Had it not been for someone I deeply respect breaking the news of Professor K.I. Dandago’s passing to me might have left me harbouring resentment towards someone for a period of my life. I was utterly shocked by Prof’s death.

Professor K.I. Dandago, widely known in Nigeria and beyond, was a renowned academic whose character was exemplary among his peers.

Those who Prof K.I. Dandago taught will agree that one thing no one could take away from him was his ethics and sense of responsibility. The professor could stand in the rain or shine just to deliver a lecture. He could climb a 10-storey building merely to fulfil his duty. Despite being ill, Prof. often stood for nearly two hours to deliver a lecture to us when we were in level 400. He was always honest and sincere in his dealings.

My first encounter with Prof was in 2018 during a lecture on Ethical Issues in Accounting. I had the privilege of discussing with him the reason for my absence from a previous lecture. Even after I gave a genuine explanation, Prof insisted that I submit it formally so that he could verify its validity.

My second encounter was after a lecture at Northwest University (NWU)’s Main Campus. I asked him about the Big Four accounting firms in Nigeria. He shared extensive insights and even explained how he facilitated a business relationship between KPMG and a private university in Kano.

My relationship with Prof grew stronger and more personal during Level 400. During that time, I often visited his office for professional guidance. He graciously agreed to act as my professional referee when I began my journey with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. The professor was instrumental in my path to becoming a chartered accountant and entering professional practice. I vividly remember him contacting the Principal Partner at Namadi Umar & Co. (Chartered Accountants) to secure my acceptance as an Audit Trainee. 

The last time we communicated was about my job application to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He assured me of his professional response and an academic recommendation. The last time I saw Prof was at a sensitisation lecture organised by the Faculty of SMS at NWU, Kano, where he served as a speaker and demonstrated his expertise in accounting and taxation, particularly regarding the new tax laws.

My relationship with Prof. was not merely that of a student and a lecturer, nor solely that of a mentor and a mentee; it was akin to that of a father and a son. The professor helped me in every possible way. I owe him a profound debt for living this life with honesty, accountability, and sincerity of purpose.

May He grant him Jannatul Firdaus and give us the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Sunusi Abubakar, ACA, wrote from Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for approving N4.45 billion for the payment of examination fees for 150,000 students sitting for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations.

The group described the move as timely and impactful, noting that it would ease the financial burden on thousands of families across the state.

In a statement signed by its Co-Chair, Auwalu Halilu, K-SAFE said the decision reflects the governor’s strong commitment to improving access to education and promoting equity.

The statement added that the intervention demonstrates a people-centred approach aimed at supporting the academic aspirations of young people in Kano State.

“This bold and people-centred decision demonstrates Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to improving access to education,” the group said.

It noted that by removing the cost of examination fees, the government has safeguarded the future of many students while strengthening public confidence in its education policies.

K-SAFE observed that the intervention comes at a critical time when many households are facing economic hardship.

According to the group, the inability to pay examination fees often leads to school dropouts, delayed academic progression, or loss of educational opportunities for students.

It further stated that the approval would significantly improve student retention and transition rates across secondary and technical schools.

The group added that the investment is expected to enhance learning outcomes and expand access to education for vulnerable learners across the state.

The forum also commended the inclusion of candidates sitting for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations, describing it as a comprehensive approach to education.

It explained that the decision recognises diverse learning pathways, including conventional, technical and Islamic education systems.

According to the statement, the initiative aligns with broader national and global education goals aimed at ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.

It stressed that such inclusive policies are critical to advancing human capital development and social inclusion.

“On behalf of civil society organisations, education stakeholders, parents and communities, we commend Your Excellency for this visionary leadership,” the statement said.

It added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and investing in their future.

K-SAFE, however, urged the state government to sustain such interventions through continued investment in the education sector.

It recommended increased support for teaching and learning materials, school infrastructure, teacher development and inclusive education programmes.

The group reiterated its appreciation to the governor, describing the intervention as historic and transformative.

It added that the policy would play a key role in building a brighter future for children and youth in Kano State.

By Khalid Imam 

Arguably, in Kano and beyond, if one is searching for one of the most consistent and dominant pioneering female Hausa Muslim broadcasters—whose eloquent voice has shaped and continues to shape generations through a myriad of captivating radio and TV programs—there is no doubt that such a singular, towering presence belongs to the revered and tireless Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi. She is an iconic, multi-talented veteran journalist who is retired but not tired. Hajiya Galadanchi, who spent six decades as a powerful influence and household name synonymous with Radio Kano, a station popularly known as Gidan Bello Dandago, is a popular figure known for her uncommon courage and unshakable faith in God.

An all-round journalist whose foray spans both print and broadcast media, the legendary Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi, popularly known as an anchor of Filin Zaɓi Son Ka, among other programs, began her career as a health worker. Out of a deep passion for the media, she metamorphosed into one of the most dedicated and accomplished radio and television personalities. A skilled radio dramatist, she began her journey into journalism by writing life-transformative articles, mostly addressing issues related to women and children, over half a dozen decades now in the pages of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo. Hajiya Galadanchi ventured into public service in 1964 as a health worker at Marmara Hospital and was later posted to several other hospitals within the old Kano City, where she served with remarkable zeal and dedication.

After joining Radio Kano at the age of 35, initially not as a full-time staff member, she handled women’s programs on Thursdays and children’s programs on Fridays as her first assignments. Thereafter, she went on to anchor and contribute to several notable programs, including Ruguntsumin Salla. Through Zaɓen Sada Zumunci, she mentored many female broadcasters, including Mariya Ummakati. Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi is undoubtedly one of the pioneering Hausa Muslim female broadcasters and can rightly be described as a glass-ceiling breaker, having opened the floodgates for the rise and dominance of women in radio and TV broadcasting in Kano today, many of whom now occupy enviable positions as directors within the public and private media ecosystem in Kano and beyond.

No doubt, her persistent voice is a testimony to a living era, one well-defined by knowledge, brilliance, advocacy, and deep love for culture and the uniqueness of Kano’s traditional ways of life. She mentors the womenfolk on the complexities of managing the home: living with a husband and his relatives, navigating life with co-wives, and raising a successful family. She constantly discusses topics such as pregnancy, childcare, and parenting, while teaching women, especially the young, the best of Hausa traditional cookery, including dishes served during festive seasons and ceremonies.

Acknowledged for her honesty, courage, faith, patience, loyalty, dedication, and respect for time, she was also famously known as one of the first women to ride a bicycle and drive a car in Kano City, being among the few female pioneers to be educated in Western schools in the old Kano City. Hajiya Mariya was born at Kankarofi Ward 97 years ago, in Kano Municipal LGA.

Among the dignitaries who graced the special celebration of the life and times of Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi were the Honourable Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya; Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, former Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria; Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University, Kano (KHAIRUN); and Malam Ibrahim Khalil, among other seasoned and distinguished media practitioners too numerous to mention.

During the event professionally curated by an erudite academic, seasoned broadcaster and popular columnist, Malam Bala Muhammad as a Master of the Ceremony, there was a special appeal to the Kano State Government to name the road between Diso and the junction of Hasiya Bayero—or any other notable monument in Kano—after the veteran broadcaster, Hajiya Mariya. Again, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu also called on the organisers to establish a fellowship in her name to promote young female journalists in Kano.

Alhaji Dr Aminu Ladan Abubakar (Alan Waƙa), Sarkin Adabin Harshen Hausa; Mudassir Ƙassim; and Hajiya Fati Nijer thrilled the audience with scintillating songs. Hajiya Rabi Tanko Yakasai, a close associate of the celebrant, also spoke on Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi’s political activism through Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, urging young females from the North to emulate her.

The Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi as a shining example of a female journalist of great substance and announced the Kano State Government’s donation of ₦10 million as a take-off fund for the proposed Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi Young Female Journalist Fellowship Fund.

The Kano community celebration of Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi at 97, which was attended in large numbers by media practitioners, academics, the ulama, the celebrant’s family and friends, and people from all walks of life, could best be described as a huge success. Dozens of goodwill messages were received, especially from notable female broadcasters in Kano, who expressed deep appreciation for the pioneering mentorship role Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi has tirelessly played.

Some of the major highlights among the series of fascinating activities that made the event memorably captivating were the keynote speech presented by Hajiya A’isha Sule; two separate audio and audiovisual documentaries were presented to the patient audience on the life and times of Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi; and special tributes from both senior and young female broadcasters by Hajiya Hafsah Iliyasu and Hajiya Zainab Sherif, respectively. 

There was also a stimulating panel discussion featuring Maryam Babayaro, Dr Fatima Damagun, A’isha Bello Mahmud, A’isha Sule, and A’isha Usman, moderated by Hajiya Mariya Bakori from Katsina State. To allow feedback from the massive audience, there was a Q&A session, the presentation of awards, and a plaque to the celebrant, led by Malam Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Malam Abubakar Darma. The event ended with an exhibition of Hajiya Mariya Galadanchi’s memorabilia, which included her photos, sound bites, broadcast archives, and merit awards.

Khalid Imam is a Kano-based writer, educator and President of Kano Literary Space. He can be reached via email: khalidimam2002@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has freed a number of Kano State Government officials who were earlier invited for questioning over a petition submitted by former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The officials spent about four hours in custody after honouring the DSS invitation. They were later granted bail on self-recognition.

Among those affected are Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House; Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information; Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, APC Youth Leader in Kano; and Nuhu Dambazau, a senior reporter at the Government House.

Kwankwaso lodged the complaint under the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He accused the officials of engaging in cyberbullying and making defamatory statements against him and some of his loyalists on social media platforms.

In the petition dated April 10, 2026, he alleged that the individuals carried out coordinated online attacks aimed at tarnishing his image.

Their release soon after interrogation indicates that the matter is still under investigation, with no final decision announced.

The incident comes at a time of heightened online political exchanges between supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and those aligned with the Kano State Government.

As of the time this report was filed, there has been no official response from either the DSS or the Kano State Government regarding the development.

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.