By Ibrahim Ammani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, has urged residents of Kaduna State to exercise wisdom, calmness and deep reflection in choosing credible leaders in the 2027 general elections.

Shehu Sani made the call while receiving a delegation of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kaduna South Local Government Area at his residence in Kaduna.

According to him, the time has come for the people of Kaduna to give full support to the administration of Governor Uba Sani, citing the various developmental projects being executed by the state government across different sectors.

The former senator cautioned residents to be vigilant against what he described as political maneuvers by the former governor of the state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i, particularly in relation to efforts aimed at promoting a candidate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Shehu Sani recalled experiences from 2015 to 2023, a period he said was marked by house demolitions and the dismissal of many workers from their jobs. He noted that Kaduna State is currently under the leadership of a governor he described as compassionate, mature and respectful to the people, adding that the present administration does not engage in public insults or confrontational rhetoric.

“We must not return to the past,” he said. “Those who caused pain and hardship are now seeking the support of the same people. Kaduna residents must be careful not to allow history to repeat itself.”

He further disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has approved the allocation of ₦100 million to each ward in the state for developmental projects, urging communities to ensure they fully benefit from the initiative.

The former lawmaker warned that there are attempts by the former governor to influence the emergence of another governor in the state, stressing that allowing such a move could result in a return to policies that negatively affected citizens, including house demolitions and job losses.

In his closing remarks, Shehu Sani emphasized that Governor Uba Sani has shown respect and concern for the welfare of Kaduna residents, and called on the people to reciprocate by uniting and supporting leaders of integrity and good character, particularly under the APC platform.

He described the 2027 general elections as decisive, noting that Kaduna voters would be faced with a clear choice between sustaining progress or returning to what he termed a painful past.

By Ibrahim Ammani

A coalition of humanitarian organisations, civil society organisations (CSOs), religious leaders, traditional rulers, media organisations, and community health groups has commended the Kaduna State Government for the successful rehabilitation of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the state.

The coalition paid an assessment visit to selected PHC facilities to appreciate the Kaduna State Government and the State Primary Health Care Agency for renovating 255 PHCs across the 23 local government areas of the state.

The visit was aimed at evaluating the impact of ongoing health sector reforms at the grassroots level and their effects on both rural and urban communities.

The delegation was led by Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, National President of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria and a renowned human rights activist.

The team included representatives of media organisations who toured some of the facilities and observed notable improvements in infrastructure, service delivery, and the availability of modern medical equipment.

Speaking during the visit, Pastor Dr. Buru expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out in the renovated PHCs, noting that the upgrades would significantly improve healthcare delivery, particularly for women and children.

He explained that the coalition deemed it necessary to formally thank Governor Uba Sani for prioritising primary healthcare and for the visible transformation recorded in many communities across the state.

“We have seen remarkable changes in our health centres, including the provision of new medical equipment. These improvements have brought better healthcare services closer to our people, and we are here to express our appreciation to the state government,” he said.

Pastor Dr. Buru also commended the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency for its dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of residents in 2025, assuring the government of continued prayers and support for the success of the administration.

Also speaking, Madam Margaret Julius Kwada, a four-time World No Tobacco Day award winner by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria, said the visit was organised in collaboration with key stakeholders to express gratitude for the massive upgrades of All the PHC facilities across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.

She noted that the introduction of digital medical equipment and modern tools has enhanced the capacity of health centres to deliver quality services to women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

She thanked the Kaduna State Governor for transforming the health sector across the state while calling on citizens to support the administration of Governor uba sani.

In his remarks, Ambassador Idris Musa, a traditional title holder from Tudun Wada, Kaduna State, praised the state government for transforming community health centres into modern facilities equipped with laboratories and essential medical equipment.

He also acknowledged the recent deployment of 10 ambulances by the state government, describing the initiative as a major boost to emergency healthcare services across Kaduna State.

He assured the government of continued prayers for the success of its programmes.

Responding on behalf of the government, the Executive Director of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency, Professor Dr. Bello Jamoh Yusuf, thanked the coalition for the visit and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services.

He disclosed that the Kaduna State Government is currently recruiting over 1,800 healthcare workers to address manpower gaps and has increased salaries for health personnel as part of efforts to motivate the workforce.

Professor Yusuf urged residents to utilise the newly renovated PHC facilities, assuring them of quality healthcare services delivered by qualified personnel using modern diagnostic equipment.

He expressed appreciation to civil society, non-governmental, and community-based organisations for their continued support and collaboration throughout 2025 and wished residents a prosperous New Year.

By Yusuf Adamu

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has reaffirmed its confidence in the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain him in office.

In a press statement issued on Saturday by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group said Matawalle’s continued presence in the defence portfolio is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework at a time of persistent and evolving security challenges across the country.

The NSCI noted that the minister’s experience and influence, particularly in the North, remain vital to ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.

The group highlighted what it described as a strong and effective working relationship between Matawalle, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

According to the statement, the collaboration among the three senior security officials has helped to create a coordinated and resilient security architecture capable of responding to the complex nature of insecurity confronting the nation.

NSCI expressed concern over recent public calls demanding Matawalle’s removal, describing them as lacking substantive justification and driven largely by political interests rather than national security considerations.

The group alleged that the campaign was being promoted by individuals seeking to undermine the Tinubu administration,

According to the group, the push for the minister’s removal is aimed at destabilising the political coalition that supports President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It argued that Matawalle’s popularity and support among northern communities constitute a strategic asset to the administration, and that attempts to dislodge him are designed to fracture that support.

The NSCI warned that removing the Minister of Defence at this stage could disrupt ongoing security operations and send a negative signal to stakeholders who have continued to support the government’s security agenda.

It said Matawalle has demonstrated commitment to inter-agency collaboration and engagement with local communities, which it claimed has contributed to recent gains in addressing insecurity.

The group urged President Tinubu to resist what it described as undue pressure from political actors and to prioritise continuity and stability within the nation’s security leadership.

It added that the strength of the administration depends significantly on cohesive alliances and sustained focus on governance rather than political maneuvering.

Reiterating its support for the current defence leadership, the NSCI said it remained confident that the combined efforts of Matawalle and the broader security team would contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The group pledged continued engagement with the federal government in pursuit of peace, stability and national unity.

“The retention of Minister Bello Matawalle is not merely a matter of personnel but a strategic imperative for the future of our nation. We call on all stakeholders to rally behind this vision and support the President in his quest to secure our homeland.

“Together, let us forge a path toward a more secure and prosperous Nigeria, where the voices of the Northern stakeholders are heard and respected. We remain committed to working alongside the government to ensure that our collective aspirations for peace and security are realized.”

By: Sani Abubakar Garba

In a landmark ceremony that accentuates the commitment of the Zamfara State Government to education, Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal has flagged off a comprehensive primary education support initiative in Talata Mafara Local Government Area. The program, spearheaded by the council’s Chairman, Honourable Yahaya Abubakar Yari, is part of a broader effort to bolster security and healthcare in the region.

During the official launch at the Talata Mafara Local Government Secretariat, Governor Lawal described the initiative as “wonderful and full of wisdom,” highlighting its transformative potential for the local government.

“Today marks a watershed moment in the history of Talata Mafara,” Dr. Lawal declared.

“Our administration’s vision is unequivocal: investing in education is the cornerstone of development, and we will not settle for anything less.”

The Governor expressed his profound appreciation for the Chairman’s efforts, noting that the provision of 250,000 exercise books, 40,000 pencils, 40,000 erasers, 40,000 rulers, 40,000 dusters, and 500 two-seater desks and chairs to Junior Secondary and primary schools would significantly enhance the learning environment.

“Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to you, Chairman, for this commendable project,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Chairman Honourable Yahaya Abubakar Yari expressed his deep gratitude to the executive Governor for honouring the occasion despite his busy schedule.

“We are delighted to align our efforts with your administration’s visionary agenda, transcending primary education to encompass other pivotal sectors that drive meaningful development in our locality,” he said.

The Chairman highlighted the council’s efforts to fortify security, including the procurement of 20 Bajaj motorcycles to facilitate the fight against insecurity in the area.

Furthermore, the Chairman outlined the council’s innovative initiative in healthcare, which involves sponsoring 85 students to pursue health-related studies.

“Upon completion, these students will be deployed to their rural health facilities to assume charge of primary healthcare centers, thereby bridging the healthcare gap in their own rural communities” the council Boss lamented.

The Emir of Talata Mafara, Dr. Muhammad Bello Barmo, OON, commended the Chairman Honourable Yahaya Abubakar Yari for emulating the philanthropic legacy of Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, OON, in supporting primary education, noting that “Education is the bedrock of societal progress, and there can be no greater legacy than empowering our youth through knowledge,” His Eminence emphasized.

Similarly, he urged teachers to ensure prudent utilization of the provided learning materials, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability.

In a heartfelt supplication, the Emir prayed for peace and stability to prevail within the local government, the state, and Nigeria as a whole, invoking divine blessings upon the nation.

This initiative is a testament to the Yari’s commitment to education and development, and it is hoped that it will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Talata Mafara.

A high-profile gathering of dignitaries and stakeholders from various facets converged at the Talata Mafara Local Government Secretariat to participate in the flag-off ceremony.

Among the notable prominent figures, including Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim Mni, former Governor of Sokoto State, who lent his presence to the event.

His Excellency Ambassador Captain (Rtd) Bala Mohammed Mairiga (Madawaki Mafara), Commissioner for Internal Security, Professor Rabiatu Lami Musa Mafara, and the representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Other distinguished guests includes the representatives from the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZASUBEB), Hajiya Sadiya Bello Barade, Coordinator of the Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), and Hajiya Balira Ubandoma, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Zamfara State.

The event also drew the participation of Chairmen from neighboring local governments, including Anka and Kaura Namoda, as well as Comrade Ibrahim Musa Maizare, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zamfara State Chapter.

This gathering underscores the widespread support and commitment to improving education in the area, with stakeholders from various sectors coming together to drive meaningful development.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has taken decisive steps to clarify lingering misconceptions surrounding the party’s internal structure, insisting that the organization remains firmly united under a single, legally recognized executive. This position was re-established during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting convened in Kaduna to address recent tensions and reinforce party discipline.

State Chairman and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Kaduna, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, said the meeting became necessary following attempts by unidentified individuals to present themselves as alternative leaders of the party. He noted that such efforts had created confusion among supporters, particularly at the grassroots, and needed to be addressed before they escalated.

He explained that the ADC in Kaduna operates with a complete and functional State Executive Committee alongside its Working Committee, both of which were duly constituted and recognized by the party’s national leadership. According to him, any contrary claims emanated solely from people seeking personal relevance rather than the collective progress of the party.

The chairman stressed that the ADC is governed strictly by its constitution, adding that leadership cannot be assumed through self-appointment, parallel gatherings, or unauthorized announcements. He emphasized that the party’s structures remain intact and that only those elected or approved by the national secretariat hold legitimate authority within the state.

He also dismissed insinuations that the state executive received financial incentives or government patronage to influence its decisions. He argued that such narratives were manufactured to discredit the leadership, warning members not to be misled by politically motivated misinformation being circulated by actors outside the party’s official framework.

Hon. Mustapha further used the meeting to call for renewed unity among party supporters, urging members to maintain loyalty, discipline, and collective focus. He assured that the ADC would continue to grow, provided leaders and followers worked together within the boundaries of due process and the party’s established guidelines.

Meanwhile, ADC stalwart Hon. Adamu Ahmed Dattijo aligned himself with the chairman’s position, noting that the stakeholders’ meeting created an opportunity to correct distortions and provide clarity to members who had been unsettled by recent developments. He said it was important to reassure supporters that the party’s leadership remains stable and uncontested.

Dattijo stated that the party’s constitution, legal provisions, and standing court directives all affirm the legitimacy of the existing state executive. He added that no individual or group possessed the authority to dissolve, override, or replace the structures currently in place, particularly through unofficial or informal channels.

He expressed concern that some individuals had recently attempted to infiltrate the party using tactics designed to sow confusion, mobilize unsuspecting followers, and undermine internal stability. He argued that such actions were strategic attempts to weaken the ADC’s growing influence within Kaduna State but assured that the leadership had successfully identified and neutralized those efforts.

The party member urged members to remain steadfast and to reject any attempts at manipulation or misinformation. He said the ADC’s growth would depend on the collective vigilance of its members and their commitment to upholding unity, discipline, and respect for constitutional order.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Jerry Adams, says the agency is projecting about ₦85 billion in internally generated revenue by the end of 2025, following major reforms in tax administration across the state.

Mr. Adams made this known during the 2025 KADIRS Tax Dialogue held in Kaduna, noting that the state’s revenue profile has continued to improve from ₦58 billion before 2023 to ₦62 billion in 2023 and ₦71 billion in 2024.

He explained that the deployment of the PAYKADUNA digital platform, enhanced staff capacity and stronger collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies have contributed to the steady rise in monthly collections.

The Executive Chairman also said the state government has approved a committee to review the Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law to ensure alignment with the National Tax Reform Act ahead of the January 2026 compliance timeline.

Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, said the administration is committed to strengthening transparency, accountability and technology-driven systems to boost revenue generation and service delivery.

She said the government will continue to support reforms that simplify tax processes, eliminate duplication and ensure fairness, while expanding revenue to fund critical investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.

By Ibrahim Ammani

A coalition of pro-democracy lawyers and civic society organisations on Tuesday raised the alarm over what they described as a coordinated assault on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, accusing the Federal Government of using security agencies to subvert opposition politics.

Speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja, the Lawyers for New Nigeria (LNN), in collaboration with the Good Governance Initiative Coalition (GGIC), Advocates for Better Nigeria (ABN) and the Advocates for Democratic Accountability Network (ADAN), condemned what they called “a brazen, violent and unconstitutional siege” on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

According to the coalition, the occupation of the PDP headquarters on November 18 and again on November 20 was not an internal party dispute, but “an orchestrated and state-backed operation executed by political thugs and enforced by security operatives acting without lawful mandate.”

The groups alleged that the invasion, which prevented access by PDP governors, lawmakers and party officials, was directly coordinated by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, with the backing of the APC-led Federal Government.

They insisted the action amounted to a dangerous escalation of state interference in party politics.

The organisers warned that Nigeria’s democratic system faces existential threats, citing what they described as escalation of security abuses,  shrinking political space, suppression of dissent, weaponisation of institutions and deliberate weakening of opposition structures.

The statement criticised the deployment of armed police to restrict access to a legally constituted party organ, describing the development as “state capture in motion.”

The coalition maintained that the decisions taken by the PDP National Working Committee at the Ibadan Convention “remain valid unless overturned by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

The groups argued that the actions allegedly sanctioned by the FCT Minister contravene constitutional guarantees, citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution – freedom of association, Sections 221–229 – protections for political parties, and ministerial oath of office obligations.

They warned that “Democracy collapses when the ruling party uses security forces to intimidate opponents.”

The coalition, therefore, issued seven major demands, including:
1. Immediate withdrawal of police from Wadata Plaza
2. Full reopening of the Secretariat
3. Investigation into the FCT Minister’s conduct
4. A parliamentary probe into security agency abuses
5. Protection for all political parties
6. Security neutrality
7. Public commitment to multiparty democracy

They also urged ECOWAS, the AU, the EU, the UN, the U.S., the UK, and France to closely monitor the situation and intervene diplomatically to prevent democratic backsliding.

The groups, however, appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the alleged persecution of opposition parties, rein in political appointees acting with impunity and ensure respect for constitutional order.

The organisers also declared that the civil society must not fold its arms, stressing that national stability hinges on protecting democratic freedoms.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us—not to political warlords, not to ministers driven by vengeance, not to a ruling party bent on silencing the opposition,” the coalition stated.

They vowed to continue mobilising Nigerians, insisting, “We will not be silent. We will defend democracy. We will defend the rule of law.”

In another development, the National Chairman of the Society for Advancement of Democracy (SAD), Orji Nwafor-Orizu, Esq., has urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his supporters to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if they are no longer committed to its stability.

He advised them to either join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or establish a new political party.

Orizu said in an interview that the SAD believes that the conduct of some political actors is not in the interest of democratic consolidation, particularly the trend of governors defecting to the APC.

“Governors should only defect if their people want them to. We in the SAD are concerned about the electorate, not political parties,” he stated.

Commenting on the crisis within the PDP, Orizu stressed that the party’s national convention, which elected Turaki as National Chairman, remains the highest decision-making organ of the party, and its resolutions must be respected.

“Turaki is a highly respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I believe he must have considered the legal implications of the current situation before taking the decisions he has made as chairman,” he affirmed.

He encouraged Turaki to intensify reconciliation efforts with aggrieved members, while steering the party with truth, fairness, and justice.

By Ibrahim Ammani

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to permanently address the incessant security challenges confronting the nation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Turaki lamented the continuous spate of abductions for ransom, wanton killings, and the destruction of lives and property across different parts of the country.

He urged the nation’s security agencies to work in full synergy and deploy coordinated strategies capable of ending what he described as a “perennial and worsening national emergency.”

According to him, “The primary responsibility of government is the welfare and protection of the life and property of its citizens,” noting that the current situation where every region of the country is increasingly unsafe is, in his words, “an unwelcome development that must not be allowed to persist.”

Turaki also advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to concentrate on governance and refrain from actions targeted at suppressing opposition parties.

He stressed that democracy thrives on competition, and that the administration should allow political plurality to flourish without intimidation or undue interference.

He argued that democratic legitimacy derives from performance, not suppression, adding that the President should let his achievements in office speak for themselves, rather than resorting to “shenanigans aimed at stifling dissent and competition.”

Turaki further cautioned against the use of state coercive instruments to harass, intimidate or weaken opposition voices, warning that such actions would neither strengthen governance nor build a respectable legacy.

The PDP National Chairman encouraged Nigerians, especially members and supporters of the PDP, to remain peaceful, law-abiding and unwavering in their democratic commitments.

He reaffirmed that the PDP is prepared and determined to return Nigeria to what he described as the “good old days,” when the economy experienced stability, insecurity was at its lowest level, and corruption was confronted decisively through institutions and due process.

Turaki assured citizens that the PDP remains united, steadfast and ready to offer credible leadership capable of restoring national confidence and securing the future of all Nigerians.

By Bashir Umar Mohammed
( National Secretary of the Capacity Movement Project 2027)

“My Fellow Citizens, Brothers, and Sisters of Kaduna Central,”

“For decades, I have stood with you, not above you. I have raised my voice not for personal gain, but for our collective rights. I have fought in the trenches of activism to consolidate our democracy and give power back to the people. Today, I answer a new call—to take that same fighting spirit, that same unwavering principle, and that same love for our people from the streets to the Red Chambers.”

“I am not a career politician. I am a servant leader. My bid for the Senate is not about a title; it is about a mandate for transformative change. Therefore, I present to you my sacred covenant—a seven-point agenda that will guide my service to you.”

1. Democratic Consolidation & Transparent Governance:
   “I will be your watchdog in Abuja. I will champion legislation for true electoral integrity, fight for the autonomy of our local governments, and ensure every Naira allocated to Kaduna Central is accounted for. Your voice will be heard in the hallways of power.”
2. Economic Empowerment & Youth Renaissance:
   Our greatest resource is our people. I will establish a dedicated platform for skills acquisition and push for laws that create a “Kaduna Central Youth and Women Enterprise Fund.” We will turn our youth from job seekers to job creators.
3. Security & Community Peace:
   “I will move beyond rhetoric to action. I will advocate for a smarter, better-equipped, and community-driven security architecture. I will sponsor bills that address the root causes of conflict, poverty and unemployment because a safe community is a prosperous community”.
4. Inclusive & Equitable Representation:
   “I will operate an open-door policy. Through regular town hall meetings and a Constituency Advisory Council comprising youth, women, and persons with disabilities, I will ensure that your needs directly shape the laws I sponsor.”
5. Legislative Reform for Social Justice:
   “My background in activism has taught me that the law must protect the weak. I will sponsor and support bills that promote social justice, increase access to quality education and healthcare, and fight corruption at every level.”
6. Infrastructure & Sustainable Development:
   “I will be your chief advocate for the infrastructural development of Kaduna Central. From the completion of our vital road networks to championing rural electrification and water projects, I will ensure we get our fair share of federal projects.”
7. Building a United and Prosperous Kaduna:
   “I will be a Senator for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. I will use my office to promote dialogue, celebrate our diversity as a strength, and work tirelessly to heal the divisions that hold us back. Our unity is non-negotiable.”

This is more than a promise; it is a bond of trust. With your support, we will write a new chapter for Kaduna Central, a chapter of hope, progress, and shared prosperity.

Join me. Let’s build a Kaduna Central we can all be proud of.

Yours in Service,
Alhaji Yerima Usman Shettima