By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, securing a commanding majority of the votes cast, according to official results announced by the party.

Mr Abubakar polled 1,846,370 votes out of a total of 2,527,977 votes cast, defeating his two main challengers: former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatudeen.

Mr Amaechi finished a distant second with 504,117 votes, while Mr Hayatudeen came third with 177,120 votes.

However, the primary election was immediately mired in controversy, as both Mr Amaechi and Mr Hayatudeen rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice. The two candidates had earlier condemned the process even before the final results were announced.

The result positions Mr Abubakar as the ADC’s flag bearer for the upcoming presidential election, though the dispute over the credibility of the primary could foreshadow legal or internal party challenges in the days ahead.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the influential leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is set  select former Kano State deputy governor Aminu Abdussalam as the consensus governorship candidate for the National Democratic Council (NDC) in the upcoming state election, multiple sources confirm.

The choice, which followed days of closed-door consultations, sidelines a prominent contender and has sparked internal debate over the party’s electoral strategy in the fiercely contested state.

Abdussalam, who resigned as deputy governor in March after the Kano State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice, was chosen for what insiders describe as his “uncommon commitment and sacrifice” to the movement.

Initially, Nasiru Gawuna — the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election — was widely seen as a strong frontrunner for the ticket. But Kwankwaso ultimately backed Abdussalam on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the deliberations.

Kwankwaso offered Gawuna either the deputy governorship slot or the Kano Central Senatorial ticket as an alternative, sources said. Gawuna declined both.

“He told Kwankwaso that he joined the Kwankwasiyya movement unconditionally and would not leave simply because he didn’t get the top slot,” one source told DAILY NIGERIAN.

The delay in announcing Abdussalam reflected mounting pressure from influential figures who argued that Gawuna offered a stronger path to defeating incumbent Governor Abba Yusuf.

Pro-Gawuna insiders pointed to zoning as the deciding factor. Yusuf, like Gawuna, hails from Kano Central — the zone that typically delivers the largest vote share.

“First, Gawuna is very popular in Kano Central, where the majority of votes come from,” an anonymous insider said. “Since Abba is from Kano Central and is serving his first term, the best solution is to field a candidate from the same zone so the zone may not feel shortchanged.”

The source drew a parallel to the NDC’s national strategy of zoning the presidency to the South while a southern president serves his first term.

Abdussalam’s supporters, however, prevailed by emphasizing loyalty over electoral math, arguing that the former deputy governor’s sacrifices for the movement could not be overlooked.

Formal announcement of Abdussalam as the consensus candidate is expected imminently, barring any last-minute reversal.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

As we enter the second day of this sacred occasion of Eid Al-Adha, I am honored to extend my warmest felicitations and prayers to His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and to the resilient, hospitable, and God-fearing people of Kano State.

Eid Al-Adha commemorates the profound sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his unwavering obedience to Allah (SWT). It is a festival that speaks to the heart of our humanity, reminding us that true progress is measured by how we care for one another, how we protect the vulnerable, and how we stand together in times of need. In public health, these values are not abstract ideals; they are the very foundation of our mission.

To His Excellency, the Executive Governor:

Kano State has been fortunate to have a leader who recognizes that health security is the bedrock of economic growth, social stability, and human dignity. Your administration’s readiness to invest in disease prevention, early warning systems, and rapid response capacity has transformed the way we safeguard our people.

Under your leadership, the vision of a proactive, responsive, and people-centered health system is becoming a reality. By supporting KNCDC and prioritizing health security, you have demonstrated that governance is most powerful when it reaches into every home, every market, and every community to protect life. For this commitment, the entire KNCDC family expresses deep gratitude and renewed resolve to deliver on our mandate.

To the People of Kano State:

KNCDC exists to serve you. Our mandate is clear: to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to all epidemic-prone diseases that threaten the health of our state. This responsibility is one we do not bear alone.

With the strategic guidance of the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, and with the full backing of His Excellency the Governor, KNCDC is operational, equipped, and on alert across the state. Our surveillance teams are active, our laboratories are functioning, and our rapid response units are prepared. But our greatest strength remains you, bthe people. Early reporting, community cooperation, and adherence to public health guidance are what turn preparedness into protection.

This Eid, as families gather for prayer, for the sharing of meat, and for moments of joy, let us also renew our collective pledge to look out for one another. Let us remember that a healthy Kano is built not only in hospitals and laboratories, but in homes, schools, markets, and places of worship.

As we celebrate, KNCDC reaffirms its pledge to remain vigilant, transparent, and responsive. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with local government authorities, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, and community volunteers to ensure that no disease catches Kano unprepared. Our doors are open, our lines are active, and our commitment is unwavering.

May Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices, forgive our shortcomings, and grant healing to those who are ill. May this Eid bring peace to every household, unity across our communities, and prosperity to Kano State and to Nigeria.

Eid Mubarak!
May the spirit of sacrifice inspire us all to serve humanity with humility, courage, and compassion.

Signed,
Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas
Director General
Kano State Centre for Disease Control, KNCDC