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Kannywood Has Never Rejected Me Based on Religion or Ethnicity-Aboki

Published

1 year ago

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Prince Daniel Aboki

 

Prominent Nigerian filmmaker Prince Daniel (ABOKI) has addressed recent media reports suggesting that he faced rejection in Kannywood due to his religion and in Nollywood because of his northern roots. In an official statement released to the public, the director of *Mai Martaba* unequivocally denied these claims and sought to set the record straight.

“My attention has been drawn to some publications with headlines suggesting that Kannywood rejected me because of my religion, and Nollywood because of my region,” Prince Daniel stated. He clarified that he had not granted any interviews to any newspaper or publication regarding the matter.

Providing context, Prince Daniel explained that the misunderstanding may have stemmed from remarks he made during a question-and-answer session at Nollywood in Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, earlier this month. He described how, while discussing the challenges faced during the making of *Mai Martaba* and its journey to the Oscars, he had touched upon issues such as insecurity in the North-West, financial constraints, and the complexities of navigating Nigeria’s segmented film industry.

According to Prince Daniel, he had mentioned feeling caught between the perception of Kannywood viewing his work as Nollywood and Nollywood identifying it as Kannywood, due to his northern background. “This explanation was made with the best of intentions—to help the audience in the room understand the segmentation of the industry in Nigeria and how challenging it was for us at the time,” he explained.

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He emphasized that his comment was misunderstood and clarified his relationship with Kannywood. “For clarity, Kannywood has never rejected me on the basis of ethnicity or religion. In fact, it has been my greatest pillar of support as a filmmaker,” Prince Daniel affirmed, citing the overwhelming support he received from audiences and industry practitioners during *Mai Martaba*’s cinema exposure.

Prince Daniel expressed gratitude for the inclusive environment within Kannywood, where he has practiced his craft and enjoyed immense support without prejudice. “I say with every sense of responsibility that I am a Nigerian filmmaker, though of northern extraction. I reside in Kano, where I practice my craft, springboarding from Kannywood,” he added.

Looking ahead, the filmmaker reiterated his commitment to working with his colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the industry’s standards. He underscored his mission to share northern stories with the world and create employment opportunities for youth, challenging stereotypical narratives that associate the North with conflict and banditry.

Prince Daniel concluded by reaffirming his dedication to fostering unity and excellence within Nigeria’s film industry. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the standard of our industry—telling our stories to the world and creating employment opportunities for our youth,” he stated.

Prince Daniel’s statement serves as a clarion call for collaboration and progress in the Nigerian film industry, celebrating the diversity and richness of the nation’s cultural narratives.

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ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

Published

6 minutes ago

on

March 30, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

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Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

Published

37 minutes ago

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March 30, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

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Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

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Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC

Published

5 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

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Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

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