Author Archives: News All Around

The recent launch of the Atiku Abubakar political platform in Zamfara State by Senator Abdulaziz Yari is a brazen act of anti-party activity designed to sabotage the re-election bid of Governor Dauda Lawal and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Credible reports confirm that Yari’s inner caucus and loyalists were fully kitted in Atiku-branded materials during the symbolic unveiling, leaving no doubt about his alignment with the opposition.

This comes against a troubling backdrop:

1. Financial Questions: It is public knowledge that Senator Yari’s bank accounts were recently frozen by relevant authorities over unresolved financial issues.This raises serious questions he is yet to answer.
2. Disregard for Party Unity: Yari deliberately boycotted all stakeholders’ meetings of Zamfara political leaders before and after the APC primaries, showing contempt for collective decision-making.
3. Rejection of State Leadership: By his actions, Yari has insultingly refused to recognize Governor Dauda Lawal as the political leader of Zamfara State, thereby abdicating his responsibility to the APC structure he claims to belong to.

It is therefore inconceivable that a so-called APC leader would undermine the party’s chances ahead of crucial elections. Yet, history is repeating itself this is the same pattern of betrayal that cost APC all political offices in Zamfara in the past.

Further, there are widespread rumors that Senator Yari is bankrolling elements in opposition parties to weaken both Governor Dauda Lawal and President Tinubu’s electoral prospects.

Recall that a few months ago, Yari held a private meeting with Atiku Abubakar at the latter’s residence. No details of that meeting were disclosed. With the launch of this Atiku platform in Zamfara, it is now clear: Yari is working behind the scenes to engineer APC’s failure in Zamfara State.

We call on the APC National Working Committee to investigate these anti-party activities and act decisively. Zamfara APC cannot afford another betrayal.

Mohammed Yusuf
NATIONAL COORDINATOR.

APC RESQUE AND REBUILD MOVEMENT.

An Analysis of Political Influence, Public Trust, and Grassroots Loyalty in Northern Nigeria

Politics in Northern Nigeria has long been shaped by power, influence, financial strength, and the ability to command large political structures. For decades, many politicians believed that the quickest route to political relevance was through money, patronage, and the distribution of political favours. Yet, as the political climate continues to evolve, a new reality is gradually emerging, one where genuine grassroots connection, accessibility, and public trust are beginning to challenge the dominance of money politics.

The growing political rivalry between Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar and Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle has increasingly become one of the clearest reflections of this changing political reality in Northern Nigeria. Though both men come from the same political environment and possess significant influence across the North, their political approaches represent two sharply contrasting philosophies.

On one side stands Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, a politician widely associated with the traditional structure of money-driven politics. Over the years, Yari has built an extensive political network powered largely by financial influence, strategic patronage, and the ability to maintain loyalty through political investments. His political structure remains formidable, and few would deny his long-standing influence within Zamfara politics and beyond. To his loyalists, Yari represents strength, structure, and political capacity.

However, critics argue that his style reflects the old political order where money is often treated as the primary instrument of political survival. In such a system, influence is sustained not necessarily through emotional connection with the people, but through the ability to maintain political control using financial power and elite networks.

On the other side is Minister Bello Matawalle, whose political strength appears to stem from a different source entirely. Across many parts of Northern Nigeria, Matawalle is increasingly seen by supporters as a leader whose influence is built on accessibility, humility, loyalty, and direct engagement with ordinary people. Unlike the perception of transactional politics often associated with political heavyweights, Matawalle’s growing appeal appears rooted in trust and personal relationships with grassroots supporters.

His supporters consistently argue that Matawalle’s popularity cannot simply be measured by financial expenditure during political contests. Rather, they insist that his acceptance among ordinary Northerners comes from the belief that he understands their realities, listens to their concerns, and maintains close contact with local communities. This perception has steadily strengthened his political identity beyond Zamfara State.

Recent political developments within the APC across Zamfara and parts of the North have further reinforced this perception. In several political contests and party activities, individuals and groups openly aligned with Matawalle have continued to demonstrate surprising political resilience, even in situations where opponents were believed to possess superior financial resources and stronger political machinery.

For many political observers, this trend carries an important message. It suggests that while money remains a major factor in Nigerian politics, it may no longer be sufficient to guarantee unquestioned political dominance. The Northern grassroots, particularly younger political participants and local stakeholders, are increasingly paying attention to credibility, consistency, accessibility, and perceived sincerity.

For Matawalle, this growing acceptance represents more than ordinary political popularity. It reflects the consolidation of a political philosophy centered around trust-building and people-oriented leadership. His supporters now increasingly portray him as a symbol of a new political direction where genuine relationships with the grassroots matter more than temporary political inducements.

As politics across Northern Nigeria continues to evolve, one reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: money may build political structures, but genuine grassroots trust sustains long-term political relevance. The rising political strength of Bello Matawalle therefore represents more than the success of an individual politician. It symbolizes the growing importance of trust, connection, and grassroots loyalty in shaping the future of Northern Nigerian politics.

In the end, the political contrast between Abdul’aziz Yari and Bello Matawalle is not merely about two influential politicians competing for dominance. It is a reflection of two competing political philosophies, one largely associated with financial power and political patronage, and the other increasingly identified with grassroots trust, accessibility, and people-centered leadership. And for many observers across Northern Nigeria today, the politics of trust appears to be gaining stronger ground than the politics of money.

Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu

• Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba
• National President NSNCM
• Director General Initiative for Military Veterans & family support Foundation
• Deputy National Coordinator Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF).
• Director General youth Reformation and Leadership Skills development Foundation
• Chairman former Kaduna state Governorship Candidates forum
• Political Analyst, Civil society Activist
• Public Affairs commentator
• Security Expert.

---

ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been hailed as a “reformer per excellence” by the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, who marked the president’s third year in office with a detailed catalogue of achievements in the renewable energy sector.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Dr. Mustapha said the Tinubu administration has aggressively driven Nigeria’s renewable energy transition by scaling domestic solar manufacturing and implementing the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project through the ECN.

At the core of the push is a massive financial intervention approved by the president: ₦220 billion for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative. The fund is being deployed to install mini-grid solar power projects across federal universities and hospitals nationwide.

“This initiative prioritises reliable, alternative power to cut the high costs of diesel and ease pressure on the national grid,” Dr. Mustapha said. “The Federal Government’s vision is that no federal institution of higher learning in this country should remain energy-insecure.”

The ECN boss disclosed that the agency is on track to deliver over 100 megawatts of alternative energy across 72 primary health care centres and tertiary institutions.

He emphasised that the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project is not a one-off intervention but a sustained programme. “The groundbreakings are milestones among many others,” he added.

Partnership with LONGi

Beyond direct installations, the ECN has facilitated a landmark agreement with China’s LONGi, the world’s largest solar manufacturer, to build a solar panel production facility in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Mustapha, the deal is expected to boost local manufacturing, create export opportunities, and generate jobs for Nigerian citizens.

Technical roll-out

Providing technical details of the first phase, the ECN boss explained that each beneficiary institution will receive a complete, intelligent energy infrastructure. A solar photovoltaic array will be paired with a battery energy storage system to ensure power continuity beyond daylight hours.

Notably, the systems will be installed in decentralised clusters rather than a single large installation to improve resilience and ease management. All clusters will be coordinated through a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) centre, giving each university real-time visibility of generation, load distribution, and system health. Solar streetlights will also be incorporated to secure both the installations and the broader campus environment.

First-phase beneficiaries include the University of Abuja, the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, the Enugu Research Centre, and many others.

Dr. Mustapha reported that installation is already underway at several locations:

· Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil – 2MW installation commenced.
· Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital – 4MW system installed since September 2025.
· Bayero University, Kano – Groundbreaking for a 1MW system held a few weeks ago.

“Each project is a standalone delivery and a building block in a national programme covering hospitals and tertiary institutions in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

As Nigerians mark President Tinubu’s third anniversary, Dr. Mustapha extended the commission’s best wishes: “We at the Energy Commission of Nigeria wish the Jagaban of Africa, his administration, a beautiful third year in office as he continues to take Nigeria to higher heights through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

---

A political support group under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Igabi APC Women Grassroots Forum, has alleged that former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Zailani, is still battling with the “pains of political defeat” following the outcome of the recent APC primaries.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Hajiya Binta Ibrahim Mohammed, said the former Speaker lacked the political influence he often claims to possess, arguing that his inability to deliver electoral victories in his political stronghold exposed his declining relevance within the ruling party.

According to the forum, Zailani failed to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in his ward, local government area, federal constituency, and the Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone during the 2023 general elections.

The women group maintained that if the former lawmaker truly commanded strong political support across Kaduna State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not have emerged victorious in key areas believed to be under his political influence despite his open support for the APC presidential candidate.

“A man who could not deliver his ward and local government for the President during the 2023 general elections should not parade himself as a larger-than-life political figure in Kaduna State,” the statement said.

The forum further argued that the outcome of the elections in Kaduna Central Senatorial District and within his federal constituency clearly demonstrated that the former Speaker no longer possessed the political weight he often claimed.

The group also alleged that Zailani was no longer in good standing with party stakeholders at the ward, local government, and state levels, adding that his relationship with grassroots APC members had continued to deteriorate over time.

According to the statement, the former Speaker spent more time in Abuja pursuing contract opportunities rather than building political structures and strengthening party unity at the grassroots level.

The women forum further questioned Zailani’s capacity for higher legislative responsibilities, alleging that he lacked the intellectual depth and articulation required for such positions, while insisting that his political relevance had diminished significantly since leaving office.

The group called on APC members in Kaduna State to remain united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of future elections instead of engaging in actions capable of creating division within the ruling party.

A group under the aegis of Igabi Youths and Women Forum(IYWF),has outlined what it described as the major factors responsible for the defeat of former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kaduna Central.

In a statement issued in Kaduna, the group alleged that Zailani’s strained relationship with party executives, stakeholders and grassroots supporters contributed significantly to his inability to secure the party’s ticket.

According to the statement signed Mal. Mohammed Suleiman Igabi,one of the major issues was the former speaker’s alleged refusal to recognize the newly elected APC executives at the ward and Igabi Local Government levels following their inauguration.

The group claimed that Zailani allegedly distanced himself from party activities and failed to actively participate in campaigns for recent bye-elections, including the Chikun/Kajuru House of Representatives contest and other state legislative elections.

It further alleged that during the 2023 general elections, the former speaker failed to deliver electoral victory for the APC in Igabi Local Government, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly secured victory.

The forum also accused Zailani of maintaining poor relationships with party stakeholders and elected officials from his local government, alleging that many long-time political associates had become disillusioned with his leadership style.

The statement further claimed that the former speaker had been largely absent from party and state functions in Kaduna over the past year, citing his alleged non-attendance at key APC activities and official engagements.

The group also linked public dissatisfaction with the former speaker to his tenure as Speaker during the administration of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of supporting controversial government policies, including demolitions, dismissals of public workers and crackdowns on critics.

Additionally, the forum alleged that Zailani maintained silence over recent political disagreements involving the former governor and the current Kaduna State administration.

In another allegation, the group accused the former speaker of sponsoring political thuggery and empowering youths involved in violence and drug abuse in parts of Igabi Local Government, claims it said affected his support base during the primaries.

The forum also alleged that several APC leaders and stakeholders in Igabi had openly withdrawn support for Zailani’s senatorial ambition, citing differences with local party executives and political figures.

According to the group, Zailani’s two decades in the Kaduna State House of Assembly did not translate into sufficient developmental projects within his constituency, which it described as underdeveloped and facing security challenges.

The forum concluded that the combination of these factors weakened the former speaker’s political standing and ultimately contributed to his defeat at the APC senatorial primary.

The APC primary for Kaduna Central was won by former senator and rights activist, Shehu Sani.

By Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman.

Nations are not built by political rhetoric alone. They are built by institutions, sustained by vision, and strengthened by men and women who understand that public office is not a platform for personal relevance, but a responsibility to serve.

At critical moments in national history, leadership within strategic public institutions often determines whether countries move toward progress or remain trapped by unrealised potential.

For Nigeria, that moment is now. As the nation confronts the interconnected challenges of energy security, industrial expansion, infrastructure development, technological modernisation, and economic transformation, the quality of leadership within its institutions has become more consequential than ever.

Among those attracting increasing national attention is *Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria*, a strategic institution positioned at the heart of Nigeria’s long-term development agenda.

Energy remains the lifeblood of modern civilisation. No nation can industrialise sustainably, compete globally, or secure economic resilience without coherent energy planning and institutional coordination.

This reality makes the Energy Commission a key national priority, especially as global conversations on renewable innovation, energy transition, and industrial competitiveness shape nations’ futures.

Under the administration of *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR* and the broader Renewed Hope agenda, there has been a growing emphasis on institutional reform, strategic governance, and long-term national planning.

Within this framework, observers have increasingly noted the Energy Commission’s visibility and operational engagement under Dr Abdullahi as evidence of leadership grounded in institutional relevance and developmental purpose.

A true public servant understands that governance is ultimately about stewardship, protecting public trust, strengthening systems, and delivering outcomes that outlive political cycles. Such leaders do not merely occupy offices; they build institutions that function more effectively, think more strategically, and serve more efficiently.

Supporters of Dr Abdullahi argue that his leadership reflects these qualities, marked by policy engagement, strategic coordination, and a commitment to elevating national discourse around energy development.

Yet beyond individual recognition lies a broader national lesson. Nigeria must become more intentional about recognising competence, professionalism, and disciplined service within public institutions.

A nation that celebrates controversy but ignores diligence risks weakening the very foundations of good governance.

History shows that the strongest nations were built not only by elected leaders, but by disciplined public servants who understood the gravity of national responsibility.

Strong institutions outlive political transitions. They preserve continuity, sustain reforms, and protect developmental momentum.

As Nigeria moves through a defining period, energy, innovation, and infrastructure institutions must stay focused on competence, accountability, and strategic vision.

Public scrutiny will always accompany leadership, and accountability remains essential in any democratic system. But accountability must be balanced with fairness, due process, and responsible national discourse.

Ultimately, the true measure of leadership is not found in titles, publicity, or political visibility. It is found in institutional impact, national contribution, administrative discipline, and the legacy one leaves in service to society.

Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman is the Founder of the Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE). and Chairman, National Policy Dialogue – a Dialogue with Wisdom.

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has emerged victorious in the primary election for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, defeating former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, and another aspirant, Shettima.

The results, announced on Monday by the Returning Officer, Barrister Sameera Ibrahim, showed that Shehu Sani polled 9,105 votes to secure victory in the keenly contested exercise.

According to the results declared, Zailani garnered 1,021 votes, while Shettima secured 1,253 votes.

The outcome marks a major political comeback for Shehu Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is widely known for his activism and outspoken views on governance, democracy and social justice.

Political observers described the victory as a significant development ahead of the forthcoming general elections, considering the calibre of contenders involved in the primary contest.

Supporters of the former senator celebrated the outcome shortly after the announcement of the results, expressing confidence in his chances at the general election.

By: Musa Chuchi

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its National Assembly primary elections in Zamfara State to commence on Monday, May 18, 2026.

According to a notice issued to journalists by the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Zamfara State, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, the exercise will be held across designated ward centres in the state.

Aliyu urged aspirants and party supporters to rely strictly on official communications from the committee for accurate information and guidance. He cautioned the public against contrary reports, describing any information outside the committee’s official notice as “unauthorised, null and void.”

The committee chairman further stated that all participants are expected to conduct themselves peacefully and comply fully with the guidelines issued for the primaries. He assured stakeholders of the party’s commitment to a transparent, free, fair, and credible process across the state.

Interested persons and party faithful were advised to direct all inquiries through the committee’s official communication channels.

Other members of the committee include Yusuf Dingyadi, Bala Usman Horse, Samuel Shwarta, Barrister Joshua Wapdil, and Usaini Gotu, while Hycenth Henlong Tuamyil serves as secretary.

Grace Abu

The ruling All Progressives Congress has fixed Monday, May 18, 2026, for the commencement of its National Assembly primary elections in Zamfara State.

The party said the primaries would be conducted across designated ward centres in the state.

This was contained in a notice issued to journalists by the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Zamfara State, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu.

Aliyu urged aspirants and party supporters to rely strictly on official communications from the committee responsible for conducting the primaries for accurate information and guidance.

He warned the public against relying on contrary reports, describing any information outside the committee’s official notice as “unauthorised, null and void.”

According to the statement, all participants in the exercise are expected to conduct themselves peacefully and comply fully with the guidelines issued for the conduct of the primaries.

The committee chairman assured stakeholders of the party’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, free, fair and credible primary election process across the state.

He also advised interested persons and party faithful to channel all enquiries through the committee’s official communication channels.

Members of the committee include Yusuf Dingyadi, Bala Usman Horse, Samuel Shwarta, Barrister Joshua Wapdil, and Usaini Gotu, while Hycenth Henlong Tuamyil will serve as secretary.

The recent media reports alleging the arrest of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N500 billion fraud have exposed what appears to be a calculated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of a rising public figure known for his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his growing grassroots influence among Nigerian youths.

Contrary to sensational reports circulating across some media platforms, Dr Abdullahi was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC. Multiple reports confirmed that he merely honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency in line with due process and respect for constituted authority.

A statement issued by his media team clarified that the ECN boss voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation and was not arrested as falsely portrayed in several publications.

However, despite this clarification, sections of the media rushed to publish alarming headlines suggesting guilt even before any formal findings or charges had been made public.

Observers say the development bears the familiar signs of politically motivated blackmail often deployed against public officials who command growing popularity and political relevance ahead of major electoral cycles.

In recent months, Dr Abdullahi has emerged as one of the prominent voices mobilising young Nigerians in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the possible second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His youth engagement efforts and expanding political network across several states have reportedly unsettled certain interests uncomfortable with his rising profile.

Supporters of the ECN boss insist that responding to an invitation by a law enforcement agency should not be twisted into a media conviction or used to destroy reputations through coordinated misinformation.

They argue that anti-corruption institutions must be allowed to carry out investigations professionally without political actors and sensational headlines weaponising routine procedures for propaganda purposes.

The situation has also sparked concerns about the growing trend of trial-by-media in Nigeria, where public officials are declared guilty in headlines long before investigations are concluded or any court pronouncement is made.

Political analysts note that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, invitations for questioning are not equivalent to convictions, adding that public discourse must remain guided by facts, fairness, and due process.

For many of Dr Abdullahi’s supporters, the question remains: why the desperation to criminalise a man whose only visible political offence appears to be his vocal support for President Tinubu and his growing acceptance among young Nigerians?