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Ganduje:Political Cat With Nine Lives

Published

12 months ago

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Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,APC National Chairman

 

From Abba Anwar

The process of birth, death and rebirth, reincarnation, is what, in its political sense, according to some opinions, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), observed to certain extent. As the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the National Secretariat, Abuja, with Ganduje chairing the party from start to finish.

While according to the feeling of the advocates of this process, man passes through the three stages of human existence, Ganduje’s political experiment suggests that, man can exist on only two stages, not three. That is birth to rebirth. Because, even his recent political life, showcases him as a proverbial political cat with nine lives.

Genuine loyalty, the way I see it, is what plays significant role in the Ganduje’s lasting peace as National Chairman for another round of political tournament. Not to talk of how he managed to bring some states to the fold of APC recently. Believe it or not, his reincarnation will automatically change many political calculations from state, Kano, to be precise, to national spaces.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nurtured and advanced the idea of making Ganduje the party’s national Chairman, the first and quick reason he gave, though he owed nobody any explanation, was LOYALTY, LOYALTY, LOYALTY!

Ganduje was the first governor among all APC governors in the country, that, from day one, supported Tinubu’s candidature during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. It was clear to all, that, Presidency and many other federal agencies, like Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were outrightly against Tinubu.

Do you remember the issue of new currency, when election was around the corner? What of issues like “Presidency supports Senate President, Ahmed Lawan,” being marketed all over? Ganduje was still standing firm, from roots to leaves.

During the heyday of that brazen hatred for Tinubu, Ganduje reminded Hausa people of the popular Mamman Shata’s song of HABU NA HABU. That show of inner pain by Ganduje sparked many angers within the then corridor of power.

It was known to all that, Ganduje’s political sagacity, experience, maturity, commitment to the cause of Jagaban, “kulle-kulle” (intrigues) and other spiritual engagements, for sure, made it possible for undecided Northern APC Governors to make it public that, their weights were behind Tinubu. So also other political juggernauts across the region.

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It went to the extent that, those governors made their position crystally clear that, they would accept only a Southern candidate for Presidency. Take it or leave it, Ganduje played an important role at that time. This is loyalty at its peak!

Before advancing some possible postulations, as what are the other factors or indices that were identified to be major players in his strength, let me quickly and briefly discuss what his re-emergence means to the survival and strength of the party in both Kano state and Nigeria as a whole.

Ganduje’s continued reign will do the following magic for the party :

1. APC in Kano will be more united and stronger. Simply because, the wall is still standing firmly. As his reign as the National Chairman means a lot for the survival of the party.

Though Ganduje is not a political idol, but a political flagship. Even his political opponents understand how influential he is as a political calculus. All those who work closely with him know how brilliant and refined his thinking and approach are.

2. Process of fielding candidates for elective positions in Kano, in the next coming 2027 general election, will become much easier, accepted and adaptable.

3. The rumor of the possible cross – carpeting of the former Governor of the state, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, from New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to APC, is put to halt. Depending on the political dynamism of future occurances.

4. Ganduje’s deeper understanding of political sophistication and intrigues will open more doors for APC at the national level, to breathe well with intriguing precaution.

Reconsidering APC’s direction for emphatic re-engineering of party’s entire strategy for survival in Kano and the country, in my view, is what influenced the role played by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, in Ganduje’s vote of confidence at the top higher spaces.

Among all the APC elected elements, from Kano state, Barau leads in this process. No wonder being an elected person occupying the highest position among all other elected people from Kano state. As bridging gaps of uncertainty and incommunicado becomes secretly open, it appears Ganduje and Barau are closing ranks with dispatch and frank commitment, in Kano first and in Nigeria.

APC Governors Forum also played a significant role in Ganduje’s reassurance, enjoyed from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NEC Meeting. They appreciated how he managed to pave way for more Governors to register their membership to the Forum. As APC under Ganduje swept in more states for the party.

The way I see it is, probably by now, Ganduje and very few stakeholders, know which cap fits who in the forthcoming positions come 2027 general elections. Depending on how the cards are played. This is just my personal opinion. I stand to be corrected.

Consensus is to democracy, what brain is to human body and existence. While the upcoming and long existing situations have started shaping the future of APC’s victory in forthcoming elections, political marriages and fences mending are on top gear.

I, and other people who share similar view, hope that, some contending individuals could and would jettison their interest for the overall interest of the party in the state. Some will be moved upward, some will be made to change direction with genuine reasons and put hands together with Ganduje as the overall boss.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON and can be contacted at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

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El-Rufai’s Counsel Threatens Legal Action Over Airport Face-off

Published

8 hours ago

on

February 12, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The legal team of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Thursday condemned what it described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest their client upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Ubong Esop Akpan of The Chambers of Ubong Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, the lawyers alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest the former governor without presenting a warrant or formal invitation.

According to the statement, El-Rufai arrived in Abuja aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo when security agents moved to detain him.

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The legal team argued that the invitation earlier issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was out of the country, describing any demand for immediate appearance as “illogical and impractical.”

The lawyers said they had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring the Commission that El-Rufai would honour the invitation upon his return. They further stated that the EFCC was notified that he would voluntarilyx appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.

They described the alleged attempt to arrest him despite this commitment as arbitrary and a violation of due process.

The statement further alleged that security operatives seized El-Rufai’s international passport during the encounter, an action the legal team characterised as unlawful.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawyers contended that the attempted arrest breached their client’s fundamental rights, including the right to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement and right to own property.

“No government agency possesses unfettered authority to detain citizens without due process,” the statement read, adding that all state institutions are bound by constitutional safeguards.

The legal team demanded the “immediate and unconditional cessation” of any attempt to detain El-Rufai, the return of his passport, and a formal apology for what it termed an infringement on his rights and dignity.

It also maintained that the former governor would honour all legitimate law enforcement summons and would not evade lawful investigation.

The lawyers warned that legal action would be pursued against individuals and agencies allegedly responsible for the incident, stressing that the judiciary remains the proper avenue for resolving the matter.

As of press time, there was no official response from the DSS or the EFCC regarding the allegations.

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Senate Grills AGF Over Zero Capital Allocations, Unpaid Contracts in 2025 Budget

Published

8 hours ago

on

February 12, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, faced intense questioning on Thursday as the Senate Committee on Finance scrutinised the 2025 budget implementation, citing zero capital allocations to several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), mounting unpaid contracts and concerns over the Centralised Payment System.

The heated exchange occurred during the AGF’s budget defence session, where lawmakers voiced frustration over what they described as poor fund releases and low implementation levels despite increased government revenues.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Musa (Niger East), opened the session with sharp criticism, accusing the Office of the Accountant-General of maintaining what he termed an “unfriendly” posture toward the committee.

“We are not going to take your budget until we are satisfied that your office is ready to do things that will make things work for Nigerians,” Musa said.

He also questioned the continued use of the envelope budgeting system, arguing that it had failed to deliver desired outcomes and should be replaced with a more performance-based framework.

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Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) described the current situation as “embarrassing,” noting a surge in complaints from contractors over unpaid jobs since 2024.

“We have never seen contractors bombarding us weekly for intervention on non-payment of executed contracts,” Goje said.

He queried the impact of recent fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, which were expected to boost government revenues.

“The impression given to Nigerians is that more money is available. Where is the money now? Why are contractors owed? And why was there zero allocation for capital votes of most MDAs in 2025?” he asked.

Senator Muntari Dandutse (Katsina South) raised concerns over reports that revenue-generating agencies recorded N28 trillion, yet many contractors remain unpaid and several MDAs have no capital allocation.

“What happened to the N28 trillion?” he asked, adding that the Centralised Payment System had not improved the situation and was allegedly affecting government operations.

Other lawmakers, including Senators Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Aminu Abbas (Adamawa Central) and Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North), urged the AGF to advise President Bola Tinubu on the need to prevent possible internal sabotage within the system.

Responding, Ogunjimi attributed the funding challenges to indiscriminate contract awards by some MDAs without confirmed budgetary backing. He said a directive had been issued prohibiting agencies from awarding contracts without available funds.

“As Accountant-General, my office can only disburse funds that are available. I must have the funds before I can release them,” he said.

He also noted that the previous reliance on “Ways and Means” financing had been discontinued in the interest of economic stability.

While acknowledging operational challenges with the Centralised Payment System, the AGF assured lawmakers that steps were being taken to address the issues and improve efficiency.

The committee later moved into a closed-door session with the AGF for further deliberations.

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Fubara Orders Immediate Dissolution of Rivers Executive Council

Published

8 hours ago

on

February 12, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

The announcement was made in a Government Special Announcement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.

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According to the statement, all Commissioners and Special Advisers have been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries without delay.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council,” the statement read.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours.

No reason was provided for the dissolution at the time of filing this report.

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