By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has expressed his willingness to contest either as President or Vice-President in future elections, depending on agreements with like-minded political allies.

Speaking in Hausa to party members and supporters in Kano, Kwankwaso stressed that his priority is to align with trusted partners who share his political vision, rather than to pursue power for its own sake.

“What matters first are those who agree with me and whom I respect—whether I lead as number one or number two,” he stated.

He explained that his movement is considering multiple political pathways to ensure transparency and avoid accusations of hidden negotiations.

“To prevent any false accusations or claims of collusion, we are preparing several options—option A, option B, and so on,” Kwankwaso noted.

The former governor revealed that his recent consultations have focused on grassroots mobilisation, particularly within Kano State, where he said lingering disputes from past elections are being resolved from the bottom up.

“Whether we are engaging at the grassroots, moving across Kano, or consolidating support in key areas, we will do what is necessary to succeed,” he affirmed.

Kwankwaso also appeared to take aim at political dealings that fail to deliver concrete benefits, especially for the youth, emphasising that vague promises are no longer acceptable.

“When people offer to bring us youth or supporters, we ask: how many, and in what form? What have they actually brought to the table?” he remarked, indicating a more cautious and deliberate approach to coalition-building.

He disclosed that high-profile political figures—whom he described as “people of status and dignity”—have held serious talks with his camp in recent times.

According to Kwankwaso, his political strength is rooted in the grassroots, and discussions are ongoing about potential alliances, whether within the NNPP or with other parties.

“We have a strong grassroots base, and we are hopeful of joining a political party—whether the NNPP or another—together with others,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he acknowledged that controversies emerged but insisted they are being addressed locally, particularly in Kano.

“Many things were said in 2023, but we are resolving these matters at the grassroots. In Kano, God willing, there will be no problem,” he assured.

Kwankwaso framed his political journey as one marked by resilience, dignity, and strategic patience.

“This struggle is based on strength, firm determination, and dignity,” he stated.

Notably, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the NNPP and the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, attempted to form an alliance. The talks ultimately broke down after both sides could not agree on whose candidate would run as president and who would be the running mate.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following what he termed a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela—an assertion that has triggered global alarm and official denials from Caracas.

Shortly after Trump’s audacious claim, Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, delivered an emotional audio statement broadcast on state television, revealing that the government had lost contact with the presidential couple. “We do not know the whereabouts of our President and First Lady,” Rodríguez said. “The Venezuelan government demands evidence that they are alive.”

The claim follows reported U.S. air and naval operations across the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, which Washington described as counter-narcotics actions targeting smuggling vessels and Venezuelan military docking areas.

If verified, Maduro’s capture would represent the most significant U.S. military intervention in Latin America in decades, evoking a controversial history of American-led seizures of foreign leaders.

Historical Precedents

The announcement draws immediate parallels to two past operations: the 1989 invasion of Panama to capture General Manuel Noriega and the 2003 capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

In December 1989, the U.S. launched Operation Just Cause, its largest military action since the Vietnam War, to remove Noriega—once a Washington ally—on charges of drug trafficking and election fraud. Noriega was tried and imprisoned in the U.S. before being extradited to Panama, where he died in prison in 2017.

In 2003, Saddam Hussein was seized by U.S. forces months after the invasion of Iraq, which was justified by since-debunked claims of weapons of mass destruction. He was later convicted by an Iraqi court and executed in 2006.

More recently, former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was extradited to the U.S. on drug-trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison, only to be pardoned by Trump in December 2025—a move that sparked outrage in Honduras.

The Ongoing Uncertainty

Towards the late hours of Saturday night, the U.S. released images purporting to show Maduro handcuffed upon arrival in New York. The Venezuelan government, however, continues to insist that his fate remains unknown, deepening a crisis of verification and escalating diplomatic tensions.

The situation remains fluid, with Venezuela demanding international accountability and proof of life, while Washington presents the operation as a targeted action against a leader long accused of narco-terrorism and authoritarian rule.

Meanwhile, analysts have opined that Venezuela having the world’s largest oil reserves is main reason for the attacks.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a significant policy shift, the Federal Ministry of Finance will now assume responsibility for national development finance activities, a role previously managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This move aims to establish a clearer, more sustainable framework for mobilizing long-term investment into the country’s priority sectors.

The transition fills a strategic gap left nearly two years ago when the CBN halted its direct funding of development programs, which had constrained financing for critical areas like infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

Unveiling the new strategy, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, announced that the ministry will issue comprehensive guidelines for a forward-looking development finance model. She positioned Domestic Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)—such as the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank—as central pillars in achieving Nigeria’s growth and investment ambitions.

“Given the scale of Nigeria’s growth targets and the need to mobilize an estimated N246 trillion in patient capital by 2036, the government recognizes DFIs as essential partners,” Uzoka-Anite stated. “They will de-risk priority sectors, bolster investor confidence, and catalyze large-scale private capital.”

DFIs will provide long-term financing, concessional instruments, technical expertise, and risk-sharing to sectors where private investment has lagged despite strong potential. Key focus areas include infrastructure, energy transition, agribusiness, healthcare, climate-resilient industries, and digital public infrastructure.

The minister outlined a dedicated strategy to enhance the capacity and impact of domestic DFIs, among which are: enhanced capitalization, governance reforms, risk-sharing mechanisms, and treasury & policy alignment.

The ministry plans to leverage both domestic and international partnerships to accelerate capital mobilization and project delivery. Uzoka-Anite emphasized aligning all financing with climate resilience, financial inclusion, and sustainability goals in line with global standards.

“Nigeria’s reform momentum, policy clarity, and execution discipline create a credible platform for DFIs to deploy capital at scale with measurable impact,” she added.

This reassignment of responsibility follows the CBN’s strategic withdrawal from direct intervention financing. Shortly after his appointment, Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the bank would cease funding development programs, refocusing on its core monetary mandates. In December 2023, the CBN formally suspended new loans under all existing intervention schemes while continuing to recover previously disbursed funds.

The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to maintaining policy consistency and institutional coordination to ensure the success of this new DFI-led approach.