Political Twist in Kano as Ganduje’s Son Picks NDC Nomination Form for Reps Seat

In what appears to be a major political development in Kano State, AbdulAziz Abdullahi Umar Ganduje , son of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje , has purchased a nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency under the platform of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) . AbdulAziz, who reportedly parted political ways with his family and aligned himself with the political camp of former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso , was seen in a viral video clip explaining his political mission to Kwankwaso, further fueling speculations about his growing ties with the opposition political movement in Kano . Political observers describe the development as a dramatic twist ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially given the long-standing rivalry between the APC and Kwankwaso’s political structure in the state, which has dominated Kano’s political landscape for over two decades .

The move is being viewed as a significant twist in Kano’s evolving political landscape, particularly notable because AbdulAziz’s surprise alignment with Kwankwaso comes after earlier signs of political realignment. In February 2026, AbdulAziz paid a surprise visit to Kwankwaso at his private residence in Kano, where photographs shared on social media showed him decked in the Kwankwasiyya movement ‘s trademark white and red colours, being warmly received by the former governor . That visit, which sparked serious debates among political observers and sent shockwaves through the Ganduje political camp, appears to have been a prelude to his current decision to contest under the NDC platform . With the latest development, AbdulAziz is expected to face the APC candidate in what is already being described as one of the most anticipated and fiercely contested House of Representatives races in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections, a contest that pits son against his father’s political legacy .

The New Democratic Coalition (NDC), which Kwankwaso recently joined after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to gain political momentum across Kano State, attracting supporters and key political figures ahead of the polls. The NDC’s growing influence was further demonstrated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, when a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, Hon. Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata , defected from the APC to the NDC . The lawmaker, who represents Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s home constituency, was formally received by Kwankwaso at his Maitama residence in Abuja alongside other political figures including former Vice Chairman of Gwale Local Government, Hon. Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, and Malam Mahadi Isa Umar, signaling the NDC’s growing appeal among elected officials in Kano.

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Mai Rigar Fata’s defection is particularly significant as he was first elected into the Kano State House of Assembly in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), widely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement led by Kwankwaso . He later defected alongside Governor Yusuf to the APC, but his latest move followed his inability to secure the APC ticket to seek re-election to the Assembly . His return to Kwankwaso’s political camp is expected to further reshape political dynamics in Gwale, one of the key local government areas in Kano State, and demonstrates the fluidity of political alliances in the state . These defections suggest that the NDC is emerging as a significant alternative political platform for politicians dissatisfied with the major parties ahead of 2027, potentially positioning itself as a formidable third force in Kano politics .

The Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado federal constituency , which AbdulAziz seeks to represent, is regarded as politically strategic in Kano, with both the APC and NDC expected to deploy strong grassroots mobilization ahead of the elections . The constituency has historically produced notable political figures, including the late Danmasanin Kano, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule; the late Dr. Maikano Rabiu; and the late Mustapha Janguza, making it one of the most prestigious political seats in the state . Currently, the constituency is represented by Hon. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe , who is serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives and is reportedly seeking a sixth term, a testament to his political resilience and grassroots support over nearly two decades in office .

However, Jobe has faced significant political headwinds that could make his re-election bid challenging. In February 2026, he was booed and hurriedly escorted out of the APC ward congress in Tofa Local Government Area following protests by aggrieved youths, with viral video clips showing supporters chanting disapproval while confronting the lawmaker . Some aggrieved community members have criticized Jobe’s legislative record, alleging that he sponsored only one bill during his 19 years in the National Assembly, raising questions about his effectiveness as a representative . These criticisms could provide an opening for AbdulAziz Ganduje, who is banking on his youth appeal and connection to the Kwankwasiyya movement’s grassroots network to unseat the veteran incumbent .

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Analysts believe AbdulAziz’s decision to contest under the emerging political platform could further reshape alliances within Kano politics and intensify competition in the Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado constituency. The development came barely hours after a Federal High Court ruling that struck down aspects of the electoral guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a judgment many political stakeholders believe could ease restrictions on politicians seeking alternative platforms . Reacting to the ruling, the spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, predicted a wave of defections from the APC, stating, “We believed at the time that that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC. Now that the court has ruled against it, we are sure that, in the coming days, we will witness a mass exodus from the ruling party” . This legal development could further accelerate political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections .

The development also comes amid heightened political tensions between the Ganduje and Kwankwaso camps, two political titans who have dominated Kano politics for decades. The elder Ganduje, who served two terms as governor of Kano from 2015 to 2023, has been actively working to strengthen the APC’s position in the state ahead of 2027, boasting that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is certain and that Governor Abba Yusuf would also be re-elected on the APC platform . Ganduje has described Kwankwaso as “a bird hopping from one tree to another,” insisting that his political influence is already weakening, a characterization that Kwankwaso’s camp has vehemently rejected . He has also expressed confidence that the APC can defeat Kwankwaso in Kano with the backing of Governor Yusuf, who defected to the APC earlier this year in a move that shocked many political observers .

However, the defection of his own son to the Kwankwaso camp represents a deeply personal political setback for the former APC National Chairman and underscores the intensifying political realignments currently shaping Kano politics ahead of the 2027 polls, where the state is expected to be one of Nigeria’s fiercest political battlefields. The move has drawn sharp reactions from political observers and party loyalists on both sides of the Kano political divide. While some see AbdulAziz’s move as a bold political calculation that could pay dividends given Kwankwaso’s grassroots appeal, others view it as a betrayal of his family’s political legacy. Regardless of the interpretation, the Ganduje family’s political dynasty now appears to be fractured, with father and son potentially backing opposing candidates in the same constituency .

As the 2027 elections approach, AbdulAziz Ganduje’s candidacy under the NDC banner sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most closely watched House of Representatives contests in Kano State. The race will pit the son of one of Kano’s most prominent political figures against the APC candidate in a constituency that has long been a political stronghold. Whether this move signals deeper cracks within the Ganduje political structure or represents a calculated gamble by a young politician seeking to carve his own path remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political landscape of Kano State is shifting, and all eyes will be on the Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado constituency when voters go to the polls in 2027 . The outcome of this contest could have broader implications for the balance of power in Kano and beyond, potentially reshaping alliances and influencing the direction of the state’s politics for years to come.

Political Twist in Kano as Ganduje’s Son Picks NDC Nomination Form for Reps Seat

APC Primary: Tinubu Sweeps Lagos, Borno Wards in Landslide Victory

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday secured a decisive victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary held in Ward L2, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, polling 4,996 votes to overwhelmingly defeat his sole challenger, businessman Sterlyn Osifo . The exercise, conducted under the APC’s direct primary system adopted for the 2027 presidential race, allowed party members across the nation’s 8,809 wards to participate in selecting the ruling party’s flagbearer for the upcoming general election . President Tinubu, who is seeking re-election ahead of the 2027 polls, arrived at the polling centre at Ireti Nursery and Primary School on Mekwen Street, off Queens Drive, Ikoyi, at approximately 11:34 a.m., accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu amid tight security, with the accreditation process having commenced at 10:45 a.m. and ended at 11:15 a.m. before the President joined the queue to be counted alongside other party members .

The ward returning officer, Martha Adikwu , announced that out of 5,163 registered party members in the ward, Tinubu secured 4,996 votes, while his challenger, Sterlyn Osifo, recorded zero votes . Adikwu noted that when she called for the agents of the two aspirants, only the agent of President Tinubu was present at the ward, further confirming the overwhelming support for the incumbent. Earlier, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi , addressed party members, praising the high turnout and assuring them that the party and the President would not disappoint them. “You are here to exercise your franchise to elect the candidate of your choice to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential elections. We must be orderly and do it in such a way that the people of Nigeria will know that this is the best organised party as far as the Federal Republic is concerned,” Ojelabi said, adding that “the rewards of your loyalty to the party will yield benefits in due course” .

President Tinubu also emerged victorious at Ward D3 on Lagos Island , where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cast his vote, securing 1,887 votes in the primary election. Governor Sanwo-Olu, who voted alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and other state officials, commended party members for the peaceful conduct and impressive turnout recorded during the exercise. “I commend the 1,887 votes recorded for President Bola Tinubu. The process has been peaceful and orderly. I thank party members for their patience and support for the APC and our leader,” the governor said after voting . Top APC leaders present at the Lagos exercise included former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Wale Edun , APC Lagos State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi , party chieftain Kola Peregrino , and Chief Returning Officers for the Presidential Election as well as members of the Local Organising Committee for the primary, led by the Secretary, Adekunle Olayinka.

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Speaking with journalists after casting his vote, President Tinubu commended APC governors for conducting peaceful, transparent, and well-organised primaries across the country, noting that reports reaching him from across the party chapters showed that the exercise was going smoothly nationwide. “Today I am very satisfied. The governors have done well in their states. From the ward congresses to the local government congresses, delegates’ accreditation, validation, membership register, and certification of the electoral process, they have done well,” Tinubu said, adding that “this is grassroots politics where every member of the party has the right to participate and be involved” . The President expressed delight at the massive support from party members, stating: “I’m excited with the massive support today; they’ve challenged me to do more” .

In a significant development that underscores the President’s nationwide appeal, Tinubu also recorded a clean sweep in Mafa Ward, Borno State – the home ward of Governor Babagana Zulum . The direct primary was held at Mafa Central Primary School and presided over by the Chairperson of the Presidential Primary Election Committee, Hajiya Inna Alkali Imam. Tinubu polled 2,175 votes , representing all valid votes cast in the ward, while his challenger, Stanley Osifo, again scored zero votes. Mafa Ward has 2,277 registered APC members, with 2,175 members accredited for the exercise . Governor Zulum, who serves as the Coordinator and Collation Officer for the presidential primary in Borno State, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primary and the turnout of party members. “I am from Mafa Ward, and that is why I am here to witness and participate in the exercise. We have two candidates, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr Stanley Osifo. So far so good, we have conducted the presidential primary election for Mafa ward, and I am very impressed with the turnout. We have a total of about 2,277 registered party members in Mafa ward, out of which 2,175 were accredited for the voting, and all of them voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the other candidate scored zero,” Zulum said .

Similarly, in Katsina State , Governor Dikko Radda expressed confidence that President Tinubu and candidates of the APC will emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections. Governor Radda stated this after casting his vote in Radda town, Charanchi Local Government Area, describing the large turnout of party supporters as “a reflection of Nigerians’ confidence in the APC-led administration and the strength of democracy.” According to him, “every APC member was given the opportunity to participate freely in the process of electing the party’s presidential candidate” . Former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema also described the turnout of APC supporters during the presidential primary as encouraging, speaking after casting his vote in Dutsin-Ma and commending the peaceful conduct of the affirmation and direct voting process across the country, particularly in Katsina State. The former governor noted that improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially amendments to the Electoral Act, had strengthened internal democracy and transparency within political parties.

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In Ogun State , former Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun participated in the APC presidential primary election in his ward, reaffirming his support for President Tinubu and describing the exercise as a demonstration of unity within the ruling party . “Today is very special. Today is for the President, and we all must come out to show and demonstrate that we are for the President and for APC,” Amosun said . “Every ward in Nigeria is doing this, and we have to come and participate and do our bit too. I am happy with our people. You can see they are very excited and eager to be part of what is going on.” Amosun added that there is no dissension within the party, stating: “Everybody agreed that we want our President to continue” .

The APC adopted the direct primary model for the 2027 presidential race, a departure from the delegate system used in previous elections. This approach allows party members across the country’s 8,809 wards to participate directly in the selection of the party’s candidate. The exercise is being contested by the incumbent President and businessman Sterlyn Osifo, an APC chieftain from Edo State . The schedule of the primaries as released by the APC indicated that the exercise was to commence with House of Representatives elections, but it was later shifted due to disagreements over the method to adopt in carrying out the exercise. Many aspirants who lost have been “gnashing their teeth,” according to reports, while those who won have been jubilating, with the past week producing “big winners and unexpected losers” across various levels of the primaries .

Voting commenced across APC wards nationwide on Saturday morning, with party officials, supporters, and security personnel monitoring the process. President Tinubu praised the conduct of the exercise, noting that the reports reaching him nationwide showed that the primaries were peaceful and reflected proper grassroots participation and internal democracy within the ruling party . The presidential primary is continuing across the country, with final results expected to be announced by the party at a later date. As the APC prepares for the 2027 general election, President Tinubu’s commanding performance in the direct primary across multiple states signals strong party support for his second-term ambition, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive election season.

APC Primary: Tinubu Sweeps Lagos, Borno Wards in Landslide Victory

Amaechi Claims Credit for Buhari’s 2015 Victory, Downplays Tinubu’s Role

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has claimed that he played the pivotal role in securing the victory of late President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not “make” Buhari president.

Amaechi made the remarks during an interview on ARISE News’ Prime Time, where he responded to long-standing claims by Tinubu that his political structure and influence were central to Buhari’s emergence in 2015.

Amaechi challenged Tinubu’s assertion over Buhari’s 2015 victory, saying that while the President played a role in party mobilisation, he personally led more direct efforts that shaped the outcome of the election.

According to him, he was unable to openly dispute Tinubu’s claims at the time because he was serving as a minister in Buhari’s administration, a position that required political caution.

“When we decided to form the APC, while I was a minister, (Tinubu) was claiming he made Buhari president and I couldn’t respond because I was a minister under President Buhari. That would have been suicidal because Buhari could fire you,” Amaechi said.

He explained that his position within the federal cabinet limited his ability to publicly counter political narratives at the time.

Amaechi, who served as Director-General of Buhari’s 2015 presidential campaign, said he coordinated nationwide mobilisation efforts that contributed significantly to the APC’s electoral victory.

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“So I couldn’t have said, ‘You are wrong.’ He didn’t make President Buhari president. Not only was I the DG of the campaign, but everybody will bear witness that I did all the battle,” he said.

“I led the Governors’ Forum, criss-crossed the country fighting here and there trying to get Nigerians to know that this is the time for change.”

He further stated that he played a central role in rallying governors and political stakeholders during the formation of the APC coalition, which eventually ended the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Amaechi was among the key opposition figures involved in the 2013–2014 political realignment that led to the creation of the APC.

The party emerged from a merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and factions of APGA and the PDP.

The coalition went on to defeat then-President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general election, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s political history.

Political observers have continued to argue that both Amaechi and Tinubu played significant but different roles in the APC’s emergence, with Tinubu credited for strengthening the party’s South-West structure and Amaechi for coordinating governors and national campaign operations.

President Bola Tinubu has previously maintained that his political influence and strategic leadership were crucial to Buhari’s electoral success and the formation of the APC.

Amaechi’s comments come amid renewed political tensions among key figures involved in the 2015 coalition, as realignments begin ahead of future elections.

The former Rivers governor is currently positioning himself for the 2027 presidential race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is seeking the party’s presidential ticket.

He has also intensified criticism of the Tinubu administration in recent months, particularly over economic hardship, inflation, and broader governance concerns.

The renewed exchange of claims has reignited public debate over the political actors who truly shaped Buhari’s rise to power in 2015 and the internal dynamics of the APC coalition.

Amaechi Claims Credit for Buhari’s 2015 Victory, Downplays Tinubu’s Role