Politics

Shekarau, Barau Secure Tickets as Gov Yusuf’s Peace Moves Strengthen APC

Published

17 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Shekarau, Barau Secure Tickets as Gov Yusuf’s Peace Moves Strengthen APC

Kano, Nigeria – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has successfully intervened to resolve the political dispute between Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South, and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, member of the House of Representatives for the Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency. The high-stakes reconciliation came just after the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state announced the conclusion of its senatorial and House of Representatives primary elections for the 2027 general elections.

The governor summoned a high-level meeting that brought the two influential political figures together, leading to a public declaration of peace. Speaking shortly after the reconciliation, Senator Sumaila described the disagreement as a misunderstanding and the “handiwork of Satan,” emphasizing that both men have now forgiven each other and forgotten their differences. “We are one family, and what unites us is more than politics; we have family ties and other relationships beyond imagination. What happened was a misunderstanding, and we have resolved the differences, and it is indeed the devil’s work,” the lawmaker stated.

In his remarks, Honorable Rurum confirmed that the dispute had been fully settled and that they had now reunited as one family, pledging to work together more closely than ever before. Rurum also expressed profound gratitude to Governor Yusuf for his timely and significant efforts in bringing lasting peace between them. The meeting was attended by high-profile stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, APC Ex-Officio Alhaji Muhammad Jamu, APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum. Governor Yusuf’s intervention is widely seen as a strategic move to ensure unity and victory for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Following the peace pact, the two leaders invited their supporters to attend the affirmation of Senator Kawu Sumaila as the APC senatorial candidate for Kano South, which was scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026. The reconciliation is expected to calm political tensions in the southern part of the state, where both politicians command significant followings.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has officially concluded its primary elections. In a significant display of party discipline, 20 out of the 24 House of Representatives seats were decided by consensus, while direct primaries were held for the remaining four constituencies where stakeholders failed to reach agreements. The party’s spokesperson in the state, Auwalu Soja, disclosed that the consensus arrangement enabled most serving lawmakers to secure return tickets without contention. Those returned through consensus include prominent House leaders such as Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abubakar Kabir Bichi (Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation), and Abdulmumin Jibrin (former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation).

Other lawmakers who secured tickets include Hamisu Chidari, who clinched a third-term ticket for the Dambatta Federal Constituency; Mustapha Bala Maigidan Ruwa for Dawakin Kudu/Warawa; and Sulaiman Mukthar Ishaq for Madobi/Garun Mallam. Additional winners include Shehu Muhammad for Fagge Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Muazu Baban Ganduje for Kabo/Gwarzo Federal Constituency, Idris Dankawu for Kumbotso, Rabiu Ibn Yusuf for Takai/Sumaila, and Mohammad Nalaraba for Gezawa/Gabasawa Federal Constituency.

In one of the few constituencies that proceeded to a direct primary, former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, failed in his bid to return to the National Assembly. Lawan, who completed a five-year prison sentence for bribery in 2024 and received a presidential pardon from Bola Tinubu in October 2025, was defeated by the incumbent lawmaker, Yusuf Ahmad Badau, in a keenly contested primary for the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency. Lawan, once nicknamed “Mr Integrity,” chaired the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the multi-billion naira fuel subsidy fraud in 2012. His political career collapsed when billionaire oil magnate Femi Otedola accused him of demanding a $3 million bribe, leading to his conviction and imprisonment. Under Section 107 of the Nigerian Constitution, convicted individuals are barred from contesting elections for 10 years post-conviction, but President Tinubu’s pardon wiped away his legal disqualifications. Despite this, the voters and party delegates in Bagwai/Shanono preferred the incumbent.

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Confirming the development, Auwalu Soja noted that the primary elections were conducted peacefully across the state without any major security challenges. “The exercise was conducted in a mature and peaceful manner. There were no security challenges throughout the process,” he stated.

Earlier reconciliation efforts by Governor Yusuf also paved the way for smooth senatorial primaries. Both APC senators, Barau I. Jibrin for Kano North and Kawu Sumaila for Kano South, retained their tickets following reconciliation talks. Former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau was also handed the party’s ticket to contest for Kano Central after seven aspirants stepped down for him. The aspirants who sacrificed their political ambitions include Usman Bala, former Chief of Staff to Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari; Danyaro Yakasai; Abbas Sani Abbas, former commissioner under Ganduje; Abdulfatah Zango; and Shehu Isa Driver. The resolution in favour of Shekarau was reached after a high-level reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Yusuf in Abuja. However, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, a major contender in the race, was notably absent from the meeting.

Similarly, Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin retained his ticket for Kano North following a consensus agreement with former aspirant Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo (ATM) , the immediate-past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, who stepped down in the interest of party unity. Gwarzo announced his withdrawal after a series of closed-door meetings involving Governor Yusuf, former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other key stakeholders. Gwarzo stated that the move was made “in the interest of unity and stability within the party ahead of future elections,” adding that “preserving peace within the APC is more important than personal ambition.” Responding to the development, Senator Barau commended Governor Yusuf, Dr. Ganduje, and other stakeholders for facilitating the reconciliation, saying the outcome would further strengthen the APC in Kano.

Speaking on the overall primary process, the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, urged supporters to put past disagreements behind them and work together to secure victory for the party at all levels. He also praised Governor Yusuf for his foresight and leadership in facilitating the reconciliation processes across the state. With all major disputes resolved and candidates now selected, the APC in Kano is poised to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shekarau, Barau Secure Tickets as Gov Yusuf’s Peace Moves Strengthen APC

Related Topics:Abba Kabir Yusuf APC Barau Shekarau

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“Atiku Can’t Win Election” — Amaechi Rules Out Stepping Down

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Politics

Yahaya Bello Sweeps Kogi Central APC Primary As Oshiomhole Wins Edo North

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Adams Oshiomhole and Yahya Bello

Yahaya Bello Sweeps Kogi Central APC Primary As Oshiomhole Wins Edo North

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kogi Central after recording a sweeping victory across the district’s five local government areas.

The former governor secured 72,399 votes in the primary conducted on Monday, defeating Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke, who polled 319 votes, and Momoh Yusuf Obaro, who garnered 188 votes.

The result was announced by the Returning Officer, Dr Sadiq Mohammed, who declared Bello winner of the APC Kogi Central senatorial primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the official breakdown of results, Bello scored 18,341 votes in Adavi Local Government Area, 10,298 in Ajaokuta, 5,146 in Ogori/Magongo, 8,943 in Okehi and a massive 29,621 votes in Okene Local Government Area.

The outcome further strengthens Bello’s political influence within the ruling APC in Kogi State despite his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Party sources said the former governor enjoyed strong backing from grassroots delegates and influential stakeholders across Kogi Central throughout the primary exercise.

Speaking after the election, Bello thanked APC members and supporters for the overwhelming mandate, promising to deliver effective representation if elected into the Senate in 2027.

He also called on aggrieved aspirants and party members to unite ahead of the general election.

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Meanwhile, the Kogi APC primaries produced mixed outcomes in other senatorial districts.

In Kogi West, incumbent Senator Sunday Karimi reportedly maintained a comfortable lead after several frontline aspirants withdrew from the race before the conclusion of the exercise.

Among those said to have stepped down were former senator Smart Adeyemi and Samuel Bamidele Aro, a development that boosted Karimi’s chances of securing the party ticket.

However, the contest in Kogi East generated controversy, with reports indicating that incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho was trailing behind his rival, Dr Joe Erico Ameh, in parts of the district.

Echocho reportedly lost in his Dekina Local Government Area, where he polled only two votes, while Ameh secured 19,805 votes.

Dr Joe Erico Ameh is believed to enjoy the backing of powerful stakeholders within the Kogi APC structure.

Some aspirants, including Muritala Ajaka and Echocho, criticised the conduct of the primary election, alleging irregularities and claiming that the process fell below acceptable party standards.

In Edo State, former governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, emerged as the APC candidate for Edo North Senatorial District unopposed.

The party’s Returning Officer, Kassim Otono, announced that Oshiomhole polled 24,284 votes to clinch the APC ticket for a second term in the Senate.

Addressing journalists after the announcement, Oshiomhole described his unopposed victory as a huge honour and thanked party members across Edo North for their confidence in him.

“For me to have nobody challenging me in Edo North is an honour and I can’t thank the people of Edo North enough,” Oshiomhole said.

The former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress disclosed that the only aspirant who initially signified interest in the contest later withdrew voluntarily in support of his candidacy.

Oshiomhole also pledged to continue attracting development projects, political influence and federal presence to Edo North, popularly referred to as Afemailand.

The APC senatorial primaries across several states are expected to shape the ruling party’s political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, with former governors, incumbent lawmakers and influential political figures battling for tickets in strategic districts nationwide.

Yahaya Bello Sweeps Kogi Central APC Primary As Oshiomhole Wins Edo North

Politics

NDC Confirms Peter Obi As Only Presidential Aspirant After Deadline

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi

NDC Confirms Peter Obi As Only Presidential Aspirant After Deadline

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole aspirant for the presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election, following the closure of the party’s nomination process.

The development followed the expiration of the deadline for the sale and submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, with party insiders confirming that Obi was the only aspirant who completed and returned the required documents before the window closed.

Party officials said no other aspirant obtained or submitted presidential nomination forms before the deadline, making Obi the only contender for the NDC presidential primary at this stage.

The NDC, however, announced an extension of the deadline for aspirants contesting other elective positions, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly seats.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the deadline for the collection of nomination forms for those categories was extended from Sunday, May 17, to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The party clarified that the extension does not affect the presidential race, stressing that the nomination process for the office of the president has been formally concluded.

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The NDC also released its screening timetable ahead of its primaries, stating that the exercise will run from Tuesday, May 19 to May 26, 2026.

According to the schedule, collection and submission of nomination forms for cleared aspirants will take place between May 20 and May 26, while only candidates who meet the requirements will proceed to the next stage of the process.

The party warned that no further extension would be granted and urged all aspirants to comply strictly with its timetable and guidelines.

Aspirants are expected to present documents including educational certificates, birth or age declaration, passport photographs, voter’s card, party membership card, and curriculum vitae in six copies before the screening committee.

The NDC said candidates would be assessed based on competence, capacity, character, and acceptability, while also considering political realities within their constituencies.

Obi’s emergence as the sole presidential aspirant has already triggered political discussions within opposition circles, with analysts suggesting he could eventually emerge as a consensus presidential candidate of the party ahead of the 2027 election.

The former Anambra State governor recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has continued to generate reactions within opposition politics.

Political observers say his unopposed status could strengthen internal unity within the party and boost its chances of emerging as a major opposition force ahead of the next general election.

The party also urged aspirants to embrace consensus-building where necessary, saying unity would be key to its electoral strategy going into 2027.

NDC Confirms Peter Obi As Only Presidential Aspirant After Deadline

Politics

“Atiku Can’t Win Election” — Amaechi Rules Out Stepping Down

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

“Atiku Can’t Win Election” — Amaechi Rules Out Stepping Down

Former Minister of Transportation and former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lacks the electoral strength to win Nigeria’s presidential election, insisting that he will not step down for any aspirant ahead of the 2027 political contest.

Amaechi made the remarks during a live interview on Trust TV on Monday night, where he spoke extensively about the future of opposition politics, internal party primaries, and the battle for power ahead of the next general election.

The former minister dismissed arguments suggesting that Atiku’s repeated success in securing presidential tickets automatically makes him a strong national candidate.

According to Amaechi, the real test of political strength lies in winning a nationwide election rather than defeating party delegates during primaries.

“He has been running since 1992. Every time he has won the primaries, he loses the election. It’s about electability and Atiku is not electable,” Amaechi said during the interview.

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Amaechi argued that despite Atiku’s long political experience and popularity within party structures, the former Vice President has failed to translate primary victories into electoral success at the national level.

“I listen when they say former Vice President Atiku said he has never failed the primaries before. I hope this will be the first time he fails the primaries,” Amaechi stated.

“That is not the issue. The issue is that every time he has passed the primaries, he has not won the election.”

The former Rivers State governor maintained that Nigeria’s current political climate requires a candidate capable of attracting support across all geopolitical zones, rather than one who depends largely on internal party alliances.

Amaechi insisted that he would not withdraw from the presidential race for any aspirant, signaling his determination to remain active in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

The comments are expected to intensify political conversations around possible opposition coalitions and the growing rivalry among leading political figures ahead of the next presidential contest.

Atiku Abubakar, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has contested for Nigeria’s presidency multiple times since the 1990s.

The former PDP presidential candidate lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election and was defeated again by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential poll.

Amaechi, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and two-term governor, was also one of the major contenders during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary eventually won by President Tinubu.

The former minister stressed that his experience in governance and national politics positions him as a stronger and more electable candidate.

Political observers believe Amaechi’s latest remarks may further complicate ongoing talks about a possible opposition alliance ahead of 2027, especially as several influential politicians continue consultations over coalition arrangements.

The comments have already sparked reactions across political circles, with supporters of both Amaechi and Atiku debating the implications for the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.