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El-Rufai Dumps APC, Joins SDP

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s deviation from its founding principles. In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), vowing to rally opposition forces against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, recalled his role in the party’s formation, expressing disappointment over its current state. He lamented that those now in control of the APC have shown no interest in addressing what he described as an “unhealthy situation” within the party.

“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align until I retire from politics. However, developments in the last two years have shown that this is no longer the case,” he said.

He further stated that despite raising concerns privately and publicly about the party’s direction, nothing had been done to change its course.

Departure from APC and Shift to SDP

El-Rufai announced that he had formally resigned from the APC by submitting his letter to his ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. He emphasized that before taking this step, he consulted with mentors, colleagues, and loyalists nationwide.

“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. However, the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers. The APC has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt. I find this no longer acceptable.”

Declaring his new political home, El-Rufai revealed that he had joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he intends to use as a platform for future political engagements.

Plans to Challenge APC in 2027

Beyond his defection, El-Rufai pledged to mobilize opposition forces under a unified front to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.

As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027,” he said.

El-Rufai called on his supporters and Nigerians concerned about the country’s future to join the SDP in the quest to restore Nigeria’s democracy and governance.

His defection marks a significant shift in the political landscape, given his influence and past role in shaping the APC. Analysts believe his move to the SDP could signal the start of a broader realignment among political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reactions and Implications

While the APC is yet to officially respond to El-Rufai’s exit, political observers note that his departure could embolden other discontented members to follow suit. The SDP, once a dormant party, may now emerge as a formidable opposition force, especially if El-Rufai succeeds in attracting key political figures to its ranks.

As Nigeria moves towards another election cycle, all eyes will be on how this new political development reshapes the contest for power.

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COAS Calls for Sacrifices to Safeguard Nigeria’s Peace and Security

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has charged Nigerian Army troops to make necessary sacrifices to maintain peace and security in the nation. The COAS gave the charge today while addressing troops of 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education and Technology and those of the Nigerian Army College of Education, Ilorin.

The COAS assured the troops of his commitment to improve their welfare by giving adequate attention to Barracks infrastructure, improvement of schools for their children, medical services for their families and provision of necessary kits and platforms to enable them perform their jobs satisfactorily. Lieutenant General Oluyede noted that troop’s Ration Cash Allowance was recently enhanced to spur them to make more sacrifices in keeping the nation peaceful and united. He stated that without a peaceful environment, no form of development can take place. He therefore enjoined the troops to strive to eliminate all threats to peace and security of the nation.

The COAS further urged the troops to go all out to ensure criminals do not have any foothold in Kwara State and beyond. While reminding the troops that Nigerians are looking up to them to keep the nation safe secured and united, he assured them of his unflinching support to ensure that they succeed in all their assigned tasks.

In a statement signed by Appolonia Anele Acting Director Army public relations said the Commander 22 Armour Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, the Commandant Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education and Technology, Brigadier General Damian Dieke as well as the Provost, Nigerian Army College of Education Brigadier General Chidi Echebiwe in their separate briefings, highlighted the activities and challenges of their respective formations and institutions.

 

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KEDCO Renovates Primary School in Kano as Part of CSR Efforts

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The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has renovated Sallari Special Primary School in Babban Giji, underscoring its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community development.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Abubakar Yusuf, Managing Director of KEDCO, emphasized the company’s belief that a nation’s strength lies in its education system. “Meaningful corporate success is measured not only by profit but by our impact on the communities we serve,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf dismissed the notion that KEDCO solely distributes electricity and collects revenue, noting that the company actively contributes to socio-economic development. “We complement the efforts of the Federal, State, and Local Governments in improving the lives of our host communities,” he stated.

Under its School Outreach Programme (SOP), KEDCO undertook various renovations, including the refurbishment of classrooms and a staff room to create a more conducive learning environment. The company also rehabilitated the school’s water system, ensuring access to clean drinking water for pupils and staff.

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Kumbotso Local Govt Chairman presiding over the commissioning

Kumbotso Local Govt Chairman presiding over the commissioning

As part of the initiative, KEDCO provided 135-seater chairs and tables to accommodate students, refurbished staff room furniture, and distributed exercise books to all pupils. “Every child deserves a dignified place to learn,” Yusuf remarked, adding that the gesture was a declaration of trust and a long-term investment in the community’s future.

Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government, Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim Sekure, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of education. “We must seek both Islamic and Western education to empower future generations,” Sekure said.

Inside the renovated classrooms

Inside the renovated classrooms

Sekure also disclosed that the local government had allocated ₦600 million for school renovations, reinforcing its commitment to improving educational infrastructure. “Investment in education is an investment in our future,” he asserted.

Yusuf reaffirmed KEDCO’s pledge to collaborate with government institutions, community leaders, and residents to foster initiatives that uplift and inspire. “Together, we must light up not only homes and streets but minds and futures,” he concluded.

 

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Dont Go On Air To Defame And Insult -Kano Govt And NBC Urges Political Presenters

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The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has organized a two-day sensitization workshop for political programme presenters and media commentators.

While delivering his opening remarks at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the ministry organized the workshop to enlighten political programme presenters and media commentators in the state, with the aim of promoting decency in language.

The Commissioner emphasized that any reasonable and patriotic citizen of Kano State should not go on air to insult or defame others under the guise of political opposition.

Comrade Waiya further stated that the Kano State Government has no intention of suppressing political opposition, but is committed to ensuring that political discourse remains meaningful and free from insults or false accusations.

He noted that participants at the sensitization workshop were drawn from various political parties, in line with the government’s objective of promoting civility in political communication across the state.

Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar during the presentation

Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar during the presentation

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, said the purpose of the training is to enhance the competence of political programme presenters and commentators, ensuring their content complies with regulations and deepens their understanding of NBC rules and guidelines. He added that this will foster peace and unity among the populace.

The Permanent Secretary urged participants to take full advantage of the training by acquiring new skills that will contribute to the growth of politics in both the state and the nation at large.

On the first day of the programme, the Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Jumu’ah Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, delivered a lecture on promoting decent speech and avoiding abusive language in the media from an Islamic perspective. Also, the Kano state Coordinator National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Adamu Salisu, presented a paper titled “NBC Regulation of Political Programmes: The Kano State Experience.”

In a statement signed by Director Special Duties Sani Abba Yola says tomorrow marks the second and final day of the workshop, during which three papers will be presented by different resource persons. These presentations aim to further enlighten participants on various relevant and important topics related to political broadcasting and responsible media engagement.

 

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