Ex- Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, as both leaders were seen receiving membership cards in a video circulating online.

This was disclosed in a Sunday footage from the event showing the registration process. In the video, Kwankwaso was first presented with his membership card before Obi received his, indicating what appears to be their formal entry into the party.

The move comes amid ongoing political realignments among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Just hours earlier, both politicians held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the NDC at the Abuja residence of the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.

The meeting, which took place at Dickson’s residence in Guzape, is believed to be part of efforts to consolidate opposition forces and build a viable coalition ahead of the polls.

Obi and Kwankwaso arrived at about 5:18 p.m., drawing a crowd of supporters under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, who chanted “O-K is okay” as the two leaders were ushered into the premises.

Kwankwaso appeared in a white babanriga paired with his signature red-and-white Kwankwasiyya cap, while Obi wore an all-black kaftan and matching cap.

The development followed remarks by Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, who had disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting that two prominent politicians would unveil a new political platform.

Dr. Muhammed Musa Zango, popularly known as Fatah, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kano Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Unveiling seven-point development agenda aimed at transforming Kano State and contributing to national progress.

Zango, who hails from Zangon Madubi in Kano Central Senatorial District, told supporters at Aminu Kano centre for Democratic research and training Mambayya House that his aspiration is rooted in years of grassroots engagement and community development efforts, including early initiatives that date back to 2003, when he supported small businesses in his community with capital to boost local economic activities.

He said those experiences shaped his belief in people-centered leadership and the need for legislative representation that directly responds to the needs of the grassroots.

Zango later presented what he described as his 7-point legislative and development agenda, which he said would guide his representation if elected senator:

He pledged strong representation at the National Assembly, promising to sponsor and support bills that would favor Kano State and strengthen its influence at the federal level.

Second, he outlined a focus on agriculture and national development, aimed at improving food production, supporting farmers, and linking agriculture to economic growth.

Third, he emphasized youth, women, and persons with special needs empowerment, with programmes targeted at inclusion, skills development, and economic support.

Fourth, he prioritised health sector development, calling for improved healthcare delivery, better facilities, and expanded access to medical services.

Fifth, he highlighted infrastructure and community development, stressing the need for improved road networks and the revival of major national projects, including the full resumption of the AKK (Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano) gas pipeline project.

Sixth, he pledged attention to water resources development, aimed at expanding access to clean and sustainable water supply systems across Kano Central communities.

Seventh, he called for the revival of Kano’s textile industry, describing it as a critical sector that once defined the economic strength of the state but has since declined and requires urgent revitalization.

Zango said the agenda reflects a practical roadmap for economic recovery, social inclusion, and industrial renewal, adding that his legislative focus would be centered on delivering measurable impact to constituents.

Zango’s entry into the 2027 senatorial race adds a new dimension to the competition in Kano Central, one of the most politically strategic districts in the state.

As preparations for the elections intensify, Zango’s campaign is expected to test its grassroots strength on the back of his long-standing community engagement and development-oriented political message.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim has dismissed allegations of a N1.8 billion fund mismanagement by the immediate past Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa describing the claims as misinformation.

The clarification follows a directive issued by Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf during the May Day celebrations, instructing the SSG to investigate the matter and uncover the facts.

A statement issued by Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Mustapha Muhammad on Saturday revealed that during the Workers Day, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress Kano State, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa alleged that immediate past Head of Service had mismanaged state funds.

According to the release, Alhaji Ibrahim made this known during a Dinner and Award Night organised by the State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Government House, Kano on Saturday.

The SSG explained that the N1.8 billion in question was not mismanaged by government officials, but was instead identified as excessive charges deducted from civil servants’ salaries by loan vendors.

Upon the Governor’s directive, the SSG’s office engaged professional auditing firm to scrutinize the state’s payroll system and the accounts of the affected civil servants for the period under review.

Alhaji Ibrahim confirmed that the loan scheme was temporarily suspended to allow for this thorough investigation.

He said the audit revealed that several loan vendors had been charging workers rates far above their original contractual agreements.

Alhaji Ibrahim disclosed that the private auditing firm found that vendors had illegally accrued over N1.8 billion from civil servants through these overcharges.

The SSG revealed that based on these findings, the State Government has officially directed the loan vendors to return the N1.8 billion and it would be shared among the affected civil servants accordingly..