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Breaking:ADC Reaffirms Ibrahim Khalil as 2027 Kano Governorship Candidate, Rejects Alleged Imposition

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Alhaji Suleiman Mambo addressing the press

 

 

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State has reaffirmed Malam Ibrahim Khalil as the party’s sole and legitimate candidate for the 2027 Kano State governorship election, while strongly rejecting what it described as attempts by external forces to undermine the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.

The position was made public on Saturday at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), where senior party figures addressed journalists and accused certain national actors within the party of interfering in the affairs of the Kano chapter.

Speaking on behalf of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) and other stakeholders, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo said the Kano chapter remained united behind Ibrahim Khalil and would resist any effort to alter the mandate given to him by party members.

According to the leaders, Khalil emerged victorious during the ADC gubernatorial primaries conducted on May 22, 2026, securing 55,851 votes against his closest rival, who polled 4,000 votes.

“The election was clear and decisive,” the stakeholders said in a position paper addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark. “There was a winner and there was a loser. The mandate freely given to Malam Ibrahim Khalil by party members must be respected and restored.”

 

The Kano ADC leadership argued that their endorsement of Khalil goes beyond the primary election results, describing it as a strategic decision rooted in Kano’s political significance and unique electoral realities.

They noted that Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political and economic centres, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and that the state’s electoral performance often carries implications for national elections.

According to the stakeholders, Khalil’s influence among Islamic scholars and religious institutions could strengthen the ADC’s prospects across the North-West region and contribute positively to the party’s presidential ambitions in 2027.

They also highlighted what they described as his broad grassroots appeal, claiming he enjoys support across different religious groups, social classes, and demographic categories.

“Khalil enjoys widespread acceptance among women and young people, many of whom regularly follow his radio programmes,” the statement said.

 

The stakeholders further praised Khalil’s longstanding commitment to the ADC, describing him as one of the party’s foundational figures in Kano.

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They credited him with helping establish party structures and ensuring the survival of the ADC during difficult periods, arguing that his loyalty and sacrifices positioned him as the most deserving candidate for the governorship ticket.

The statement also portrayed the Islamic scholar as a unifying figure capable of bringing together various Islamic groups while maintaining cordial relationships with Christian communities across the state.

According to the leaders, such qualities make him a credible alternative to what they called the “corrupt politics” associated with rival political forces.

 

A major focus of the briefing was the alleged interference of Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammed, former Deputy National Chairman (Values and Ethics) of the ADC.

The Kano stakeholders accused her of attempting to influence the conduct and outcome of the state’s primary election, including allegedly instructing the chairman of the election committee not to announce the results.

They further alleged that she had sidelined legitimate party stakeholders in favour of individuals loyal to her interests.

The leaders argued that the ADC constitution does not grant any national officer the authority to arbitrarily direct the affairs of state chapters.

“Being a national officer does not confer the power to dictate the affairs of a local chapter,” the statement declared. “The constitution clearly outlines the responsibilities of each organ of the party, and no provision empowers any deputy national chairman to superintend over state chapters.”

The Kano leadership also maintained that the office previously occupied by Naja’atu Muhammed no longer possesses substantive legal standing following constitutional amendments and decisions reached by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

They described any actions taken under that authority as “unlawful and constitutionally invalid.”

 

Responding to concerns that Ibrahim Khalil may lack the financial resources required for a competitive gubernatorial campaign, the stakeholders pointed to Kano’s political history as evidence that electoral success in the state is not solely determined by wealth.

They cited the victories of former governors such as Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi in 1979, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 1999, and Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003, arguing that each overcame financially stronger opponents through public support and credibility.

“If history teaches us anything, it is that Kano voters have consistently demonstrated a willingness to choose candidates based on character, integrity and principles rather than wealth,” the statement said.

 

The Kano ADC leadership concluded by urging the party’s national leadership to intervene immediately and halt what it described as continued interference in the affairs of the state chapter.

The stakeholders warned that ignoring the will of party members could trigger internal divisions and electoral setbacks, drawing parallels with challenges experienced by the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ahead of the 2011 elections.

They declared that the Kano chapter remains firmly committed to defending Khalil’s mandate and would no longer cooperate with directives linked to the alleged interference.

“The Kano State ADC is firmly resolved that Malam Ibrahim Khalil’s mandate must be respected,” the leaders stated. “We will no longer tolerate interference or cooperate with any assignment connected to these actions, regardless of who issues such directives.”

The statement was signed by former Kano ADC Chairman Alhaji Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo, and the party’s Administrative Secretary, Dr. Bala M. I. Takai, on behalf of members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team and other stakeholders across Kano State.

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I Gave Tijjani Gandu N10 Million to Support Musicians, Media but Funds Were Allegedly Not Distributed – Governor Yusuf’s Spokesperson

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The spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has alleged that popular singer Tijjani Gandu failed to distribute ₦10 million that was reportedly entrusted to him for musicians and media practitioners, according to a statement shared on the spokesperson’s verified Facebook page.

According to Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa,he has released the ₦10 million to Tijjani Gandu with the intention that the money would be shared among fellow musicians and members of the media as financial support. He claimed, however, that the funds were allegedly not distributed as intended.

Writing in Hausa on his verified Facebook page, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa stated: “Na bawa Yaron nan Tijjani Gandu kudi naira miliyan goma ya rabawa mawaka da ‘yan media ya cinye, amma wai har dashi a maganar masu amana.” The statement translates to: “I gave this young man, Tijjani Gandu, ₦10 million to distribute among musicians and media practitioners, but he consumed it all, yet he still speaks as though he is among the trustworthy.”

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According to the governor’s spokesperson, the allegation was made in response to ongoing public discussions regarding accountability and trustworthiness. He did not provide additional details on when the funds were allegedly handed over or identify the intended beneficiaries.

As of the time of this report, Tijjani Gandu has not publicly responded to the allegation made by Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. There has also been no official confirmation or independent evidence released to substantiate the claim beyond the spokesperson’s social media statement.

The allegation has generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on the claims made by the governor’s spokesperson.

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Oloyede Bows out as JAMB Registrar, Hands over to Prof. Aina

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the outgoing registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on Friday, said strong institutions built on integrity, technology and transparency remained the key to sustaining public confidence in the tertiary admissions system.

Mr Oloyede stated this during the handover ceremony to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, in Abuja, where he reflected on his 10-year stewardship and expressed confidence in the board’s future.

He said the board’s achievements were anchored on five cardinal principles: staff welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and networking, which guided reforms that strengthened the credibility of JAMB’s operations.

He added that staff welfare received unprecedented attention during his tenure through improved working conditions, rehabilitation and construction of office facilities across the country, and enhanced retirement benefits.

He said, “When I stood at the threshold of this national assignment 10 years ago, I understood the depth of the responsibility placed on me.

“I knew the privilege and burden of stewarding a process that opens the doors to millions of Nigerians.

“One thing I remembered clearly was that I was just like a general on a military expedition and to fight, I needed officers and troops.”

Recounting his achievements, Mr Oloyede disclosed that the board committed more than N8 billion to strengthen employees’ retirement savings and financial security.

He added that the board under his leadership also introduced a 13th-month salary, increased examination-duty incentives from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and provided daily meals for staff.

The outgoing registrar said that retired workers received benefits ranging from N3 million to N10 million, while medical interventions and performance-based rewards were also introduced to boost staff morale.

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Mr Oloyede, however, stressed that improved welfare did not diminish the board’s commitment to discipline.

He said more than 10 members of staff faced prosecution over various allegations of misconduct, noting that accountability remained non-negotiable in preserving the institution’s integrity.

Highlighting JAMB’s technological reforms, Mr Oloyede said the board expanded the use of biometrics, digital verification, CCTV surveillance, electronic payment platforms and remote monitoring systems to improve examination security and service delivery.

“I share the belief that we must all suffer for either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment. This is why discipline is incontestable as a cardinal principle of JAMB operations, and that accounts for the well-known remittances of scores of billions in operational surpluses to the government treasury.

“At the heart of our operational blueprint is technology, and we owe many of our far-reaching reforms to innovative technologies.

“Scaling up of computer-based test (CBT), improvement of digital architecture, creating a central admissions processing system (CAPS), advanced biometric and identity verification, CCTV monitoring, and others are some of the steps taken to make our operations seamless on rock-solid integrity,” he said.

He acknowledged that technology was not infallible, recalling recent operational challenges, but maintained that continuous innovation and internal vigilance remained essential.

He also said that transparency was institutionalised by publishing the board’s operational and financial activities and making the admission process more open and accountable.

According to him, the reforms have significantly reduced arbitrary admissions and strengthened public trust in the board.

Mr Oloyede also attributed some of JAMB’s achievements to collaboration with security agencies, tertiary institutions, the National Identity Management Commission, communications regulators, civil society organisations, the media and more than 1,000 accredited CBT centres.

He said the board had modernised its operations, reduced examination malpractice, strengthened accountability and restored confidence in Nigeria’s admission process.

“We made mistakes because we are human, and we corrected them. Whatever was done right was a collective effort, while I accept responsibility for whatever fell short,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the board’s institutional culture, dedicated workforce and robust systems would enable his successor to consolidate on the reforms.

He urged stakeholders to support the new registrar, saying the success of any institution depended not on an individual but on the strength of its systems and values.

In his inaugural address, the new Registrar, Mr Aina, pledged to preserve JAMB’s integrity while building a stronger institution driven by professionalism and accountability.

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Brilliant Minds Shine As Gusau Army Girls School Graduates 25, Amidst Low Enrollment

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The atmosphere was filled with pride and joy in Gusau as Command Science Secondary School (Girls) celebrated its graduation, speech, and prize-giving day on Thursday, 30 July 2026, graduating 25 exceptional students out of its 75 total enrollment.

Delivering her address, the Commandant of the institution, Major Fatima Jimoh, highlighted the school’s steady growth since its establishment by the Nigerian Army in May 2017. She noted that the institution has successfully produced 180 graduates to date, maintaining commendable academic performances in both West African Senior School Certificate Examination and National Examinations Council examinations.

Major Jimoh also highlighted recent milestones achieved since assuming duty in May 2026, including the restoration of regular solar-powered water supplies, administrative block renovations, revived school band performances, and heightened institutional discipline.

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While celebrating these achievements, the Commandant drew attention to critical challenges facing the school, such as the absence of a standard science laboratory, a dilapidated dining hall, leaking roofs, and inadequate staff accommodation, while appealing to the government, the Nigerian Army, and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent intervention.

She passionately urged parents and guardians to leverage the secure and disciplined learning environment provided by the academy to champion girl-child education by enrolling more daughters.

Representing the Special Guest of Honour, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, Lieutenant Colonel Gezawa Musa assured the school management and students of maximum operational and developmental support.

He charged the graduating Class of 2026 to remain focused on upcoming future challenges, uphold utmost integrity, and serve as worthy ambassadors of the prestigious institution.

The memorable event featured a colorful parade by the graduating students, lively cultural displays, intellectual debates, the launch of the school magazine, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding cadets.

 

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