Kwankwaso

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has cautioned politicians against using insults and inflammatory remarks as the 2027 general elections approach.

The Sultan warned that such conduct could raise tensions and potentially trigger violence within communities.

He spoke on Monday when the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, visited him at his palace in Sokoto.

Obi and Kwankwaso were accompanied by the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Shamsu Haido, and other party members.

According to a statement signed by the Sultan’s Media Team head, Prince Bashir Adefaka, the monarch said political activities should not be used to create hatred, hostility or division among Nigerians.

The statement reads: “His Eminence, particularly, cautioned politicians and their supporters across parties against the use of abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence within communities.

“Politicians have the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to the electorate and seek the support of the people.”

Abubakar, however, urged politicians to exercise their democratic rights with decorum and within the provisions of the law while respecting other candidates, political parties and Nigerians with opposing political views.

The Sultan also stressed the need for political actors to place Nigeria’s interests and peace above their individual political differences.

He noted that political positions were temporary, while the unity, peace and stability of the country remained essential to its development.

The monarch further urged political leaders, particularly those seeking elective positions, to lead by example and demonstrate the conduct they expect from their supporters.

He also called on politicians to ensure that campaigns and other political engagements do not descend into personal attacks, hostility or actions capable of creating divisions among communities and citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Three more Nigerians have died in separate incidents in South Africa amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg disclosed the deaths in a statement issued on Monday by the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche.

According to the statement, the three Nigerians died between September 18 and 21 in incidents reported in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni.

The first victim, identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemadu, allegedly jumped to his death on September 18 while attempting to escape what the consulate described as police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein.

The second incident occurred on September 20 at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, where Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde worked as a security guard.

The consulate said Olatunde was killed after he attempted to stop a South African customer from leaving the premises with a cup belonging to the facility.

“This resulted in an altercation and the South African pulled out his firearm and shot OLATUNDE in his lower body part, leading to a serious injury and profuse loss of blood,” the statement reads.

“Upon noticing the grievous harm done, the shooter immediately fled the scene.”

Okey-Uche said the unidentified shooter also allegedly threatened to kill witnesses who tried to identify him to the police.

Olatunde was taken to hospital after the shooting but died the following morning.

The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died on September 21 after an alleged encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.

According to the consulate, Nnaemeka was allegedly arrested and tortured by members of the team before attempting to escape by jumping over a fence.

He reportedly collapsed from exhaustion and injuries sustained during the incident and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Khumalo, who is seeking the position of mayor of Ekurhuleni, had previously faced allegations following the death of another Nigerian, Emeza Uzor, after an incident involving members of his team in February.

Consulate Raises Safety Concerns

The Nigerian consul-general described the reports as deeply troubling and said they had raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

“The recent deaths of the three (3) Nigerians, coming in quick succession, also raises questions about what seems to be a pattern of targeting Nigerians in South Africa,” the consul-general added.

The latest deaths come after two Nigerians were reportedly killed earlier in September during attacks against foreigners in South Africa.

Two other Nigerians were also reported killed two months earlier amid renewed anti-migrant tensions in the country.

Okey-Uche called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths and establish the circumstances surrounding each incident.

She also urged Nigerians living in the country to avoid violence and remain security conscious.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, saying the structure was not authorised by the party.

The OK Movement, a support group associated with the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, unveiled the campaign council on Thursday.

The committee included zonal and state coordinators, alongside directors responsible for areas such as mobilisation, women’s affairs, strategy, security and legal affairs.

The movement named John Ughulu as the council’s Director-General and Saadatu Sani as its National Secretary.

Sani said the group was established to mobilise Nigerians around its political project and the possibility of a better country.

The NDC, however, said the campaign council did not originate from the party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, asked the public and media to disregard the announcement.

“The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement. It did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media,” he said.

Moses said candidates contesting under the NDC platform remained subject to the party’s authority and disciplinary structure.

“All candidates of the party must appreciate that they are not running as independent candidates,” he said.

“They are products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party.

“Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.”

The national chairman further warned members, candidates and support organisations against announcing campaign structures in the name of the party without approval.

“Henceforth, no individual or group is authorised to announce, constitute, or publish any campaign council, structure, or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC),” Moses said.

While acknowledging the role of support groups, he said such organisations must not present themselves as parallel structures of the NDC.

“While the party will continue to work collaboratively with all support groups, such groups should not see themselves as alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party,” he said.

Moses also urged members and support groups with grievances to use the party’s internal channels instead of engaging in public disputes.

The NDC chairman further said Ughulu would be referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ over what the party described as “his excesses during the primary election in Lagos state” and “repeated disregard for party authority”.

The development follows the OK Movement’s unveiling of its proposed campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The party leadership maintains that only its authorised structures can constitute and announce an official Presidential Campaign Council.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has called on the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, to abandon his 2027 presidential ambition and support the NDC.

Kwankwaso made the appeal on Thursday when he received members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.

The former Kano State governor urged Atiku to step aside for the NDC ticket and assured him that he would be taken care of if the party eventually wins the presidency.

“Step down for us; if we win, we will take care of you,” Kwankwaso said.

The appeal comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition politicians to form a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, a former Vice President, remains one of the prominent opposition figures seeking the presidency in 2027.

Kwankwaso and the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had previously been associated with the ADC before they left the party in May. They cited internal divisions and court cases within the party as reasons for their departure.

Their move to the NDC has added to the realignment among opposition politicians ahead of the next presidential election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidential ambition of President Bola Tinubu cannot be guaranteed by the All Progressives Congress’ control of more than 30 states, according to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Kwankwaso made the remark on Thursday in Port Harcourt at a town hall meeting with voters, where he and the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, responded to questions about the 2027 general elections.

The former Kano State governor cited the 2015 presidential election as evidence that control of several states does not automatically translate into victory at the federal level.

He recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party, under which former President Goodluck Jonathan contested the 2015 election, controlled about 20 states before the poll. Jonathan, however, lost his re-election bid to the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Jonathan secured victory in 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while Buhari won 21 states. Eleven of the states won by Buhari were under PDP control at the time.

Tinubu, who defeated Peter Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, is seeking another term on the APC platform. The party currently controls about 31 states.

Kwankwaso therefore dismissed the argument that the APC’s control of numerous states would secure Tinubu’s re-election.

“Jonathan was the sitting president and he lost the election. Those who think that because they have over 30 governors they cannot lose are making a very big mistake,” he said.

‘This Is The Time To Get It Right’

Kwankwaso also criticised the performance of some state governors, particularly those in the northern part of the country.

“The trend is that those governors and their parties have performed woefully. It is difficult for many of them to even come out and campaign because, from top to bottom, they did absolutely nothing,” he stated.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate further argued that some of the individuals seeking the presidency lacked the experience required to effectively govern Nigeria.

He said the country needed “a committed, strong and vibrant president” who could confront its challenges.

Kwankwaso also warned voters against making another political decision that could have serious consequences for the country in 2027.

“This is the time to get it right. Anything to the contrary, if people make a mistake, they will regret making that mistake because it will be too costly for the people and the country,” he said.

The NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, also addressed the gathering.

Lulu-Briggs praised party members in the state for their patience, resilience and commitment to the political movement.

He expressed confidence that the NDC would build “a Nigeria that works” and assured the party’s national leadership of the continued support of its members in Rivers State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A long-time associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kabiru Abdullahi, has left the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abdullahi announced his resignation from the NDC in a letter addressed to the chairman of the party in Kofar Ruwa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.

His defection comes ahead of the 2027 general elections and adds to the political realignments within Kano State as major parties position themselves for the next electoral contest.

Abdullahi, who has been associated with Kwankwaso for several years, did not state in the report the reasons for his decision to quit the NDC and join the APC.

The development is expected to attract attention within political circles in Kano, given Abdullahi’s previous relationship with the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said an NDC government would engage terrorists and other criminal groups in dialogue as part of efforts to end insecurity in Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He argued that residents of communities affected by violence often possess valuable information about those responsible for attacks.

“You see, all these things that are happening today, if you go to the localities, those places where these insecurities are happening, I can tell you people know almost everything,” he said.

“They know their locations, they know the names of all those involved, and so on and so forth.”

He, however, said many residents are reluctant to provide such information to security agencies because they have lost confidence in the system.

“But what is happening now is that many of the communities are even afraid to go forward and tell the security agencies or agents what is actually happening because many of them have done that in the past, and of course, they did not enjoy it,” he said.

Kwankwaso said his administration would restore public confidence and adopt an inclusive approach to addressing insecurity.

“We will give people confidence. We will work with the people, even the terrorists, and of course, the criminals themselves to see what can be done to discourage their action. We will talk with everybody.”

“And of course, if there is any issue that will require the services of the military or other security agencies, I can tell you, we will be very happy to do it,” he added.

Nigeria has faced an insurgency in the North-East since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its violent campaign.

Kwankwaso’s comments come weeks after Peter Obi said he would negotiate with bandits and other armed groups if they showed a genuine commitment to peace. Obi also stated that his administration would promote national unity and engage all groups willing to renounce violence and participate in rebuilding the country.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath aimed at preventing elected officials from leaving the party after securing victory at the polls.

The party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, where he defended the policy against allegations that it conflicts with constitutional provisions.

Enekweizu explained that the loyalty oath is backed by the NDC constitution and was introduced to protect the party from the growing trend of defections that has affected several political parties across the country.

He said members who voluntarily join the party are bound by its constitution and decisions made by its duly constituted authorities.

“First and foremost, a political party is like any other association, and every member who subscribes to the membership of the party is bound by the provisions of the constitution of the party and decisions taken by the party’s properly constituted authorities.

“Within NDC, the decision to make people sign that affidavit is provided for in our constitution,” he said.

The NDC secretary rejected claims that the policy is unconstitutional, maintaining that members of voluntary organisations are obligated to abide by the rules governing such bodies.

Although the party’s constitution requires all candidates contesting on its platform to sign the oath, Enekweizu said the party had taken an administrative decision to exempt Obi and Kwankwaso.

“The constitution says everybody running under the platform of the party has to sign, but the party has taken the administrative decision that those required to sign in this instance do not include the presidential candidate and his vice,” he stated.

According to him, the measure is primarily targeted at lawmakers elected into the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly who often defect shortly after assuming office.

“Our main focus is not the governor; it’s not the president. It’s the national and state assembly members elected on the platform of our party,” he added.

The NDC recently unveiled the anti-defection policy as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s institutional stability. Party leaders said the frequent defection of elected officials from the platforms that sponsored their elections informed the decision.

Enekweizu stressed that the party was committed to building a sustainable political institution and would not allow politicians to use it merely as a platform for winning elections before moving elsewhere.

By Uzair Adam

Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje, son of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency in Kano State under the New Democratic Coalition (NDC).

The Daily Reality reports that Abdulaziz’s decision to obtain the NDC nomination form marks a significant political shift from the Ganduje family’s long-standing ties with the APC and signals his alignment with the political movement of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

A video circulating on social media showed Abdulaziz speaking about his political ambition and his engagement with Kwankwaso, further fueling speculations about his growing involvement in the Kwankwasiyya political camp.

The NDC, which was recently adopted by Kwankwaso following his reported exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to gain momentum across Kano State with increasing support from political actors and grassroots mobilisers.

Political observers believe Abdulaziz’s entry into the race could intensify competition in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially with expectations of a keen contest between the NDC and the ruling APC.

Analysts also say the development may further reshape political alliances in Kano and deepen the rivalry between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the APC structure in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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