Author Archives: News All Around

By Luka Mariya

Kaduna

Southern Kaduna and Middle Belt groups on Tuesday descended on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of using “reckless hate speech” against the people of Southern Kaduna and thriving on vendetta politics during his eight-year rule.

The Southern Kaduna Awake Group and the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna chapter, were reacting to El-Rufai’s appearance on Channels Television’s One-on-One with Seun, where he described Southern Kaduna people as violent, entitled, and less than 25 per cent of the state’s population.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the National Youth Leader for the Middle Belt Youth Forum, Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, alleged that El-Rufai’s bitterness stemmed from the rejection of his ministerial nomination by the Senate last year, following petitions from Southern Kaduna.

“His years in office will be remembered for mass sackings of civil servants, expansion of grazing reserves at the expense of indigenous landowners, and failure to protect communities from relentless attacks,” Jagaba stated.

They also faulted El-Rufai’s comparison of Southern Kaduna to the Shiite Islamic Movement led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, saying it was a “reckless attempt to criminalise an entire population.”

The groups maintained that contrary to El-Rufai’s claims, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had sited major projects in Southern Kaduna, including the University of Applied Sciences and a Federal Medical Centre.

Echoing the same view, publisher of Gurara Accord, Bomba Dauda, said El-Rufai had lost political relevance and was “using Southern Kaduna as a scapegoat to remain in the spotlight.”

“His administration thrived on division and undemocratic practices. He suppresses one side to gain relevance in another using religion, but that tactic no longer resonates with today’s reality,” Dauda said.

He urged Nigerians to hold El-Rufai accountable for “dangerous narratives capable of pitching communities against one another.”

Dr. Ladan Salihu’s recent remarks on the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Professor Mahmood Yakubu are marked by a tone of sweeping disapproval and generalization that does little justice to the complexities and hard-earned gains of Nigeria’s evolving democratic process. While criticism is an essential feature of democratic discourse, it must be grounded in a balanced appraisal of facts and realities, not driven by pessimism or selective memory.
Dr. Salihu’s claim that “INEC has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians” and that “nothing has changed” since previous elections fails to acknowledge the significant, data-backed, and courageous reforms that have transformed the electoral landscape under Professor Yakubu’s stewardship. While elections in Nigeria remain a work in progress—as they are in every democracy—the assertion that INEC has “missed out on history” is not only inaccurate but dismissive of the monumental steps taken to safeguard electoral integrity.

A Groundbreaking Technological Shift
One of the most revolutionary achievements under Professor Yakubu has been the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These innovations mark a decisive break from Nigeria’s history of ballot stuffing, multiple voting, and result manipulation.

BVAS eliminated the long-standing issue of ghost and multiple voting by introducing biometric accreditation, ensuring that only eligible and present voters could cast their votes.
IReV, for the first time in Nigeria’s electoral history, enabled near real-time public access to polling unit results, introducing a level of transparency previously unimaginable.
While these technologies experienced challenges—particularly during the 2023 presidential election—such hiccups are not evidence of failure but rather indicators of the ambition and scale of these reforms. The logical path forward is to strengthen and refine these systems, not to discard them.

Institutional Independence and Courage
Under Professor Yakubu, INEC has demonstrated an unusual level of operational independence and courage in the face of overwhelming pressures from political actors, entrenched interests, and threats of violence. The Commission has postponed or suspended elections where the process was compromised, and pursued legal action against electoral offenders—often in a judicial system that itself remains slow and cumbersome.

This insistence on upholding due process, often at great personal and institutional cost, should be seen as a positive departure from the opaque and manipulated electoral systems of the past.

Logistical Feats in a Complex Landscape
Nigeria is one of the most complex electoral environments in the world, with over 93 million registered voters and more than 176,000 polling units across difficult terrains, remote areas, and volatile regions. Organizing credible elections on this scale requires a herculean logistical effort.
Under Professor Yakubu’s leadership, INEC has:
Improved early distribution of sensitive materials.
Enhanced the training and deployment of over a million ad-hoc staff, including NYSC members.
Reduced delays and disorder in many parts of the country during election days.
To overlook these significant operational successes while highlighting isolated incidents of failure is a distortion that does injustice to the thousands of Nigerians who worked tirelessly to deliver credible elections.

Addressing the Trust Deficit
The oft-cited “trust deficit” is not unique to INEC under Professor Yakubu—it is a historical issue stemming from decades of electoral malpractice. However, trust is not rebuilt overnight; it requires time, transparency, consistency, and institutional reform. The introduction of BVAS and IReV are not just cosmetic changes—they are foundational tools in the long road toward restoring public confidence in elections.

Conclusion: Progress, Not Perfection
Democracy is not a destination but a journey. No electoral process anywhere in the world is perfect, but progress must be recognized and built upon. Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure has not been flawless, but to claim “nothing has changed” is to ignore the transformative steps taken under his watch.

Instead of hasty condemnation, what Nigeria’s electoral process needs now is critical support, constructive engagement, and continued innovation. Professor Yakubu has laid a foundation upon which a more transparent, credible, and inclusive democracy can be built. The responsibility now lies with all stakeholders—government, civil society, the judiciary, political actors, and the electorate—to protect, improve, and institutionalize these gains.
Dismissing his efforts wholesale only serves to discourage reformers and embolden those who prefer the shadows of the past. Let us not squander the progress we have made, but rather, consolidate and expand it for the sake of future generations.

Abubakar Billy Tafawa Balewa
Bauchi, Nigeria.

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By Fatima Yusuf

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned political parties against actions capable of disrupting the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State or discrediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Saheed Adeola, quoting the YYC National President, Comrade Eric, the group faulted what it described as unnecessary alarm raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the number of registered voters credited to Osun State in the latest nationwide pre-registration exercise conducted by INEC.

According to INEC’s figures, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country. But some stakeholders, including the PDP and ADC, dismissed the numbers as unrealistic and alleged fraud.

Responding, INEC, through a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman’s spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations, explaining that the figures were consistent with data from its 2021 online registration exercise.

YYC maintained that the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC was needless, noting that the figures for Osun State were not unusual.

“In any case, in the 2022 governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics,” the group said.

It added that contrary to claims of fraud, the latest figure aligned with the pattern recorded in 2021. “For instance, Osun recorded 232,880 registrants in a similar exercise conducted by the same INEC in 2021. There is no significant difference in the data recorded for Osun State in 2021 and the figures of 393,289 for the 2025 online pre-registration,” the statement read.

YYC further noted that INEC would still clean up the data and publish the register for claims and objections before finalising the exercise.

“Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of the FCT. Rather than busy themselves in raising unnecessary alarm that amounts to a storm in a tea cup, the PDP and ADC should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration, instead of querying figures and heating up the polity unnecessarily,” YYC added.

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By Ahmed Usman

A Kaduna based political advocacy group, Capacity Movement, has criticised Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. LA, over recent remarks perceived as attacks on the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna, the group’s convener, Shehu Sani Sado, described the senator’s comments as “cheap political distractions” and accused him of attempting to divert attention from what it called his underwhelming performance at the National Assembly.

“The public is not even aware of any tangible contribution Senator Lawal Adamu has made since assuming office. His recent outbursts are simply aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that Senator Adamu, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is making moves to defect back to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next election cycle.

“After riding on the back of the PDP to get to the Senate, he is now plotting a return to the APC. Instead of focusing on delivering on his legislative mandate, he has resorted to constant and baseless attacks on Governor Uba Sani,” the group said.

The Capacity Movement called on the senator to refrain from what it termed politically motivated criticisms, and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the Senate.

“Governor Uba Sani is committed to the development of Kaduna State and should not be distracted by a lawmaker who has yet to prove his worth. The people deserve focused leadership, not political theatrics,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

By Jeanette Remal

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has condemned Senator Lawal Usman Adamu’s petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over a recent by-election in Kaduna State, describing the move as “misguided” and a distortion of the ICC’s core mandate.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the group said invoking the ICC in the context of a local electoral dispute trivialises the global institution’s mission and undermines serious international justice mechanisms.

“The ICC was established to prosecute the gravest crimes — war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. To liken a by-election dispute in Kaduna to the genocides in Rwanda or the atrocities in Darfur is both irresponsible and offensive to victims of such heinous crimes,” the statement read.

NAN described the senator’s petition as a “theatrical display” aimed at garnering attention rather than addressing the developmental challenges faced by constituents of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

“The people expect their senator to address issues such as poverty, insecurity, education, and basic infrastructure. Instead, what we are witnessing is a disturbing trend of political posturing and legal drama that has no bearing on the immediate needs of the electorate,” NAN said.

The group further stated that Senator Adamu’s actions have brought ridicule to both his office and the democratic institutions he represents, warning that such political gimmicks erode public trust in the democratic process.

“Democracy thrives on accountability and sincere engagement with the people. Resorting to international legal bodies over domestic political disagreements only signals a lack of serious legislative focus and contributes to voter apathy,” the forum noted.

NAN also criticised the senator’s perceived lack of legislative achievements, stating that his tenure has not been marked by meaningful bills, motions, or constituency projects.

“Rather than delivering development, he has become fixated on personal political survival, ignoring the very people he was elected to serve. This fixation undermines both his credibility and the expectations of the electorate,” the statement added.

The group called on Senator Adamu to reconsider his political approach and re-engage meaningfully with issues affecting his constituents.

“The people of Kaduna Central deserve better. They need representation grounded in vision, service, and substance—not international distractions or political theatrics

By Zainab Sunday

The Northwest Progressives Forum (NPF) has declared Kebbi State a national model in Hajj administration, praising Governor Nasir Idris and Alhaji Faruk Enabo, Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, for their transformative leadership and commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.

Following Kebbi’s exceptional performance during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj exercises—where the state earned eight awards from Saudi authorities—the NPF described the operations as “a masterclass in religious service delivery.” These accolades recognized Kebbi’s outstanding arrangements in areas such as sacrificial animal logistics (Hadaya), feeding, accommodation, transportation, and airport screening.

Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Action

Governor Idris’s personal involvement in the pilgrimage and his financial support to all 3,871 pilgrims in the 2025 Hajj exercise, just as in the previous year, drew admiration from the Forum. Speaking recently, the governor pledged:

> “We will continue to render the needed support to our Pilgrims Welfare Agency and NAHCON in this direction and we will never relent.”



Operational Excellence Under Alhaji Faruk Enabo

Alhaji Faruk Enabo, Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency, was credited with orchestrating Kebbi’s seamless Hajj logistics. He emphasized that Governor Idris’s unwavering backing was the cornerstone of their success:

> “The unwavering support of Gov. Idris to the agency had culminated not only in the tremendous success of the Hajj operations in the state but the state stood tall amongst its peers.”



NPF’s Endorsement

In its official statement, the Northwest Progressives Forum declared:

> “Kebbi State has set a new benchmark for Hajj administration in Nigeria. Governor Nasir Idris and Alhaji Faruk Enabo have demonstrated that with vision, empathy, and accountability, even the most complex religious operations can be executed with excellence.”



A Blueprint for the Nation

The Forum urged other states to emulate Kebbi’s model, especially in areas of early planning, financial transparency, and direct engagement with pilgrims. With the 2025 Hajj season on the horizon, Kebbi’s example stands as a beacon of what’s possible when leadership meets purpose.


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Election observers under the aegis of the Coalition of Rights Groups and Election Monitors have commended the conduct of the recent bye-elections in Kaduna State, describing the exercise as free, fair, and transparent.

The observers, who monitored the process across different local government areas, described the polls as a remarkable improvement in Nigeria’s democratic journey, citing transparency, voter participation, and peaceful conduct as key indicators of credibility.

In a joint statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, the groups noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) performed satisfactorily by ensuring timely arrival of materials, adherence to guidelines, and prompt transmission of results.

“The Kaduna elections set a positive example in the North-West,” said Dr. Amina Mohammed, spokesperson of the Civil Rights and Democracy Watch (CRDW). “Our observers reported minimal cases of irregularities, and those were not significant enough to affect the overall outcome. The people of Kaduna spoke clearly, and their votes counted.”

Similarly, the Network of Election Observers (NEO) commended security agencies for maintaining order during the exercise.

“We observed professionalism from security operatives across polling units. Their presence reassured voters and discouraged malpractice,” stated Mr. Peter Okafor, NEO’s National Coordinator.

The groups further congratulated Governor Uba Sani on his victory, urging him to carry all stakeholders along in delivering dividends of democracy. They also called on opposition parties to respect the will of the people and join hands in building a peaceful and prosperous Kaduna State.

With this endorsement from both local and international monitors, Governor Uba Sani’s mandate has received additional legitimacy, reinforcing confidence in the democratic process.

In a strong show of support, the Oil Industry Transparency Solidarity League (OLTRASOL) has voiced its satisfaction with the sweeping reforms initiated by Malam Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). The group described Kyari’s tenure as “transformational and courageous,” emphasizing that his legacy should not be overshadowed by current probes or political shifts. The group called Kyari’s leadership “a rare blend of courage, vision, and integrity,” urging Nigerians not to forget the strides made under his watch.

OLTRASOL highlighted several landmark achievements under Kyari’s leadership:

Subsidy Reform: Kyari took bold steps to dismantle entrenched subsidy cartels, a move that OLTRASOL says saved Nigeria billions and restored fiscal discipline.

Exploration Expansion: He spearheaded oil exploration in previously untapped regions, signaling a new era of energy diversification.

Pipeline Diplomacy: As the architect of the AKK pipeline and a key facilitator of the Algerian and Moroccan gas pipelines, Kyari positioned Nigeria as a strategic energy supplier to Europe.

NNPC Overhaul: Under his watch, the NNPC underwent a historic transformation aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act, transitioning into a commercially driven entity.

Transparent Recruitment: OLTRASOL praised the merit-based recruitment process introduced during his tenure, calling it “a rare moment of integrity in public sector hiring.”

Fuel Availability: The group credited Kyari with ending the long-standing fuel queues that plagued Nigerian cities, citing improved logistics and supply chain management.

Production Boost: Nigeria’s oil production capacity saw a notable rise, reflecting operational efficiencies and strategic investments.


While acknowledging that Kyari did not succeed in fully reviving Nigeria’s refineries—now under investigation—OLTRASOL urged the public and policymakers to adopt a balanced view. “Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about progress,” the group stated. “Kyari made tough decisions in a tough environment. His efforts deserve recognition, not revisionism.”

OLTRASOL warned against the tendency to vilify public servants post-tenure, especially those who dared to challenge entrenched interests. “We must not allow political winds to erase the strides made. Mele Kyari’s reforms laid the groundwork for a more transparent and accountable oil sector.” Referencing a recent public post by Senator Shehu Sani, OLTRASOL echoed the sentiment that Kyari’s legacy should be preserved:

> “Mele Kyari was never a perfect man, but he did a number of good things that shouldn’t be easily forgotten,” Sani wrote. “He also did something good that is worthy of being appreciated.”



As Nigeria navigates its energy future, OLTRASOL concluded by urging Nigerians to resist the urge to vilify reformers once they leave office.

> “We must not allow political winds to erase the strides made. Mele Kyari’s reforms laid the groundwork for a more transparent and accountable oil sector. History will be kinder than headlines.”

The Department of State Services (DSS) has yesterday night struck a major blow against electoral malpractice in Kaduna, arresting a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Fatange, with a staggering cash of about ₦30 million allegedly set aside to buy votes in today’s bye-elections.

Fatange was apprehended Friday evening at a hotel in Kaduna metropolis, where he was coordinating the illicit distribution of funds to sway voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency poll.

According to impeccable security sources, the suspect was caught red-handed with the money, which investigators believe was meant to compromise the integrity of the elections and tilt the outcome in favour of his party.

The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the arrest. Its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the suspect was in custody and under investigation, stressing that security agencies were working hand-in-hand to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

The dramatic bust comes against a backdrop of rising tension, with parties trading accusations of desperate politicians’ planned vote-buying, thuggery to rig the bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria and Sabon-Gari constituencies.

While details of the sting remain under wraps, the DSS and police assured that investigations are ongoing, urging voters to stay calm and troop out peacefully to exercise their franchise today.

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Kaduna’s political arena was thrown into fresh turmoil on Thursday as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) unleashed blistering denials over a so-called coalition agreement, dismissing it as a calculated hoax engineered by “political mercenaries” ahead of the August 16 bye-elections.

The uproar began after a publication credited to one Hon. Nasiru Maikano claimed both parties had struck a political alliance in Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency, Zaria Kewaye, and Sabon Gari State Assembly Constituencies. The two parties wasted no time tearing the claims apart, warning voters to ignore the “phantom pact” designed to mislead the electorate and derail their campaigns.

SDP Fires First Shot
In a strongly worded statement, SDP State Chairman Hon. Adamu Idris declared the coalition story dead on arrival.

“The said Hon. Nasiru Maikano is neither the chairman nor a representative of the SDP in Kaduna State. He is not even a registered member of our party. No bona fide member of the SDP can be party to such an unholy statement aimed at sabotaging our chances,” Idris fumed.

He reiterated that the SDP remains firmly independent, fielding Comrade Johnathan Maikaratu Wushiri for the Kajuru/Chikun Federal Constituency bye-election. Idris urged voters in Zaria Kewaye and Basawa to treat the coalition story as the desperate handiwork of impostors and political jobbers.

Idris added that the actions of those peddling the hoax violate the SDP’s 2022 constitution (as amended) and will be reported to party organs and security agencies. He cautioned members to stay disciplined and adhere strictly to INEC regulations before, during, and after the polls.

ADC Echoes the Rejection
The ADC in Kaduna State matched the SDP’s tone, categorically disowning any alliance with the SDP or other political parties for the August 16 elections. Its leadership reaffirmed the party’s commitment to running a fully independent campaign with no entanglements in backroom deals.

Accusations of Political Sabotage
Both parties accused shadowy political actors of orchestrating the coalition hoax to confuse voters, fracture their support bases, and weaken their momentum. They described the masterminds as “political contractors” attempting to trade in influence they do not possess.

The twin denials have added yet another twist to Kaduna’s already heated bye-election season, where misinformation and political brinkmanship are becoming as fierce as the campaign rallies. For the SDP and ADC, however, the verdict is final — there will be no alliances, no compromises, and no free ride for impostors.

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