ADC Youth Forum Endorses Shuaibu Idris for Kaduna Governorship

The Kaduna State chapter of the ADC Youth Consultative Forum has endorsed Hon. Shuaibu Idris mni, popularly known as Mikatai, for the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the next gubernatorial election in Kaduna State.

The group said the endorsement followed what it described as extensive consultations and careful assessment of the political realities and leadership needs of the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Aminu Yahaya, the forum said the endorsement was based on merit, competence, leadership capacity and integrity rather than sentiment or ethnic considerations.

According to the group, Kaduna State requires “a leader who understands governance, possesses intellectual depth, commands integrity, and has the practical capacity to unite and develop the state.”

The forum described Shuaibu Idris as an experienced and intellectually sound personality with the capacity to address the state’s socio-economic and political challenges.

It noted that his educational background, administrative experience and human resource management skills distinguished him among contemporary political figures in the state.

The group also cited his integrity, credibility and grassroots acceptance as part of the reasons behind the endorsement.

“At a time when citizens are demanding transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership, Hon. Shuaibu Idris stands out as a man of integrity and credibility,” the statement said.

The forum further stated that the aspirant possessed the financial and economic understanding required to drive investment, youth empowerment and infrastructure development in Kaduna State.

It added that Idris had continued to demonstrate political maturity and bridge-building capacity across different divides.

The group called on the leadership of the ADC, party stakeholders, youth and women groups, religious and community leaders, as well as residents of Kaduna State, to support Idris’ governorship ambition.

According to the forum, the endorsement reflects the aspirations of youths seeking “competent, visionary and people-oriented leadership” in the state.

Gov. Idris Successfully Scales APC Screening, Appreciates Party Leadership

 

The Kebbi State Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has successfully scaled through gubernatorial screening conducted by the national body of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The screening exercise, conducted on Friday by the screening committee headed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda at the Plateu State Liaison Office, Abuja on Friday was peaceful and successful.

In his remarks, the Chairman, of the Screening Committee, who is also the Party's National chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, congratulated Governor Idris on the successful screening which paves the way for his second term bid.

"Having met the requirement of the party and the provisions of the law, you have been successfully screened and qualified to contest for second term in office,” he stated.

He explained that the APC Screening Committee for Sitting Governors seeking re-election or aspiring for Senate seats is chaired by himself.

He added that the APC National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Ph.D, serves as Secretary of the committee, while other members include members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Responding, the Kebbi State Governor and APC gubernatorial Aspirant, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris appreciated the APC national leadership for finding him worthy to be the flag bearer of the party for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The Governor equally thanked the people of Kebbi State for their continued support and confidence in his administration, assuring them that his second term in the office would also provide more developmental projects across all sectors of the economy.

Gov. Idris pledged to sustain and expand athe good works his administration has already initiated for the benefit of the people of Kebbi and Nigeria at large. 

The Governor was accompanied by the State APC leadership led by Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, His Excellency Ambassador Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakingari, Acting Speaker State House of Assembly Rt Hon Samaila Muhammad Bagudo, SSG,Alh Yakubu Bala Tafida, Dr. Usman Sani Tunga, members of the House Representatives, members State House of Assembly, members State Executive Council, and other party stakeholders.

Youth Groups Seek Stronger Collaboration With Defence Ministry on Peace and Security

 

A coalition of youth and civil society organisations has called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence in efforts to promote peace, unity and security across Northern Nigeria.

The group, operating under the Forum for Youth Development, Unity & Peace Initiative (FYDUPI), made the call during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja.

The delegation, which included members of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, ethnic nationality groups from Northern Nigeria, Christian Youth Alliance and other civil society partners, was led by its Chairman, Comrade Abdul Danbature.

The group said the visit was aimed at presenting a proposal focused on strengthening national security through coordinated youth and community engagement.

According to the delegation, key areas of focus include promoting peaceful coexistence among religious and ethnic groups, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding, supporting community-based intelligence sharing with security agencies, combating drug abuse among youths and enhancing youth empowerment initiatives.

Others include promoting public awareness of government and military achievements as well as encouraging productive youth engagement across communities.

The group said the Minister expressed readiness to work with them in advancing national peace and security efforts.

“He emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and continuous advocacy for social cohesion,” the statement said, adding that the Minister also stressed the need to address misinformation and ignorance through education and sustained engagement.

The delegation further noted that the Minister encouraged the use of social media platforms, including TikTok, as tools for promoting positive values and public enlightenment.

In recognition of the initiative, the Minister reportedly presented the delegation with an award, describing the engagement as a step toward stronger collaboration in support of national security objectives.

FYDUPI described the meeting as productive and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Defence Ministry and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and stability across the country.

The group said it would continue to pursue community-driven solutions aimed at addressing insecurity and strengthening social cohesion in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

Group Warns APC Against Imposing Kaduna Senate Candidate

The Capacity Movement has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against imposing a candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that only a transparent and democratic primary process would be acceptable to party members.

The group issued the warning while rejecting the alleged endorsement of former senator Shehu Sani as a “consensus candidate” for the Kaduna Central Senate race.

In a statement signed by its President, Shehu Sani Sado, the movement described the purported endorsement as undemocratic and lacking broad consultation with stakeholders and aspirants within the party.

According to the statement, any attempt to impose a candidate could trigger discontent and political tension within the APC in Kaduna State.

“The APC must understand that fielding any unpopular or imposed candidate in Kaduna Central could have grave political consequences for the party in future elections,” the group stated.

The movement questioned how a credible consensus arrangement could emerge without the participation of other aspirants, including Yerima Shettima and Yusuf Zailani.

“We make bold to ask: how can any credible consensus emerge without broad consultations and the inclusion of other notable aspirants and stakeholders in the race?” the statement added.

The group also raised concerns over alleged links between the endorsement exercise and interests within the Kaduna State Government despite previous assurances that no aspirant would be favoured.

“It is also disturbing that despite repeated assurances by Governor Uba Sani, through the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, that there would be no anointed candidate in Kaduna State, an official campaign office allegedly linked to government interests is now being associated with this controversial endorsement exercise,” the statement said.

The Capacity Movement maintained that democracy within the APC could only thrive through openness, credibility and equal opportunity for all aspirants.

The group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, the national leadership of the APC and the Kaduna State chapter of the party to guarantee free, fair and transparent primaries.

It specifically demanded direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest.

“We wish to state clearly, unequivocally and without ambiguity that we are demanding direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest,” the statement noted.

The movement further warned that any process perceived to deny aspirants a level playing field could be challenged through legal and political means.

“Anything short of a direct and credible democratic process will be resisted through every legitimate political and legal means available,” it added.

Northern Youth Groups Condemn Sealing of ACF Headquarters, Demand Legal Action

The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has condemned the sealing of the national headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as illegal and unconstitutional.

In a  statement jointly signed by Muhammad Isa, Director of Public and Strategic Communication of JACON, and the group’s Secretary, Comrade Raphael Terkolar, they stated that the closure of the ACF headquarters represented “a dangerous assault on the rule of law, fundamental rights of association, and the sanctity of civil society organization's in Northern Nigeria.”

The youth groups said there was no justification for the shutdown of the ACF office without due legal process.

“This draconian action… represents a dangerous assault on the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that the development was being viewed “not as an isolated act but as a calculated pattern of intimidation against voices of reason and conscience in our region.”

JACON accused the police of exceeding its constitutional powers, insisting that sealing a private property and civil society office without a court order amounted to abuse of power.

The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to identify and sanction officers allegedly involved in the action.

“We strongly condemn the Nigeria Police Force for overstepping its constitutional mandate,” the statement added.

The youth coalition further alleged that the action may have been aimed at silencing the ACF over its positions on governance and national issues.

It urged the leadership of the ACF to institute legal action against the Nigeria Police Force and any other parties connected to the sealing of the headquarters.

According to the group, the ACF should seek judicial pronouncement declaring the action unlawful and resist “any backdoor negotiations that legitimise the act.”

JACON also warned that northern youths may mobilise for peaceful protests and civil action should the ACF headquarters remain sealed.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ACF, which has pitched the Board of Trustees (BOT) against the National Executive Committee (NEC) over tenure disputes, constitutional interpretation and allegations of financial misconduct.

The internal rift has led to parallel claims of legitimacy by both camps, further deepening tensions within the influential northern socio-political organisation.

Kaduna 2027: Shettima Picks APC Nomination Forms for Senate Bid

A frontline aspirant for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has obtained his expression of interest and nomination forms on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forms were collected on his behalf by his associates, Hon. Danjuma Paul and Barrister Onus Eugene.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Shettima said his decision to pick the forms was aimed at dispelling doubts about his seriousness to contest the seat.

He recalled that he recently led a large crowd of supporters on a declaration visit to the party leadership in Kaduna State, where he formally signalled his intention to join the race.

The aspirant reaffirmed his readiness to participate in the party primaries and dismissed speculations about the emergence of a consensus candidate.

According to him, Kaduna Central requires quality representation in the Senate, stressing that he possesses the integrity, capacity and acceptance needed to serve the people effectively.

Shettima, a former President-General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative(NSCI), said his background in youth advocacy has strengthened his connection with the electorate.

Political observers believe his previous leadership roles have boosted his popularity, particularly among young people in the district.

Also speaking, President of the Capacity Movement, Shehu Sani Sado, described Shettima as a strong contender in the race, noting that current political dynamics favour his emergence.

He added that the aspirant remains one of the leading figures to watch in the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.

ENDS

AYAGL, CSOs Applaud Military Pensions Board Boss Over Reforms

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), in collaboration with the Forum for Youth Development Unity & Peace Initiative and 11 other civil society organisations, has commended the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, for what it described as outstanding leadership and transformative reforms in pension administration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, and made available to newsmen,  the group said the Board under Abdulraheem’s leadership has emerged as a model of discipline, transparency and efficiency, particularly in the timely payment of entitlements to retired military personnel.

AYAGL President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, who signed the statement on behalf of the coalition, noted that the consistent and prompt payment of pensions marks a significant departure from past challenges that had undermined the welfare of retirees.

He said, “The timely and consistent payment of retired military personnel under his leadership is not just commendable. It is exemplary and transformative.”

The group observed that pension administration in the military had, over the years, been fraught with delays and inefficiencies, but added that the current leadership of the Board has reversed the trend through deliberate reforms and administrative discipline.

According to the statement, key improvements recorded by the Board include enhanced operational efficiency, removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the adoption of a people-centred approach that prioritises accountability and welfare.

“This remarkable turnaround reflects a clear vision for institutional reform and a commitment to service. This is leadership that delivers and reform that works,” the statement added.

The coalition also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Abdulraheem to lead the Board, describing the decision as strategic and impactful.

It stated that the appointment has yielded tangible results and underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and improving governance.

While urging the Military Pensions Board to sustain and deepen the reforms, the group called on other government agencies to emulate the standard of service delivery demonstrated by the board.

AYAGL further reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and impactful leadership across the country.

“When leadership works with integrity, the people benefit. Today, we celebrate such leadership,” the statement said.

ENDS