​By Ado Isa Jagaba

​The persistent turmoil within the Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has, once again, starkly exposed the deep-seated faultlines dividing the party. Yet, amidst this chaos, a quieter but far more instructive story is unfolding—the dignified restrain and profound political maturity demonstrated by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, in the face of sustained internal betrayal.

​In 2021, during the crucial APC State Congress, Senator Barau, then a serving Senator and Chairman of the powerful Senate Committee on Appropriations, was systematically denied any meaningful influence. He was refused even an ex-officio slot at the ward, local-government, and state levels. Furthermore, his known allies were barred from serving as supervisory councillors, political advisers, or special assistants, with any identified supporter being ruthlessly sidelined.

​However, instead of engaging in public retaliation or fueling the internal discord, he executed a masterclass in political focus. He kept his attention strictly on delivering concrete development projects, roads, boreholes, schools, and scholarships. Often extending these dividends of democracy far beyond his Kano North Senatorial constituency.

​A Strategy of Silent Service

​His silence in the face of humiliation was not weakness; it was a strategic choice. This political maturity allowed him to rise above the petty fray and continued his unwavering service to the people. When the same elements later attempted to block his Senatorial ticket, national party elders were compelled to intervene. Barau’s perseverance ultimately paid off. He not only overwhelmingly retained his Senate seat, but was subsequently elevated to the position of Deputy President of the Senate, the fifth highest political office in the country.

​Why Barau’s Conduct is the APC’s Current Lesson

​Barau’s political trajectory offers clear, actionable lessons for the crisis-ridden party.

​Service Over Spite

Despite being denied the gubernatorial ticket and facing attempts to sabotage his Senatorial nomination, the Senator put the party first. He extensively financed the Gawuna/Garo gubernatorial campaign in 2023, played a pivotal role in the APC sweeping five of the six House of Representatives seats in his zone, and generously funded crucial legal battles all the way to the Supreme Court.

​Empowering the Grassroots

Barau has used his federal influence to empower party faithful, securing over 2,500 APC members position of Senior Legislative Aides, Special Adviser roles and influencing numerous federal appointments. This level of patronage and direct welfare for party members is widely regarded as unmatched in Kano’s recent political history. He has also donated hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles to party leadership at all levels.

​A Figure of Unification

The widespread grassroots call for Barau to run for Governor is not accidental. It is a direct recognition of his proven ability to bridge political divides, deliver tangible results, and provide the much-needed cohesion to a fractured party structure.

​The Desperation of the Cabal

​The same cabal that once exploited the gentlemanly nature of our former leader, Baba Ganduje, to humiliate Senator Barau now finds itself increasingly restless and confused. These elements, having benefited from the system, while neglecting the party’s welfare structure, constantly envy the goodwill and resources Senator Barau has directed towards the APC faithfuls.

​Today, they are desperately oiling fabricated and baseless publications aimed at tarnishing his image and sowing division, particularly by misrepresenting his independent political activities as a direct attack on Baba Ganduje’s personality. They are the same people who, having lost their source of leverage, now resort to hiding behind the former governor, seeking continuous protection to the detriment of the party’s survival as a viable opposition force in Kano.

​Unaware that the Senator is far ahead in strategy and political manoeuvring. Their paid “data boys” propagate falsehoods, trying to portray the powerful Senator as a battle-ready opponent of Ganduje’s political empire. However, their efforts fail daily. The resources they once enjoyed are no longer flowing. They cannot match the abundant political capital and widespread support at the disposal of the Deputy Senate President. A serious political Tsunami is being witnessed as many responsible and loyal party members desert their camp, which was built on a shaky foundation of self-interest rather than genuine party welfare.

​The Clear Lesson

​While critics may correctly argue that internal disagreements are inevitable and that the party should pursue reconciliation, others contend that Barau’s track record of quiet, effective service and broad support makes him the natural candidate to restore cohesion and secure future victories.
​Whatever the political outcome, the lesson for the Kano APC is clear: political maturity, as exemplified and typified by Senator, can transform humiliation into a platform for greater influence and power. The party must acknowledge that the same hands that built critical infrastructure and funded crucial legal battles are now being asked to lead the state.
​As many Kano APC stalwarts succinctly put it, “If you want a governor who can turn the tide of the state, look to the man who turned silence into service.”

Lajawa is a Political Analyst, from Warawa Local Government, Kano State
December 7, 2025
Email: adoisajagaban@gmail.com

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, 24th October, 2025, the President announced sweeping changes in the military hierarchy.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

It added, “The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu; Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff; while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.”

The development came barely a week after an online media platform, Sahara Reporters, published a story alleging that some military officers plotted to remove President Tinubu.

Hence, the citizens summarily adjudged that General Christopher Musa was sacked on that note.

While on the other hand, Nigerians differ on his leadership role as the Chief of Defence Staff:

a. Some Nigerians are of the opinion that GC Musa did extremely well in the fight against insurgencies while serving as the CDS, stating that he intensified kinetic operations across multiple fronts, leading to the death of several high-value terrorist/bandit leaders.

b. Others opined that he performed poorly, citing the unending cases of terrorism and the reinforcement of its leaders who had been sent into exile previously.

In an extremely shocking wave, a month and some days after the relinquishment of GC Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, news broke that he had been picked as Abubakar Badaru’s replacement, who had resigned as the Minister of Defence on health grounds.

Again, the public was thrown into another round of debate:

a. Who was sacked from office as CDS cannot be appointed as Minister for that same ministry.

b. GC Musa’s appointment is timely and meritorious.

The new Defence Minister was celebrated across all social media platforms by the latter group of Nigerians, while the other group expressed disbelief.

Well, the new Minister has assumed office and has started hitting the ground running from Friday, December 5, 2025.

However, a security analyst reached out to by this newspaper believed there is more to the going and coming of General Christopher, but which cannot be explained at the moment:

“Well, at this point, no one can really say much about the reason why he was sacked. If it was based on incompetence, then why is he back?” Mr. Yakubu said.
“Or could it be that he was sacked in order to prepare him for this current position?” our correspondent asked, and he replied, “No one can say.”

—

The Challenges Ahead For GC Musa

Speaking further with the security expert, Yakubu Mohammed, he noted that although the new Defence Minister had stated that he cannot afford to fail Nigerians as they are expecting much, it is a no-brainer that Nigeria’s security issue is complex and dynamic—rooted in a deep interplay of historical grievances, economic marginalization, ethno-religious tensions, poor governance, and environmental pressures.

He mentioned that each of the factors listed above has its challenges, and as such, Nigerians are beginning to ponder how GC Musa will handle them.

Ultimately, Mr. Yakubu asserted that:

“The chief architect of those factors that birthed insecurity is CORRUPTION. If GC Musa can conquer the corruption that awaits him in the Defence Ministry, he might get it right.”

He continued, “Some of the key layers of corruption and systemic issues that can cripple effectiveness are obviously poor equipment, leaked intelligence, and poor leadership (from bought promotions) leading to battlefield losses and inability to secure territory. Emphasis on the leaked intelligence.”

When asked to shed more light on the emphasis about leaked intelligence, Mr. Yakubu categorically stated that selling operational intelligence to insurgents or criminal gangs for personal gain severely compromises missions and endangers lives, and that boils down to “operational failure.”

The security analyst also mentioned that GC Musa needs serious reforms in the ministry in order to prevail, but which will not be feasible if senior military and civilian officials within the establishment who are vested in the existing corrupt system, sabotaging reform efforts to protect their interests, are not stopped.

Most importantly, Mr. Yakubu recommended that for the success of GC Musa, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, must be sacked.

“That former governor of Zamfara State serving alongside GC Musa must go.”

“People like Bulama Bukarti and Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi should serve alongside General Christopher,” he added.

When asked what his reasons are for recommending the sacking of Bello Matawalle, the analyst, without mincing words, said that Matawalle is an associate of some of the bandit leaders.

“Right from the time he served as Zamfara State governor to now, he has repeatedly had connections with bandit leaders—questionable connections.”

“Such a personality in that ministry is capable of sabotaging efforts to combat those terrorists,” he added.

Mr. Yakubu conclusively ended the interview by asking our correspondent an intriguing question:

“Why haven’t the security operatives captured Turji—the bandit lord, yet?”

A question in which an answer truly aligns with his take on the minister.

The security expert also suggested that:

“The military’s inherent culture of secrecy can be used as a shield to block necessary civilian oversight and transparency initiatives.”

But added that it will be difficult if Matawalle continues to be in the structure.

Ultimately, as explained by the security expert, the new Defence Minister’s biggest battle may not be against external adversaries, but against the entrenched “institutional corruption” within the defence establishment itself. Success will depend less on military strategy and more on courageous governance, systemic reform, and ruthless integrity.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has mandated all Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators nationwide to register with the Commission by 1 January 2026, announcing that any unregistered operator will be prohibited from conducting business after that date.

In a public notice issued on Saturday, the CAC cited a significant increase in the number of unregistered PoS businesses across the country.

The Commission emphasized that operating an unregistered PoS enterprise is a violation of both the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agent Banking Regulations.

The CAC also faulted some fintech firms for onboarding unregistered agents, describing the practice as reckless and harmful to the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.

It warned that the trend exposes millions of Nigerians, including small business owners and rural users, to economic and investment risks.

“Fintechs enabling illegal operations will be placed on the watchlist and reported to the CBN. All operators are advised to regularise immediately. Compliance is mandatory

“Beginning from 1st January 2026, no PoS operator will be allowed to conduct business in Nigeria without completing full registration,” the CAC said

Nigerian Tracker News gathered that this is not the first time the call regarding enforced regulatory monitoring of the PoS has been made.

There have been several calls on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take urgent steps toward curbing worsening cases of fraud affecting PoS businesses across the nation.