By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, has become the first Muslim senator in the U.S. after securing 2.2 million votes in Michigan, about 52 per cent, to defeat Republican candidate Mike Rogers and Libertarian Lydia Christensen.

Mr El-Sayed, 42, an immigrant born to Egyptian parents, fought a hard-won victory given his candidacy was highly scrutinised over his ties to Islam and open rebuke of Israel.

Results showed Mr El-Sayed led with 52 per cent, the GOP candidate scored 46.1 per cent, and Ms Christensen got one per cent of total votes cast.

Mr El-Sayed’s candidacy struggled after Haley Stevens, a Democratic candidate he defeated in the primary, withdrew her support two days before the midterm polls.

Mrs Stevens endorsed the Republican candidate, saying she could no longer support Mr El-Sayed over what she described as anti-semitism. She asked Mr El-Sayed to condemn an advertisement promoting his candidacy, which blamed U.S. support for Israel for rising cost of goods and the war in Iran.

Mr El-Sayed declined and publicly uninvited her from a joint appearance they were scheduled to have in Detroit. Ms Stevens withdrew her support two nights before the election.

The move stunned Democrats who viewed her actions as a betrayal to the party. But her clout appeared limited with Mr El-Sayed’s victory at the polls.

Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Mr El-Sayed in Michigan, a presidential battleground where President Donald Trump won by 1.4 points to defeat Kamala Harris in November 2024.

Senator Gary Peters, the incumbent Michigan senator, will retire after his term expires in January, when Mr El-Sayed is scheduled to be sworn in.

APC Tarauni Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji, has pledged to prioritise education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development if elected into the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.

Ja’oji made the pledge on Wednesday while addressing party leaders, stakeholders and supporters at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Tarauni Local Government Presidential, Gubernatorial, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, held at Fabs Event Centre, Kano.

The APC candidate said education would remain his foremost priority, stressing that he intended to redouble his efforts in supporting students, expanding educational opportunities and facilitating access to government programmes if given the mandate to represent Tarauni Federal Constituency.

According to Ja’oji, his development agenda would also focus on healthcare delivery, economic empowerment, employment opportunities and the advancement of women and young people.

He described the inauguration as an important step towards strengthening the party’s structures, promoting unity and preparing members for the political challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our mission is clear: to build a stronger APC, promote responsible leadership and ensure the continued progress of Tarauni Local Government, Kano State and Nigeria at large,” Ja’oji said.

He urged members of the newly inaugurated campaign council to demonstrate commitment, discipline, unity and effective grassroots mobilisation, noting that the party’s electoral strength would depend on the collective determination of its members.

The federal constituency candidate said his commitment to public service extended beyond political campaigns, citing several empowerment, educational, healthcare and infrastructural interventions he had undertaken over the years.

Ja’oji disclosed that he recently distributed 100 motorcycles and provided ₦125 million in cash grants to 2,500 beneficiaries across the 10 wards of Tarauni Federal Constituency.

He said the interventions were designed to promote self-reliance, strengthen small businesses and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents, adding that he intended to expand the programmes in the future.

The APC candidate also recalled that in 2024, he provided a ₦50 million empowerment programme for 1,000 youths and women, with each beneficiary receiving ₦50,000 to support micro-businesses.

He further disclosed that another empowerment programme covered four beneficiaries who received ₦1 million each, 200 people who received ₦100,000 each and an additional 100 beneficiaries who received ₦50,000 each.

Ja’oji also said he donated ₦88 million to the Kano APC Youth Coalition to support the party’s youth mobilisation and political engagement across the state.

On education, he said he had assisted hundreds of students in tertiary institutions by paying their registration fees and had also facilitated the payment of WAEC, JAMB and NECO examination fees for thousands of students through the M. Nasir Foundation.

He added that hundreds of youths from Tarauni had benefited from computer literacy and information and communication technology training programmes aimed at equipping them with skills needed to compete in the changing global economy.

Speaking on his humanitarian activities, Ja’oji disclosed that he donated ₦10 million to traders affected by the fire incident at Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano, noting that many of the victims were residents of Tarauni Local Government Area.

He also said he had consistently assisted constituents with hospital bills and family support grants, claiming that the total value of his hospital bill interventions was estimated by Triumph Newspaper at nearly ₦2 billion.

The politician explained that the interventions began before his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, a position he said he resigned from to pursue his political ambition.

Ja’oji further disclosed that he furnished a newly constructed hospital in Tarauni to standardise its facilities and improve access to healthcare for residents.

He said his contributions to community development also included sponsoring the Sports Unity Cup, a football competition involving teams from the 10 wards of Tarauni, which was held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

According to him, the competition, organised with the support of Hon. Kabiru Dahiru Sule ADS, was aimed at promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and brotherhood among youths.

On infrastructural development, Ja’oji said he had constructed boreholes in the Darmanawa area to address longstanding water challenges, while also undertaking renovation works in the Dan Tsinke area to ease transportation difficulties.

He added that solar-powered streetlights had been installed in some communities to improve visibility and enhance security, while a befitting office accommodation had also been provided for the APC in Tarauni to strengthen the party’s presence at the grassroots.

The APC candidate further revealed that he purchased a special vehicle to convey deceased persons to burial grounds after receiving reports that some residents in a community within Tarauni had been transporting their dead using an A Daidaita Sahu.

Ja’oji said his humanitarian activities also covered religious and social obligations, explaining that he regularly distributed essential food items, including rice, millet and spaghetti, to residents during Ramadan without considering their political affiliations.

He added that he sponsored 60 people to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia and distributed cattle and rams to residents during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to assist them in fulfilling their religious obligations.

On party mobilisation, Ja’oji disclosed that he purchased 12 vehicles for distribution to party structures at the local government, ward and caucus levels to strengthen the APC’s activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on the political atmosphere in Tarauni, he said he emerged as the APC candidate for Tarauni Federal Constituency on May 15, 2026, through what he described as a transparent consensus arrangement supervised by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He claimed that 16 out of 19 stakeholders from the constituency endorsed his emergence, including prominent political figures such as Hon. Abubakar Zakari, popularly known as Habu PA, Hon. Ibrahim Babangida and Engr. Haruna Ahmad Sabo.

Ja’oji said the consensus arrangement had contributed to a peaceful political atmosphere in the constituency, adding that unity among party stakeholders was essential to achieving electoral success.

He also recalled his participation in the October 17, 2026, unveiling of a 30th anniversary history book documenting the creation and development of Tarauni Local Government following its separation from Kano Municipal in 1996.

According to him, the event provided an opportunity to recognise former chairmen and members of the State House of Assembly who had contributed to the development of the local government.

Ja’oji also acknowledged the importance of traditional institutions, citing the traditional title of Adon Garin Kasar Hausa, meaning Jewel of Hausaland, conferred on him by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, in recognition of his philanthropic activities.

He said the traditional institution remained an important partner in shaping the future of communities and promoting unity and development.

Addressing APC Kano Central Senatorial candidate and former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Ja’oji appealed for his guidance, experience and support, expressing confidence that his representation in the National Assembly would benefit the people of Tarauni.

He assured constituents that his proposed representation would be anchored on education, healthcare, youth and women development, employment opportunities and economic empowerment.

Ja’oji also called on the campaign council to ensure that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections remained peaceful, issue-based and inclusive, stressing that every ward and community must be carried along.

He urged party members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other APC candidates in Kano State, saying collective efforts would be necessary to secure victory at all levels.

Meanwhile, former Kano State Governor and APC Kano Central Senatorial candidate, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has urged party members in Tarauni to intensify grassroots mobilisation and educate voters on how to vote correctly for the APC in the 2027 general elections.**

Shekarau gave the advice while speaking at the inauguration, where he commended APC leaders in Tarauni for selecting what he described as hardworking individuals to spearhead the party’s campaign across the various elective positions.

The former governor emphasised that the success of the party would depend on effective voter education, particularly among women and other grassroots voters, who must understand the voting process and how to identify the party’s symbol on election day.

“On election day, you won’t see the face of Tinubu, Abba, me, Ja’oji or ADS on the ballot, but that of the APC logo. So people, especially our mothers, have to be sensitised on how to correctly vote for our party,” Shekarau said.

He stressed that every vote was important and urged campaign council members to take voter education seriously to avoid losing votes through mistakes at polling units.

Shekarau also prayed for divine guidance and success for members of the newly inaugurated campaign council, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and sincerity.

The former governor said he had listened to Ja’oji’s account of his empowerment and humanitarian interventions in Tarauni and expressed satisfaction with the initiatives.

“I have listened to Ja’oji and his interventions in Tarauni. I am impressed and I wish him the best of luck. Let us work together and work towards the success of our party at all levels,” Shekarau said.

He called on party leaders, stakeholders and supporters to close ranks, strengthen their cooperation and work collectively towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

By Muhammad Garba

In Islam, Umrah, commonly known as the Lesser Hajj, occupies an important place as an act of worship and spiritual devotion. Although it is not compulsory in the same way as Hajj, it is a highly rewarding pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year. It offers believers an opportunity to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, express gratitude to Almighty Allah and pray for divine guidance and blessings.

The journey to Makkah is, therefore, more than a physical undertaking. It is an opportunity for spiritual reflection, humility and submission to the will of Almighty Allah. For many Muslims, performing Umrah is a deeply cherished experience, particularly, because of the opportunity to offer personal supplications at Islam’s holiest sites.

It was against this spiritual background that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu undertook his recent journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah. Beyond the spiritual fulfilment of the pilgrimage, the President used the opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and prosperity.

At a time when countries across the world, including Nigeria, are grappling with significant economic, security and political challenges, governments are pursuing various measures to address these concerns. Against this background, the President’s decision to seek divine guidance and offer prayers for the country is worthy of reflection.

Unfortunately, what should ordinarily be a personal religious experience has attracted considerable political commentary, including from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku’s demand for regular, date-stamped photographs and videos of the President’s movements in the Holy Land has generated discussions about the appropriate boundaries between public accountability and personal religious obligations. But in his wisdom, President Tinubu gave express approval for undiluted media scrutiny and coverage of his activutues in the Holy Land.

There is no doubt that the President, like every other public office holder, is accountable to Nigerians. His policies, decisions and performance in office are legitimate subjects of public scrutiny. However, there should also be a distinction between holding a government accountable and subjecting a personal spiritual journey to unnecessary political controversy.

Religion is a sensitive and deeply personal matter. In a religiously diverse country such as Nigeria, political leaders should demonstrate restraint and mutual respect when commenting on the faith and religious practices of others. Political disagreements should not become an excuse to politicise religious obligations or diminish their spiritual significance.

President Tinubu, on his part, maintained a largely spiritual focus throughout the pilgrimage. He used the opportunity to pray for Nigeria, seeking divine intervention for peace, national harmony, stability and prosperity. He also expressed the hope that the 2027 general election would be conducted peacefully, without violence or unnecessary tension.

His prayers for Nigeria, irrespective of political affiliations, are an expression of goodwill that should resonate with all citizens. While political parties may have different visions and aspirations for the country, the desire for peaceful elections and national stability should be a shared responsibility.

One of the most remarkable moments of the President’s visit was the rare privilege extended to him and members of his delegation to enter the interior of the Holy Kaaba and offer prayers. The Kaaba, located within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is the most sacred structure in Islam, and access to its interior is highly restricted.

This is not a normal Umrah. The President went Oct 30, performed Umrah early Oct 31, and on Nov 1 was granted entry inside the Holy Ka’aba. Access to the interior of the Ka’aba is not part of Umrah or Hajj. It is opened only a few times a year, by order of the Saudi Royal Court, for Heads of State and monarchs. Tinubu entered, prayed inside, and kissed the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). It was his first time inside, though he has performed Umrah and Hajj many times before. He said it fulfilled a vow he made before the 2023 election – that if he won, he would return to thank Allah. His prayer inside: “I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. And I know that prayer has been granted.”

The opportunity represents an extraordinary spiritual privilege, one that very few people are afforded. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the honour, particularly, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the gesture also reflects the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, strengthened by longstanding religious, diplomatic and bilateral ties.

Another aspect of the pilgrimage that deserves attention is the President’s participation in the physical rites of Umrah. The exercise involves Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times, and Sa’i, the movement between the hills of Safa and Marwa, which commemorates the experience of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). These rites require physical effort and endurance.

President Tinubu actively participated in these activities. This is noteworthy against the background of recurring public speculation about his health and physical capacity. The images and videos from Makkah provide a public account of his participation in the religious exercise and should be considered in discussions about his physical engagement in the pilgrimage, rather than allowing speculation to take the place of observable facts.

There is also another dimension to the discussion. Some commentators have gone beyond questions about the President’s health to cast doubts on his religious devotion and ability to perform Islamic religious obligations. Such insinuations are unnecessary, particularly because religious faith is a personal matter that deserves respect.

During his stay in Makkah, the President also led members of his delegation in a congregational Maghrib prayer. The significance of this should not be overlooked. Maghrib is one of the five daily obligatory prayers in Islam, during which the Imam recites portions of the Glorious Qur’an aloud in the first two units of prayer. The President’s participation in leading the congregation was another public demonstration of his engagement with the religious observances of his faith.

Political differences should not become a basis for questioning or disparaging an individual’s personal relationship with religion. Nigerians are entitled to disagree with President Tinubu politically, but respect for religious freedom and personal dignity should remain fundamental values in our democratic engagement.

It is also important to recognise that leadership requires moments of reflection and spiritual renewal. President Tinubu’s reference to the supremacy of Almighty Allah, particularly the message in Surah Aal-Imran, verse 26, which affirms that Allah grants sovereignty and authority to whom He wills, underscores the humility that should accompany public office.

The President’s pilgrimage, therefore, presents an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between faith, leadership and national responsibility. Public office is a trust, and those entrusted with it must continually seek the wisdom, courage and compassion required to serve the people.

President Tinubu’s Umrah is faith, not politics. Indeed, the opposition should be ashamed! The opposition attacking President Tinubu for performing Umrah has exposed their ignorance of both Islam and statesmanship.

This is a sincere act of worship, not a campaign event. President Tinubu is a practicing Muslim who has performed Hajj and Umrah many times before he became President. He made a personal vow to Allah before the 2023 election that if Allah grants him victory, he will return to the Holy Land to give thanks. On October 30th, he fulfilled that vow. That is Iman. That is integrity. Only a person with no faith will mock a man for thanking his Creator. He did not go with dancers and party flags. He went in white Ihram, as a servant, humbled before Allah, praying for Nigeria.

The honour inside the Ka’aba is for Nigeria, not for Tinubu. The Saudi Royal Court does not open the Ka’aba for ordinary politicians. It is opened by order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, only a few times a year for world leaders. President Tinubu was granted this rare honour because he is President of the largest Muslim nation in Africa and the largest black nation on earth. When the Kiswah fence around the Ka’aba was draped in Green-White-Green, it was Nigeria that was honoured, not just one man. Should we reject such honour for our country because the opposition is bitter? Former President Muhammadu Buhari entered the Ka’aba in 2016 and no one called it politics. Why now?

What President Tinubu prayed for Is what Nigeria needs. Inside the Ka’aba and at Masjid al-Haram, President Tinubu did not pray for himself alone. He prayed for: sustainable peace in Nigeria, national unity and stability, an end to insecurity, and prosperity for all Nigerians. If the opposition is angry that the President is praying for peace, instead of praying for failure, then Nigerians can see who truly loves this country.

For the opposition to say President Tinubu went to Umrah to get Northern votes is not only a blackmail, but very insulting to Muslims. The opposition claims President Tinubu went to chase Northern votes. This is an insult to every Muslim in Nigeria. President Tinubu is the first South-West Muslim leader in history to be granted entry into the Ka’aba. This is pride for Yoruba Muslims, for Southern Muslims, for all Nigerian Muslims. Islam is not a Northern property. It is not a vote bank. Reducing an act of Ibadah to “Northern votes” shows how little the opposition understands religion.

Nigeria is facing security and economic challenges that need more than policy papers. It needs a leader who seeks divine guidance. President Tinubu went to the holiest place in Islam to seek wisdom and resilience to lead. That is what responsible leaders do. Instead of criticizing, the opposition should be praying for Nigeria too, if they have any faith left. President Tinubu has done what every faithful leader should do – put Nigeria in the hands of Allah. History will remember the man who prayed for his nation inside the Ka’aba.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity should remain a collective aspiration, transcending political, religious and ethnic differences. The country’s challenges require not only responsible leadership and constructive political engagement but also the collective prayers and goodwill of its people.

Muhammad Garba is the Director, Media and Publicity, Tinubu/Abba Kabir Yusuf Campaign Organization, Kano; and one of the Spokepersons of Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council (PCC)