Mai Kero Wins APC Ticket for Kaduna South Federal Constituency 2027

Hon. Hussaini Abdulkarim Ahmed, popularly known as Mai Kero, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Kaduna South Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad, the office said Mai Kero secured the ticket through a consensus arrangement ratified by the party.

The results were announced on Saturday at the APC State Secretariat in Kaduna by Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Senator Yakubu Hussaini. According to him, Mai Kero polled 1,130 affirmative votes to emerge winner. He added that the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Mai Kero, who represents Kaduna South Federal Constituency and serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, thanked the APC leadership, delegates, and the people of Kaduna South for their trust and support.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Kaduna State Governor Malam Uba Sani, CON, for their leadership and commitment to party cohesion and development in the state.

The lawmaker acknowledged fellow contenders who stepped down from the race, including Hon. Kabiru Yakubu Jarimi, for their sacrifice toward party unity. He said he was extending the hand of fellowship to them and called on all aspirants to work together for APC’s victory in 2027.

“This victory belongs to the people of Kaduna South. It is a mandate to continue the work we started in delivering quality representation, infrastructure, education, and empowerment programs,” Mai Kero said.

Since assuming office, Mai Kero has facilitated free eye care and surgery for over 5,000 people across Kaduna State, constructed more than 10km of roads in Kaduna South Federal Constituency, and provided educational scholarships both locally and internationally. 

He also oversaw the construction of N1.5 billion educational facilities at Government Girls Secondary School Maimuna Gwarzo and a state-of-the-art Skills Acquisition Center at Kurmin Mashi. Other interventions include youth and women empowerment programs, and support for farmers.

On legislative work, he single-handedly sponsored a bill addressing land degradation caused by yearly flooding in Kaduna South Local Government, with a focus on accessing Ecological Funds for remediation.

He pledged to build on these gains and work with all stakeholders to ensure greater development for the constituency.

Capacity Movement President Alleges Manipulation of Reps Primary in Kaduna, Warns Against Imposition

National President of Capacity Movement, Alhaji Sani Shehu Sado, has alleged widespread irregularities and manipulation in the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in parts of the state.

Sado accused some government-backed interests of coercing party leadership to do the bidding of powerful political actors at the expense of internal democracy and the wishes of party members.

In a statement made available to journalists, the movement President claimed that there was an absence of party leaders and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in more than 95 percent of the wards monitored during the exercise in wards within Kaduna metropolis and that it may be worse in rural areas, raising concerns over the credibility and transparency of the process.

He alleged that the primary election was characterized by manipulation, exclusion of genuine delegates, and attempts to impose preferred candidates on party members.

According to him, “members must be allowed to freely choose flag bearers in a free, fair, and credible primary election devoid of intimidation, coercion, and political interference.”

Sado warned that the party risks losing public confidence and support ahead of the general election if urgent steps are not taken to address grievances arising from the exercise.

He said the APC must retrace its steps and return to the principles of fairness, justice, and internal democracy upon which the party was founded or risk facing serious consequences during the main election.

Alhaji Sado further stated that aggrieved members and stakeholders should resist all forms of irregularities capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process going forward and in other primaries.

Political observers say allegations of manipulation and imposition of candidates have remained recurring issues in party primaries across the country, often leading to internal crises, litigations, and defections ahead of major elections.

Efforts to get an official reaction from the Kaduna State chapter of the APC on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

ENDS

Gov. Idris Launches Digital Training to Boost Workers’ Service Delivery

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has launched a digital training programme for civil servants in the state aimed at boosting effective service delivery.

Flagging off the training exercise at the ultra-modern State Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the governor reminded workers that the present administration belongs to them, hence the need to sustain their support and cooperation.

“Nobody is better than you as far as this administration is concerned. Some people say a labour leader or a teacher cannot run the affairs of a state.

“With the help of Almighty God and your support, today, a teacher is successfully steering the affairs of this administration,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the training, Gov. Idris stated that the programme was designed to give workers a sense of belonging and create a conducive atmosphere for them to work efficiently and effectively.

The governor also promised to improve the welfare of workers through schemes that would enhance their living standards, adding that such initiatives would include car, motorcycle, and housing loans.

Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements, Gov. Idris disclosed that the government had renovated, reconstructed, and furnished over 2,000 schools, rehabilitated and equipped 22 hospitals, renovated 192 primary healthcare centres, abolished casualisation, absorbed all casual workers, and recruited 5,244 workers across different sectors.

He further noted with satisfaction that the present administration was not owing salaries, pensions, gratuities, or death benefits, assuring workers that the government remained up to date in all payments.

The governor added that the Kebbi State Government had implemented the new minimum wage of ₦75,000, which he noted is above the Federal Government’s approved ₦70,000 minimum wage.

He urged civil servants to continue supporting government policies and programmes to ensure improved performance and development in the state.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, TPL Malami Shekare, thanked the governor for providing a conducive working environment and prioritising the training and retraining of civil servants.

He assured the governor of the readiness of civil servants to continue supporting and cooperating with his administration in moving Kebbi State to greater heights.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Ibrahim Mohammad Sakaba, commended the governor for initiating the training programme.

He explained that the e-governance initiative would equip civil servants with essential digital skills for modern public administration.

About 2,000 junior and middle cadre workers are expected to participate in and benefit from the training programme.

The event also featured the presentation of a “Digital Governor” award to Dr. Nasir Idris by the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Ibrahim Mohammad Sakaba.

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.