Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the rights of all citizens to freely practice their faiths without discrimination.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.

The Governor made the declaration while receiving the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, who led a delegation on an official visit to Kano State as part of her nationwide assessment of issues relating to freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Governor Yusuf welcomed the delegation and emphasized Kano’s reputation as a state where people of different religious backgrounds have lived side by side in peace, mutual respect and understanding.

He noted that the administration has continued to support policies and institutions that strengthen social harmony, uphold justice and protect the constitutional rights of all residents regardless of their religious affiliation.

Governor Yusuf stated that Kano remains committed to fostering dialogue among religious communities and addressing emerging challenges through lawful and inclusive mechanisms that promote peace and stability.

He explained that the state government recognizes the important role of traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders in sustaining harmony and preventing tensions that could threaten peaceful coexistence.

The Governor further assured the UN delegation of the state’s readiness to cooperate with national and international bodies working to advance human rights, religious freedom and respect for diversity.

Speaking during the engagement, Professor Ghanea said her visit was aimed at examining the situation of freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria, including constitutional and institutional safeguards, challenges faced by religious communities, the role of traditional practices and efforts being made to address religious discrimination and tensions where they exist.

The delegation held discussions with senior government officials and other stakeholders on measures being implemented to strengthen interfaith understanding, protect fundamental freedoms and promote peaceful relations among communities.

Governor Yusuf thanked the United Nations Human Rights Council for choosing Kano as one of the states to be visited and reiterated his administration’s determination to preserve the state’s legacy of religious tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has unveiled Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the forthcoming gubernatorial contest.

In a statement by Kwankwasiyya spokesperson Habibu Sale Mailemo said Mustapha Kwankwaso will serve as the deputy governorship candidate on the NDC ticket. The unveiling marks a major step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections and is expected to generate considerable interest across Kano’s political landscape.

Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement. His emergence as running mate is likely to strengthen the NDC’s grassroots appeal, particularly among loyal supporters of the Kwankwasiyya political structure.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, analysts say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate adds a new dimension to Kano’s political equation and underscores the continued relevance of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the state’s politics.

The NDC is expected to intensify consultations, grassroots mobilization, and campaign preparations in the coming months as it positions itself for the battle to succeed the current administration in Kano State.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially selected former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The announcement, made today in the capital, puts to rest days of speculation about whether he would emerge as Atiku’s running mate after losing the party’s presidential primary to the former vice president.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Amaechi’s emergence followed “extensive consultations” within the party and reflected his strong performance as runner-up in the party’s presidential primaries, as well as his “track records of service to his State and the country.”

According to the party’s full statement, Amaechi’s experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government — including as former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and former Minister of Transportation — makes him “uniquely qualified” to complement Atiku’s leadership.

The ADC described the proposed partnership as “more than a political alliance,” calling it “the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria.”

The party further argued that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket “bridges regions, generations, and political traditions,” positioning itself as “a credible and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in government.”