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Waiya Tackles Buba Galadima on Governor Yusuf’s Defection, Says Voting Decisions Rest With the Electorate

Published

1 month ago

January 25, 2026

The Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has issued a press statement challenging recent remarks by elder statesman Engr. Buba Galadima, who suggested that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf cannot secure a second term without the political support of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In the statement dated January 25, 2026, Waiya described Galadima’s assertion as “analytically weak, misleading and dismissive of Kano State’s deeply rooted political culture.” He emphasized that while Kwankwaso remains a respected political heavyweight, Kano’s democratic tradition is not permanently contingent on the influence of a single individual.

According to Waiya, “There is no dispute that Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a strategic mobiliser and one of the most consequential figures in Kano’s modern political history. His influence is real and well earned. However, to suggest that Kano’s political future is permanently contingent on the shadow of a single individual is to misread both history and democratic behaviour of the people in the State.”

Waiya further expressed surprise that such a claim came from Galadima, noting that the elder statesman had previously benefited from Governor Yusuf’s inclusive leadership. “In the hope of institutional improvement, the Governor appointed him Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic, notwithstanding the fact that he is not an indigene of Kano State. Regrettably, the tenure yielded little or no measurable impact,” Waiya stated.

The Commissioner stressed that leadership is validated by tangible outcomes rather than commentary. “As the timeless proverb reminds us, the tree is known by its fruit,” he remarked, underscoring the need for performance-based legitimacy in Kano politics.

Highlighting Kano’s unique political culture, Waiya argued that power in the state ultimately rests with the electorate. “Kano operates on its own historical rhythm, civic memory, and political consciousness. Here, power does not permanently reside with godfathers; it rests with the electorates, whose loyalty has always been conditional on performance, character, trust and reliability,” he explained.

Waiya cited historical precedents to support his position, pointing to the emergence of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau as governor in 2003 without godfather backing. “His re-election validated a simple Kano principle: legitimacy is always derived from the people,” Waiya said.

He also referenced Kwankwaso’s own political return in 2011, noting that it was based on his record rather than anointment. “His past performance functioned as political capital. That experience alone should caution against overstating the durability of godfather politics in Kano,” Waiya asserted.

On Governor Yusuf’s mandate, Waiya emphasized that it was earned through popular legitimacy. “He was elected by the people of Kano, across party lines and political interests, defended his mandate through institutional processes, and assumed power with popular legitimacy,” Waiya explained. He added that Yusuf has since transitioned from protégé to principled leader, prioritizing education, institutional reforms, and social equity.

Responding to claims that Yusuf is “standing on borrowed feet,” Waiya countered that governance in Kano is consolidated through delivery. “Political authority in Kano is consolidated over time through delivery, not inherited indefinitely through association,” he said.

While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s enduring influence, Waiya stressed that mentorship does not equate to permanent dependence. “Influence is not ownership, and mentorship is not permanent dependence. Kano’s political tradition has always allowed for maturation and continuity beyond individuals,” he noted.

Expressing confidence in Yusuf’s future, Waiya declared: “I firmly believe that not only will Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf secure a second term, he will govern more effectively in a subsequent tenure, because governance, like leadership itself, matures with experience.”

He warned that those predicting Yusuf’s collapse without a godfather underestimate Kano’s political memory. “As history has repeatedly shown from Governor Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso himself, Kano ultimately rewards performance, not proximity to power,” Waiya said.

The Commissioner also addressed internal challenges within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), noting that persistent conflicts and legal disputes have created divisions. “The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” Waiya explained.

He concluded by stressing that Yusuf’s decisions are taken in good faith, with a commitment to peace and progress. Quoting the Qur’an, Waiya reminded citizens: “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Mawla (Protector). And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” He also cited a Hadith emphasizing reliance on divine decree, stating that “the pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”

“This,” Waiya concluded, “remains the enduring grammar of Kano politics.”

Related Topics:Electorate Galadima Governor Kano Waiya

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Ambassadorial Posting: FFK, Reno Posted to Germany, Mexico

Published

8 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.

In the list which was released by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman, on Friday afternoon, a total of 65 ambassadors and High Commissioners were posted across the country.

The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December last year.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, was posted to Qatar, Femi Fani-Kayode was posted to Germany, while Reno Omokri was posted to Mexico.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahin was posted to the United Nations; former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau was posted to China, while ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the new ambassador to Spain.

Below is the list:

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The statement added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agreement from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu.

Similarly, France has sent the agreement for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

It added that the Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agreements in line with standard diplomatic practice.

News

FG Launches N250 Billion Single-Digit Loan Scheme for Smallholder Farmers

Published

8 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The federal government has launched a N250 billion credit facility for smallholder farmers, channeled through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to provide much-needed access to credit at a single-digit interest rate. The initiative is designed to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance food security across the nation.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Session held on Friday in Abuja. He explained that a key priority for the ministry involves strengthening agricultural insurance and finance mechanisms by leveraging institutions such as the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), the National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

In the past two years, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation has provided risk cover worth N700 billion to 199,275 farmers, generating N2.43 billion in premium income while paying out N200 million in claims to enhance farmers’ resilience. The newly announced credit facility aims to build on such efforts by supporting food production, improving mechanisation, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister emphasised that the ministry’s overarching mission is to accelerate growth in the agricultural sector by boosting productivity and creating economic opportunities. He described the stakeholder engagement session as a critical step toward ensuring transparency and incorporating public feedback into government programmes.

Over the last two years, several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the agricultural sector. These include the distribution of more than 1.9 million bags of fertilisers to nearly one million farmers, alongside 12,000 litres of organic fertilisers to promote sustainable soil management.

To combat the circulation of counterfeit fertilisers, the government has prosecuted offenders, constructed a National Reference Laboratory, and upgraded the National Fertiliser Management Platform to enhance quality control and transparency. Additionally, 109 fertiliser inspectors and over 329 industry stakeholders have received training on regulatory compliance.

International collaborations have also been established with Russia, Türkiye, India, and Canada to facilitate technology transfer and improve fertiliser production capacity. More than 3,500 farmers have been trained on organic fertilisers and soil management techniques to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has been driving transformative change through research and development, focusing on crop production and varietal improvement. The council has distributed 40 million cocoa seedlings aimed at revitalising the nation’s cocoa industry, supporting long-term plantation development and boosting export potential.

Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has recorded significant milestones over the past two years in advancing the agricultural sector.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the engagement forum as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s governing philosophy rooted in transparency, participation, and accountability.

He stressed that governance must remain open and responsive to the people, adding that his ministry is committed to bridging the gap between policy decisions and public awareness. “Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability,” he said, noting that citizens should be well-informed and given the opportunity to provide feedback on government initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, underscored that transforming Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems is not merely an aspiration but an urgent national imperative.

News

National patron, Moss Andishu condoles SWAN over the demise of two prominent sports journalists

Published

8 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

The national patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Moses Andishu has commiserate with the Nigerian sporting press over the death of two prominent Nigerian sports writers.

It would be recalled that, Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke breath their last within the span of 24 hours.

Tonex served as the image maker of two time back to back African club football champions, Eyimba fc International of Aba.

Late Niyi Oyeleke former SWAN Lagos chairman, NTA sports reporter , until his demise was a contributing member of the Super Sports crew.

Tonex Chukwu, who nursed injuries sustained from an auto crash, which occurred on 14th February 2026, finally passed away.

Moses Andishu in a press statement issued by his country director for Nigeria, Joseph Andishu, on Wednesday evening in Kaduna, said “ with an heavy heart I send this condolence message to SWAN to offer you comfort, expressing my sympathy, and honor to the deceased veteran comrades , Late Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke.

“ at this moments of grief, I offer my love, and support to my SWAN family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

“I am sending strength and love to all sports writers in Nigeria. My deepest condolences .

“I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke. Within the span of hours in between they both transited to the great beyond .

“Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss”.

“Sending you love and strength during this difficult times for the sports journalism fraternity in Nigeria.”

“may almighty God in His infinite mercies grant them eternal rest. Amen.”

“May the soul of all the departed, rest in peace .” Amen.