Hundreds of women supporters of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, on Wednesday staged a solidarity march in Kano, insisting that the party must give him a fair political opportunity ahead of the 2027 elections.

The women, under the banner of AA Zaura Women Mobilisation Forum led by Binta Rabiu Zaura, marched through major streets in Kano metropolis chanting “No Zaura, no vote,” while carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for AA Zaura,” “Reward loyalty,” and “Kano women stand with Zaura.”

The rally comes amid growing political tension within the Kano APC over the Kano Central Senatorial ticket following the emergence of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau as consensus candidate after a reconciliation meeting involving party stakeholders.

Addressing journalists during the procession, the coordinator of the group, Binta Rabiu Zaura, said the women were demanding fairness and recognition for Zaura’s contributions to the party and the people of Kano.

“We are here to tell the leadership of the APC that AA Zaura has sacrificed so much for this party and for the people. He deserves justice and fair treatment,” she said.

According to her, Zaura has empowered thousands of youths and women across the state through humanitarian and business support initiatives.

“He has touched many lives, especially among women and young people. We cannot sit quietly and watch him being sidelined,” she added.

The protesters also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC national leaders to intervene in the political situation in Kano and ensure what they described as a transparent and inclusive process.

One of the protesters, Amina Musa, said many grassroots supporters were unhappy with recent developments surrounding the Kano Central senatorial ticket.

“We are loyal party members, but loyalty should be rewarded. If there is no justice for AA Zaura, many people may lose interest in participating,” she said.

Daily Trust reports that AA Zaura recently claimed that his ambition to contest for the Kano Central Senatorial seat was “taken away” from him against his wish.

The businessman and politician also said he was not invited to the reconciliation meeting where several aspirants stepped down for Shekarau.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences.

A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed on Wednesday that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently in the custody of the commission.

According to the source, the alleged fraud involves funds estimated at N500bn.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of N500bn,” the official said.

Efforts to get confirmation from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

President Bola Tinubu had on October 24, 2023 appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

Ambassador Adesuwa, Convener of the Sabon Gari Women and Youths Special Citizens Support Group for AKY Go Again and Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria, has led a major grassroots enlightenment campaign in Sabon Gari Market to mobilize support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

The outreach, fully sponsored by Ambassador Adesuwa Udo, targeted traders and market women across the Sabon Gari community.

During the rally participants received empowerment packages, cash support, and 300 branded apron jackets featuring the images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, First Lady Remi Tinubu, alongside the APC logo and the group’s insignia.

Two individuals were also empowered with startup capital to begin their businesses, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to grassroots development.

Speaking during the rally, Ambassador Adesuwa noted that the campaign was rooted in showcasing Governor Yusuf’s impressive record in governance. “Kano is enjoying peace under his administration. Civil servants now receive salaries before the end of the month, and the capital projects I have seen here are impressive compared to many other states. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has written his name in gold, and Kano citizens need to support him and give him maximum cooperation,” she said.

She recalled that Kano had previously experienced unrest and riots, but under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the state has enjoyed stability, infrastructural growth, and improved welfare for civil servants.

The campaign, she noted, was designed to enlighten citizens on the importance of sustaining this progress by rallying behind the governor.

Ambassador Adesuwa reiterated that service to humanity remains her guiding principle, and her passion for community development drives her support for Governor Yusuf’s progressive leadership. “Together, we can build a better Kano. Together, we can build a stronger Nigeria,” she affirmed.

Traders and community members at Sabon Gari Market echoed her sentiments, expressing their appreciation for Governor Yusuf’s leadership. Many acknowledged his impressive performance in governance, citing the restoration of peace, timely payment of salaries, and visible infrastructural development across the state.

They pledged their continued support for his administration, noting that his policies have brought stability and progress to Kano.