By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Buba Galadima, Kwankwaso ally, announced Saturday that opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso will reveal a new political platform on Monday, signaling a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at an Obi-Kwankwaso Movement stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Galadima disclosed that the former governors of Anambra and Kano states are finalizing arrangements to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party reportedly linked to former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson.

“Both Obi, Kwankwaso and their chieftains were on ground between yesterday and this morning signing the relevant documents with Senator Dickson and the NDC leaders,” a source close to the opposition leaders confirmed on condition of anonymity.

The source added that the move aims to avoid past political missteps: “We don’t want a repeat of what happened in the ADC to occur again. We discovered late that Atiku and his loyalists lured our leaders to that opposition party to fulfil only one single mission — Atiku’s presidential ambition.”

Galadima warned supporters to prepare for coordinated attacks following the announcement, drawing an analogy to international conflict.

“As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen,” Galadima told journalists. “First, they will sponsor columnists. Two, they will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates.”

He urged supporters to respond strategically: “Don’t call anybody any name until they call our leaders names. Then we will respond with the greatest might of intellect in us. These are people who are living in their comfort zones, and they want to start a war. We will help them add kerosene.”

The NNPP chieftain alleged that opposition leaders have faced sustained repression, claiming security agencies have maligned and detained them as part of an initial suppression phase. He argued a second phase involved systematically weakening opposition platforms, listing the SDP, PDP, ADC, NDP and PRP as having been “decimated.”

Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, expressed support for the proposed alliance, stating: “I am not a politician and don’t need to join your political party. But let me say that O-K (Obi-Kwankwaso) is okay for me.”

The planned defection follows weeks of speculation over the political future of both opposition figures amid Supreme Court developments affecting opposition party structures.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a National Aircraft Leasing Company aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines with access to modern fleets.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, describing the initiative as a major shift in how Nigerian carriers will acquire and finance aircraft.

In a statement issued on Friday, Keyamo said the company would operate as a private-sector-driven Special Purpose Vehicle with government backing.

Keyamo said, “This initiative is a game-changer for our aviation industry. It eliminates the long-standing challenges Nigerian airlines face in accessing aircraft on competitive terms and positions the country as a hub for aviation financing in Africa.”

According to him, the platform will enable airlines to source aircraft through a centralised system rather than negotiating individually with international lessors.

Keyamo added that the government would provide support through sovereign guarantees while allowing private investors to drive the project.

According to the statement, the initiative is also expected to extend beyond Nigeria, offering leasing opportunities to operators across West Africa and the wider continent.

He added, “Through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the government will hold equity and earn revenue without direct financial investment. Our primary obligation is to provide the confidence investors need, especially in ensuring asset security.”

He noted that the model had already attracted interest from both local and international investors.

The minister said the initiative is expected to strengthen the aviation sector, improve airline capacity and position Nigeria as a hub for aircraft leasing in the region.

The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦61.63 billion for a broad range of development projects spanning education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal.

The approvals were granted during the Council’s 39th meeting held at the Government House in Kano.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the decisions reflect the administration’s strong commitment to improving public services and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.

According to him, the approvals followed extensive deliberations on key governance priorities, with a clear focus on enhancing living standards and expanding access to essential services.

Education Sector Gets Major Boost
A significant share of the funds was allocated to the education sector. This includes over ₦4.45 billion for the payment of external examination fees for students sitting for NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS in 2026.

The Council also approved ₦2 billion for the procurement of school furniture across 30 local government areas, alongside several projects involving classroom construction, renovation, and upgrades in schools located in Makoda, Tarauni, Ajingi, and Minjibir LGAs.
Waiya added that funds were equally approved to settle outstanding liabilities for examination fees between 2020 and 2023, as well as feeding costs in boarding schools.

Strengthening Healthcare Services
In the health sector, the Council approved key interventions, including the renovation of Wudil General Hospital and the procurement of medical equipment for major hospitals.

Other approvals cover routine immunisation programmes, polio outbreak response across all 44 LGAs, and funding for free maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services in 484 primary healthcare centres.

Major Infrastructure Investments
On infrastructure, over ₦5.2 billion was approved for the construction of a major road linking Panshekara Underpass to Madobi Bridge, as well as road reconstruction projects in Gwale LGA.
Additional approvals include the renovation of government offices, upgrades at the NYSC orientation camp in Kusalla, and construction works at other key public facilities.

Agriculture, Water, and Environment
To boost agricultural productivity, the Council approved nearly ₦3.5 billion for the procurement of over 41,000 bags of fertiliser, alongside investments in irrigation and institutional infrastructure.
In the water sector, ₦3.48 billion was approved for the rehabilitation of the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, in addition to funding for boreholes and utility services.
Environmental initiatives such as urban beautification, solar-powered boreholes, and drainage improvements also received funding.
Urban Development and Digital Mapping
The Council also earmarked substantial funds for urban development, including compensation for land acquisition, road projects, and the establishment of Gaya Polytechnic.
It further approved multi-billion naira projects for street naming, mapping, and house numbering under Phase II of the state’s urban planning programme.
Other Strategic Interventions
Additional approvals include funding for special intervention projects across 15 LGAs, settlement of staff entitlements at Aliko Dangote University, and procurement of ICT equipment to enhance government communication.
The Council also endorsed programmes aimed at economic empowerment, including support for butchers and logistics for Hajj operations.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Waiya assured residents that all projects would be executed in line with due process and accountability.
He reiterated that the administration remains focused on delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State.

“The approvals underscore government’s unwavering commitment to improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall socio-economic development of Kano State,” he said.
He added that the Council also acknowledged recent recognitions and awards received by the governor, noting that they reflect the impact of ongoing reforms and leadership direction.