By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

At the national convention of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) today, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present to monitor the electioneering process of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The presence of the Commission’s officials has put an end to the debate over whether the NDC followed due process in its registration as a political party.

Furthermore, the officials’ presence has boosted the morale of Nigerians seeking a credible platform to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

At the end of the convention, the elected NWC members of the party were sworn in right there, in the presence of the officials.

By Our Correspondent

Fresh controversy has erupted within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that powerful forces within the party are allegedly working behind the scenes to prevent His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, popularly known as (Ruwa Baba), from contesting the Kano North Senatorial primary against the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

A highly placed source at the APC National Headquarters, who spoke to our correspondent under strict condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, disclosed that there are strong indications that His Excellency Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo may be disqualified during the party’s screening process ahead of the APC senatorial primaries scheduled for May 18, 2026.

According to the source, the alleged move is aimed at clearing the path for Senator Barau to secure the APC ticket without facing any serious opposition in Kano North Senatorial District.

“The pressure on the screening committee is enormous,” the source claimed. “There are influential figures pushing for ATM Gwarzo’s disqualification to guarantee Senator Barau an easy ride to the ticket.”

The source further alleged that even if Gwarzo survives the screening committee stage, there are fears within some party circles that his name could still be omitted from the final list of cleared aspirants before the primary election.

The development, according to insiders, has heightened political tension among APC stakeholders in Kano, with many closely monitoring the unfolding events ahead of the crucial primaries.

Meanwhile, reliable sources revealed that Kano State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, recently hosted a closed-door meeting involving key APC stakeholders in Kano, including former Governors Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje respectively.

During the meeting, His Excellency ATM Gwarzo point-blank accused Senator Barau Jibrin of orchestrating his disqualification from the screening process during the previous election held under the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s tenure.

According to our reporter, if ATM Gwarzo’s candidacy is rejected this time around, it would mark the second time this is happening, with Senator Barau Jibrin being accused of playing a role in his disqualification during the APC primary election for the Kano North Senatorial seat.

Despite the mounting pressure, Gwarzo was said to have vowed not to withdraw from the contest, insisting that the APC should allow a free, fair, and transparent primary election in line with democratic principles and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Efforts by our correspondent to obtain Senator Barau’s official reaction to the allegations proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him were not responded to at the time of filing this report.

Similarly, repeated attempts to reach Isma’il Mudassir, Special Adviser on Media to Senator Barau I. Jibrin, also failed, as he did not respond to calls placed to his line.

The APC is expected to conduct its senatorial primary elections nationwide on May 18, 2026, a contest already generating intense political interest across several states, particularly in Kano North, where the looming face-off between Gwarzo and Senator Barau is attracting widespread attention.

The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through the promotion of sports as a tool for unity, peace and national development.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, made this known while delivering remarks as the special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony of the Northwest Veterans All-Stars Renewed Hope Novelty Football Match held at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kadar Mata, Kano on Saturday.

The event was organized to honour the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended the organizers, participating teams, supporters, and all stakeholders who made the event a huge success.

According to him, football has always remained a powerful platform for bringing people together regardless of tribal, religious, political or social difference, stressing that the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect displayed during the match reflected the values needed to strengthen society.

Governor Yusuf paid tribute to veterans and other distinguished personalities for their continued commitment to nation-building, both during and after active service, describing them as role models for younger generations.

He further explained that Renewed Hope initiative is aimed at building a stronger and more prosperous nation by encouraging youth engagement, healthy living, social interaction and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the event, Murtala Sule Garo said, “Events like this encourage youth engagement, healthy living, social interaction, and peaceful coexistence, which are essential ingredients for national development.

“To the players, you have all emerged winners today because you displayed courage, passion, and excellent sportsmanship. To the organizers, thank you for creating a platform that promotes unity and community development through sports.

“As we conclude this memorable event, let us continue to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and unity. Let us use sports as a vehicle to inspire hope, empower our youths, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one people.”