A faction within the Peoples Redemption Party has publicly criticized the party’s purported national chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, accusing him of engaging in unauthorized alliances with opposition politicians, according to a statement delivered at a press briefing in Kano.

Speaking at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Monday, Comrade Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, who is the National Chairman of PRP-Vanguard, alleged that a Kaduna-based faction of the party recently conducted what he described as a “sham convention” in Abuja, producing a new leadership not recognized by his group.

Daudu claimed that the faction, referred to as the “Falalu faction,” subsequently announced an open invitation to opposition politicians—many of whom he described as “discredited” to join the party, a move he said contradicts the ideological foundation of the PRP. He characterized the development as “a travesty and total abuse” of the party’s constitution and historical identity.

According to Daudu, the PRP is rooted in socialist principles and was established to advance the interests of the working class rather than serve as a platform for political realignment among elite actors. He emphasized that the party’s mission is to promote socialism in Nigeria, not to replace one capitalist structure with another.

He further argued that Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, whom he claimed was not originally a member of the party, lacks the legitimacy to lead it or redefine its direction. Daudu accused him of acting in ways that are “insensitive” to party members and described his leadership style as “authoritarian and feudal.”

In his remarks, Daudu also criticized what he termed the “Kaduna Mafia,” alleging that the group represents entrenched political interests aligned with the ruling class rather than grassroots movements. He claimed that such actors are complicit in sustaining the current economic system, which he linked to widespread poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

Referencing the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daudu accused the federal government of presiding over worsening economic conditions, claiming that millions of Nigerians are facing hardship under current policies. He alleged that the same political elite are attempting to reposition themselves through infiltration of smaller parties like the PRP.

Daudu stated that the PRP is currently involved in legal proceedings over the leadership dispute and warned potential political defectors against associating with what he described as an illegitimate faction. “The PRP is not for sale,” he said, adding that any attempts to co-opt the party would be resisted.

Addressing calls for reconciliation within the الحزب, Daudu questioned the basis for unity, asking whether it would be built on “illegality or co-option.” He also raised concerns about the preservation of the party’s socialist ideology and the status of its grassroots structures nationwide.

He maintained that the PRP cannot be managed as a “personal fiefdom,” insisting that its legacy as a mass-based movement must be preserved. He accused the rival faction of being disconnected from ordinary Nigerians and more focused on elite patronage during election cycles.

Daudu invoked the legacy of Aminu Kano, the party’s founding figure during Nigeria’s Second Republic, noting that the PRP was conceived as a “party of the talakawa (masses)” and remains committed to that vision.

He reaffirmed the faction’s commitment to socialist transformation in Nigeria, criticizing what he described as decades of failure under a “neocolonial capitalist system.” He called for intensified grassroots mobilization and pledged that the PRP would continue its struggle through legal, political, and media channels ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A supporter of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed recent allegations against the former Zamfara State governor as false and defamatory, describing them as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation, according to a press statement issued on April 26, 2026, and signed by Alhaji Fahad Ogan Boye.

The statement said the claims being circulated about Matawalle were “baseless and misleading,” alleging they were motivated by envy and hostility toward the minister, and warned that those responsible for spreading what it described as falsehoods could face legal action, according to Boye.

Boye also referenced earlier accusations that linked Matawalle to banditry, stating that such claims had previously been raised and “proven to be entirely false and without merit,” according to the press release.

He argued that Matawalle’s continued appointment in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects confidence in his integrity and dedication to public service, adding that his role in government serves as evidence of his credibility, according to the statement.

Citing the role of Nigeria’s security institutions, Boye said the absence of any official findings against Matawalle indicates there is no substance to the allegations, noting that relevant authorities would have taken action if evidence existed, according to the press release.

The statement further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what it described as his support for “patriotic Nigerians,” including Matawalle, and commended the broader security leadership for efforts to maintain stability, specifically mentioning Christopher Musa and Nuhu Ribadu, according to Boye.

Boye call on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration, stating that such backing is necessary for national unity, progress, and security, according to the statement.

The Garko Stakeholders Consultative Congress (GSCC) has called on political parties to prioritize competence, integrity, and proven track records in selecting candidates for state and federal elective positions, as part of efforts to ensure credible representation for the people of Garko Local Government Area.

The call was made during a high-level stakeholders’ brainstorming session held in Kano, where the Chairman of the forum, Hamisu Sule Garko, stressed that the era of mediocre leadership must come to an end.

He noted that the forum, which comprises technocrats, public office holders, business leaders, and retired civil servants, is committed to promoting a new standard of political engagement.

“The Garko Stakeholders Consultative Congress is committed to a new dawn of political engagement. We are appealing to all political parties to look inward and field candidates from Garko who possess the requisite competence and a verifiable history of service. Competence is the only prerequisite for credible leadership,” he said.

According to the forum, its position is anchored on the belief that sustainable development is directly tied to the quality of leadership, adding that Garko has a pool of capable individuals who can effectively represent the area at both the state and national levels.

The group further emphasized its resolve to identify and support individuals of unquestionable character, noting that credible leadership remains essential for attracting meaningful development to the area.

“Our goal is to brainstorm and identify people of proven integrity. We believe that only competent leadership at all levels can attract the necessary development to our community. Moving forward, the GSCC will work across party lines to ensure that Garko is no longer sidelined but represented by leaders who understand the pains and aspirations of its people,” the chairman added.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy that promotes good governance and socio-economic development, not only within Garko Local Government Area but across Kano State as a whole.