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The Confederation of APC Support Groups has declared its support for former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, describing him as the most credible and people-oriented choice for the senatorial district ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a press briefing, the Director General of the group, Prof. Kailani Muhammad, said the people of Kaduna Central needed “a voice that roars for the common man” rather than a representative disconnected from grassroots realities.

According to him, the endorsement followed extensive consultations across the seven local government areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna North and Kaduna South.

Prof. Muhammad said Shehu Sani’s previous tenure in the Senate between 2015 and 2019 demonstrated courage, transparency and commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He recalled that the former senator distinguished himself nationally as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, where he opposed what he described as unsustainable borrowing.

“He was the Senator who told the truth when it was difficult to say. He stood against policies and loans that would have burdened future generations with debt they did not ask for,” he stated.

The APC support groups’ leader further praised Shehu Sani for becoming the first Nigerian senator to publicly disclose the running costs and salaries of lawmakers, saying the move broke the long-standing culture of secrecy in the National Assembly.

He also credited the former senator with publicly declaring his assets while in office, describing the gesture as a strong example of accountability and integrity in public service.

On constituency projects, Prof. Muhammad said the former lawmaker facilitated the construction and equipping of several primary healthcare centres across Kaduna Central, especially in underserved rural communities.

He added that over 200 solar-powered boreholes and hand-pump wells were installed in communities across Birnin Gwari, Chikun and Kajuru to address water shortages.

According to him, Shehu Sani also initiated the installation of solar streetlights in several wards to improve security and stimulate economic activities at night.

The group noted that the former senator renovated and constructed classroom blocks in public schools across the district while also empowering youths and women through the distribution of sewing machines, grinding machines and motorcycles.

Prof. Muhammad further stated that widows, orphans and internally displaced persons benefited from food support, clothing assistance and financial grants through the former senator’s constituency programmes.

Speaking on security, he said the former lawmaker supported local vigilante groups in banditry-prone areas such as Birnin Gwari and Giwa with patrol vehicles and communication equipment.

He also commended Shehu Sani’s role in peace-building efforts and conflict resolution across Kaduna State, describing him as “a human rights crusader and veteran activist who has consistently stood for justice and the oppressed.”

The group maintained that the return of the former senator to the National Assembly would strengthen advocacy for the people of Kaduna Central and align with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the ruling APC administration.

“We are not just supporting a candidate; we are supporting a legacy of activism, accountability and grassroots representation,” Prof. Muhammad said.
He called on APC support groups and party loyalists across the senatorial district to mobilise support at the ward and community levels ahead of the party primaries and the 2027 general elections.

“Let us bring back the man who has always been the voice for the voiceless. Let us return Shehu Sani to the Red Chamber so that Kaduna Central can once again become the heartbeat of advocacy in Nigeria,” he added.

NIGERIA AND JORDAN SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION AND INTELLIGENCE SHARING

The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence cooperation and enhance intelligence sharing between both countries.

The MoU was signed on Sunday, 10th May 2026, in Amman, Jordan, by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, and Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in intelligence exchange, defence capacity building, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security. Key areas of cooperation include:

· Joint military training and exchange of defence expertise
· Intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism operations
· Defence research, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration
· Mutual support for regional and global peace and security initiatives

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Matawalle described the MoU as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Jordan relations and a strategic step toward addressing contemporary security challenges.

“Nigeria and Jordan share a common commitment to peace, stability, and security. This partnership will deepen our collaboration and create practical pathways for technology transfer, including the establishment of a defence production line in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the DICON Act,” he said.

The MoU reflects the mutual resolve of both nations to strengthen trust, enhance interoperability, and pursue joint actions that contribute to stability within their regions and beyond.

Signed:
Ahmed Dan Wudil SA New Media

Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence
Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja

By David Ezekiel

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has commended the managing director/chief executive officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for what it described as his transformational leadership in expanding rural electrification and renewable energy infrastructure across Nigeria.

The group said the REA under Aliyu’s leadership has demonstrated innovation, competence and strategic direction in tackling energy poverty, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

In a statement issued and signed by its president, Comrade Abdul Danbature, AYAGL noted that the agency’s interventions in renewable energy development were already creating positive socio-economic impacts across several communities nationwide.

The group specifically praised the aggressive expansion of solar mini-grids and off-grid electrification projects being deployed in communities, markets, healthcare facilities, tertiary institutions and economic clusters across the country.

According to the statement, the projects represent more than electricity supply, describing them as instruments of economic empowerment, education, healthcare improvement and sustainable development.

“For decades, several communities in Northern Nigeria suffered severe neglect in terms of access to stable electricity and modern energy infrastructure,” the group stated.

“Businesses collapsed, educational institutions struggled, healthcare services remained limited, and rural economic activities suffered enormously due to inadequate power supply.”

AYAGL, however, said there is growing hope as many communities are now benefiting from sustainable energy solutions through the interventions of the REA.

The group also applauded the implementation of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme aimed at expanding electricity access to millions of Nigerians in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

It further commended the Federal Government’s National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative designed to provide solar-powered electricity to federal universities, tertiary institutions and healthcare facilities.

According to the youth group, improved electricity supply would significantly enhance learning, research, healthcare delivery, entrepreneurship and digital innovation in public institutions.

The assembly maintained that access to electricity remains critical to national development, economic growth and social stability.

“A community with electricity experiences improved security, economic growth, educational advancement, business expansion and increased productivity,” the statement added.

The group said young people particularly stand to benefit through entrepreneurship opportunities, employment creation and digital inclusion.

AYAGL further described Engr. Aliyu’s leadership style as professional, accountable and result-oriented, noting that the visible impact of the agency’s programmes reflects purposeful leadership and institutional efficiency.

The youth assembly also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing policy support and political will for the implementation of renewable energy and infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

It added that sustained investment in rural electrification would help reduce poverty, unemployment, insecurity and rural-urban migration, especially in Northern Nigeria.

The group urged residents and community leaders in beneficiary areas to protect the projects and ensure community ownership for sustainability.

AYAGL reaffirmed its support for policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic growth, youth empowerment and improved living standards for Nigerians.

ENDS

The claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requires Senator Abdulaziz Yari to secure Zamfara or Northern votes in 2027 does not reflect the political realities on the ground. Electoral support in the North is driven by performance, party structure, and the capacity of leaders to deliver results for their people.

Matawalle’s Track Record in Zamfara and the North

1. Sacrifice for Party Victory in 2023
In the 2023 general elections, then-Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle prioritized President Tinubu’s national victory over his own re-election bid. He mobilized his political structure across Zamfara to deliver votes for the APC presidential ticket, demonstrating loyalty to the party and the President at a critical moment.

2. Grassroots Acceptance and Human Capital Development
Dr. Matawalle is widely regarded as one of the most accessible and impactful political figures in Zamfara. During and after his tenure as governor, he implemented programs targeting youth empowerment, women’s support, scholarships, and community development. This direct engagement has earned him significant goodwill among youths, women, and traditional institutions in the state.

3. Leadership in National Security
As Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Matawalle has shifted focus to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through strategic partnerships and industrialization. He is currently engaging international defence manufacturers to attract investment and technology transfer into Nigeria, with emphasis on local production of military hardware. This aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of building self-reliance in defence and reducing dependence on imports.

4. Party Unity and Reconciliation
Within the APC, Matawalle has been active in reconciliation efforts across Northern states, working to bridge divides among party stakeholders. His approach has been to prioritize party cohesion and the broader interest of the North within the national political framework.

Zamfara and the wider North have multiple political leaders with influence and followership. President Tinubu’s 2023 victory and prospects for 2027 are built on a coalition of party structures, governors, ministers, and grassroots mobilizers across the region. No single individual holds a veto over Northern votes.

The APC remains committed to internal cohesion, and the contributions of all stakeholders who have supported the President and the party will continue to be recognized.

Signed:
Northern Political Communications Network.

Recent remarks by Sani Abdullahi Jaji, an aide to former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari, suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu risks political setbacks in the North in 2027 if Senator Yari leaves the APC, require a balanced response in the interest of factual clarity and party cohesion.

1. Commitment to Tinubu’s 2023 Victory
   In the 2023 presidential elections, the then Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, prioritized the success of President Tinubu over his own gubernatorial re-election. He channeled his political structure, resources, and goodwill toward ensuring Tinubu’s victory nationwide, while others focused on personal electoral ambitions.
2. Grassroots Acceptance and Service to Zamfara Citizens
   Matawalle remains one of the most politically relevant and widely accepted leaders in Zamfara State. His interventions in youth empowerment, women and community support, and education have earned him broad recognition and goodwill across the state, particularly among youths, women, and elders.
3. Leadership in Security and National Defence
   As Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle is actively advancing the Federal Government’s agenda for security reform and indigenous defence production. He is currently engaging international partners to attract investment and technology transfer into Nigeria’s defence sector, with the aim of providing lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the North and the country at large.
4. Loyalty and Party Unity
   Matawalle has consistently demonstrated loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC. He has been instrumental in building bridges and promoting reconciliation among party members and aggrieved stakeholders in the North, reinforcing party unity ahead of future political engagements.
5. Context of Party Dynamics
   The current political discourse in Zamfara reflects the broader realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. It is important that such discussions are guided by verifiable contributions to the party, to national security, and to the welfare of the people.

While acknowledging the contributions of all APC stakeholders, the record shows that Bello Matawalle has played a decisive role in advancing both the electoral success of the President and the strategic interest of Northern Nigeria within the APC.

Signed::

Arewa Democratic Development Forum

Nancy Maidugu 

Abuja 

 A coalition of northern Nigerian civil society and youth organizations visited the Ministry of Defence this week, presenting a formal security collaboration proposal to Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (Retired) and calling for closer ties between community groups and the military establishment.

The delegation was led by Comrade Abdul Danbature, chairman of the Forum for Youth Development, Unity and Peace Initiative (FYDUPI), and included representatives from the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), Ethnic Nationality Groups of Northern Nigeria, the Christian Youth Alliance, and a number of other affiliated civil society organizations.

The visit, described by organizers as a courtesy call, gave the groups an opportunity to formally table a proposal on strengthening national security through coordinated youth and community engagement across northern Nigeria — a region that has grappled for years with insurgency, banditry, intercommunal violence, and mass displacement.

What the groups proposed

Danbature walked the minister through several areas of proposed collaboration between FYDUPI and the Ministry, spanning grassroots intelligence-sharing with security agencies, interfaith peacebuilding between religious and ethnic communities, anti-drug campaigns targeting young people, and the mobilization of women and youth across the north under a unified advocacy platform.

The forum also proposed supporting public communication efforts around government and military achievements — an element of the proposal that positions the coalition partly as a civic messaging vehicle alongside its stated peacebuilding mandate.

Organizers said the breadth of the coalition — drawing in both Christian and Muslim youth organizations, as well as ethnic nationality groups — was deliberate, intended to signal cross-sectional buy-in for the initiative in a region often divided along religious and ethnic lines.

Minister’s response

Musa received the delegation warmly, according to a statement issued by FYDUPI, and expressed readiness to work with the forum and its partners. He emphasized the importance of peace and unity, and encouraged the groups to sustain advocacy for social cohesion at the grassroots level.

The minister flagged misinformation as a key threat to stability, and urged the organizations to deploy social media platforms — naming TikTok specifically — as tools for promoting positive values and countering what he called ignorance and social anomalies. The suggestion underlines a growing recognition within Nigeria’s security establishment that the information environment, particularly on platforms popular with young Nigerians, is an active front in the country’s security challenges.

Before the delegation departed, Musa presented them with an award in recognition of the initiative, a gesture the groups said signaled the minister’s commitment to long-term collaboration.

Broader context

The visit comes as Nigeria’s security situation in the north remains deeply volatile. Bandit militias continue to conduct mass abductions and attacks across the northwest, while insurgent violence from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) persists in the northeast. In the Middle Belt, intercommunal clashes between farming communities and armed herders have displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

Community-based security initiatives have grown in prominence as the Nigerian military stretches to cover multiple simultaneous theatres, with policymakers increasingly looking to civil society groups to fill gaps in early warning, local intelligence, and peacebuilding.

FYDUPI said the engagement was “highly fruitful” and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant stakeholders. Danbature said the forum would pursue what he described as community-driven solutions in support of peace, unity, and national development.

The ministry had not issued an independent statement on the meeting as of press time.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone have endorsed former senator, Shehu Sani, as their preferred candidate ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a meeting attended by commissioners, local government chairmen, party executives and key political figures from the seven local government areas in the zone.

The gathering, which took place at the Uba Sani Support Group office in Malali, Kaduna, drew a large number of supporters and influential stakeholders within the state.

Convener of the meeting and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders and stakeholders across the zone.

He clarified that the APC remains open to all aspirants, stressing that the party is not restricting anyone from contesting the primaries. However, he noted that stakeholders unanimously agreed to adopt Shehu Sani as a consensus candidate in view of his experience and political track record.

According to Lagos, the decision was driven by the need to present a candidate with proven capacity, credibility and national recognition.

“We have resolved that Shehu Sani is our choice for Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone. He is experienced, tested and widely known as a quality material to represent the good people of Kaduna in the Senate,” he said.

He further expressed confidence that the endorsement would strengthen the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, adding that the party would secure overwhelming victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

Other party leaders, including local government council chairmen and executives who spoke at the event, also highlighted Shehu Sani’s legislative experience and his perceived ability to attract development projects to the state.

In his response, Shehu Sani expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He particularly thanked Governor Uba Sani for his support, as well as the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs for coordinating the endorsement meeting.

The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central in the Senate from 2015 to 2019, pledged to provide quality representation if elected, promising to attract meaningful projects and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

He also called on residents of Kaduna State to support and vote for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the forthcoming elections, urging unity and collective action in the interest of equity, justice and fairness.

The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR has directed the commissioner Tertiary Education and the Managing Director, Greater Aba Development Authority to commence search for a temporary site for the location of a study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Aba, pending the building of a befitting Centre in the area.

The directive followed the request of the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma for a policy direction in citing a study centre of university in Aba.

Dr. Alex Otti added that Aba being a major commercial hub in the state cannot afford the luxury of being behind without a centre of NOUN.

He noted that “Open and distance learning over the years has transformed over the years using technology. Applications like the Google meet, zoom etc has facilitated meetings and the transfer of knowledge. In view of the role NOUN is playing in advancing education, it’s no brainer, Aba has to get a study centre.

“As a responsible government, the state is committed to educational development through the hiring, training and retraining of teachers. We will provide all the support you need (NOUN) for the actualisation of a centre in Aba”.

The Governor also Directed the commissioner Tertiary Education in the state Prof. Uche Uche in the direction of the Umuahia Study Centre of the university and see how the government can assist with the improvement of facilities for a better learning environment.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma who was on a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR at his country home in Umuehim, Nvosi Isiala-Ngwa South LGA Abia State, had told the Governor that NOUN does not only pride itself in education through open and distance learning alone but access and inclusiveness in all of its activities by carrying everyone along.

“The study centres are instruments of access and Aba being one of the largest cities in the country cannot be denied such access to education.

“NOUN as an institution that reflects federal character is willing to partner with any government or institution in creating access to education that allows people to express themselves freely” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Prof. Uduma underscores the importance of ODL globally necessitating currently other universities in the country operating a dual mode of education delivery.

He thanked the Governor for his hospitality and accepting to host him and the university management despite the demand of his office.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Igabi Federal Constituency, Hon Hussaini Muhammad Jallo, has paid a strategic visit to former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani, declaring his support for Sani’s bid to return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmaker, during the visit held in Kaduna, described Sani as a seasoned legislator with a track record of effective representation, grassroots connection, and principled advocacy. He noted that the endorsement was borne out of the need to rally behind credible and experienced leaders capable of advancing the interests of the people.

According to him, Sani’s previous tenure in the Senate was marked by bold interventions on national issues, particularly in the areas of human rights, anti-corruption, and social justice. He added that the former senator remains a strong voice for the downtrodden and a dependable figure in Kaduna politics.

“The people of Kaduna Central deserve tested leadership. My visit today is not just symbolic but a clear statement of support for a man who has consistently stood with the masses,” the lawmaker said.

In his response, Sani expressed appreciation for the visit and endorsement, describing it as a demonstration of unity and shared vision among political stakeholders in the state. He reiterated his commitment to inclusive representation, promising to prioritize the welfare of constituents if elected.

Political observers say the endorsement may further strengthen Sani’s position within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as consultations and alignments intensify ahead of the party primaries.

The development is seen as part of broader political realignments in Kaduna State, where key actors are beginning to signal their preferred candidates for various elective positions ahead of the next electoral cycle.

By Abuja Advocates for Equity and Justice Forum

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a familiar yet increasingly urgent debate has resurfaced in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT): the question of equity, fairness, and rotational representation in the senatorial seat.

At the centre of this renewed conversation is a growing call by stakeholders—particularly from the Abuja South axis, comprising Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils—for what they describe as a long-overdue opportunity to produce the next senator representing the FCT.

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the FCT has been represented in the Senate by a mix of indigenous and non-indigenous politicians. Among them are Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe, Isah Maina, Usman Jibrin Wowo, Sidi Ali, Philip Aduda, and the incumbent, Ireti Heebah Kingibe.

A closer look at their tenures reveals a pattern that has now become the basis for agitation. While early representation rotated relatively evenly—with Khairat Gwadabe and Isah Maina serving four years each—later developments altered the balance significantly.

The emergence of Philip Aduda, who represented the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)/Bwari axis—commonly referred to as Abuja North—marked a turning point. Aduda held the senatorial seat for 12 consecutive years, the longest tenure in the history of FCT representation in the Senate.

In contrast, indigenous representatives from Abuja South, such as Usman Jibrin Wowo and Sidi Ali, served significantly shorter terms—approximately one year and three years respectively. Collectively, their tenure amounts to about four years, a disparity that has become a rallying point for proponents of zoning.

Beyond geography, the debate intersects with the sensitive issue of indigeneity in the FCT. Although the capital is constitutionally designated as a territory belonging to all Nigerians, indigenous communities—largely concentrated in Abuja South—have continued to demand greater inclusion in political representation.

Analysts note that while three of the six senators since 1999 are considered indigenous, their cumulative time in office falls short when compared to their counterparts from Abuja North or non-indigenous backgrounds.

“The issue is not just about who has served, but how long and from where,” a political observer in Abuja noted. “Equity, in this context, is both geographical and cultural.”

The debate has placed the spotlight on the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose internal philosophy emphasizes fairness, justice, and inclusivity.
Supporters of Abuja South’s agitation argue that the party’s credibility will be tested by its willingness to reflect these principles in its candidate selection process. They point to the APC’s broader reliance on zoning and political balancing as a mechanism for managing Nigeria’s diversity.

“There is a moral obligation on the APC to translate into action,” a party chieftain said. “Anything short of that could trigger internal dissent and electoral backlash.”

Complicating the situation is the current political configuration within the FCT. The APC state chairman is widely believed to be from Abuja North, a factor some stakeholders interpret as strengthening the case for micro-zoning the senatorial ticket to the southern axis.

Equally significant is the role of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose influence looms large in the evolving political landscape. Since his appointment, Wike has been credited with accelerating infrastructure development and initiating reforms in traditional institutions across the territory.

While his performance has attracted commendation, political watchers believe his stance could be decisive in shaping the APC’s 2027 strategy in the FCT.

“There is an expectation that the minister, given his emphasis on order and structure, would support a balanced arrangement,” another analyst observed. “Endorsing Abuja South could consolidate political gains and foster unity.”

The FCT remains strategically important—not only as Nigeria’s capital but also as a politically competitive territory. In recent elections, opposition parties have made notable inroads, often capitalizing on internal divisions within dominant parties.

Advocates of zoning warn that ignoring the equity argument could deepen fractures within the APC and create openings for rivals. Conversely, conceding the ticket to Abuja South, they argue, could galvanize grassroots support and improve the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.

Ultimately, the debate over who produces the next FCT senator reflects a broader tension in Nigerian politics—the delicate balance between merit, inclusivity, and political pragmatism.

Adding another layer to the conversation is the current distribution of federal appointments, which critics argue is skewed toward Abuja North, including the ministerial position.

Although the Nigerian Constitution does not mandate zoning, the practice has evolved into an unwritten principle for managing the country’s complex diversity. In the FCT—where questions of identity, ownership, and belonging remain deeply rooted—the stakes are particularly high.

As 2027 approaches, the decision before political actors, especially within the APC, goes beyond candidate selection. It is a defining moment that will test their commitment to fairness, equity, and justice.

For many in Abuja South, the message is unequivocal: the time for inclusion is now. Whether that demand translates into political reality remains to be seen.