Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano - Newstrends
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Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

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5 months ago

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Governor of Kano State Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former deputy Comrade Aminu Abdussalam
Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has alleged that his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, attempted to remove him from office and take over the leadership of the state government.

Governor Yusuf made the claim during a meeting with a group of praise singers known as “Mawallafan Abba Gida Gida” at the Government House in Kano, where he spoke extensively on internal political developments within his administration and party structure.

He said the alleged move was part of an attempt to destabilise his government, insisting that he was not responsible for any actions that led to the deputy governor’s exit from office.

“Today, the deputy governor who came with us on the same ticket is no longer with us. Nobody offended him. In fact, I have not even seen his resignation letter,” he said.

The governor further alleged that the former deputy’s actions were aimed at replacing him, stating that the attempt did not succeed.

“Whatever made him act that way was an attempt to remove me and take the position, but God did not allow it,” Yusuf added.

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Governor Yusuf also questioned internal political decisions within the Kwankwasiyya political structure, suggesting that the former deputy governor was sidelined despite his contributions and aspirations within the movement.

He raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in political appointments and succession planning, arguing that some individuals were being favoured over long-standing members of the group.

“The deputy governor who left, hoping to secure that ticket, what did he do wrong? Why not give him the ticket? Is that not a betrayal of him?” he queried.

The governor, however, maintained that his administration remains stable and focused on governance, adding that political distractions would not derail development efforts in Kano State.

He also dismissed suggestions that recent political developments within his camp amounted to betrayal on his part, insisting that his decisions were taken in the interest of the people of Kano.

According to him, critics who accuse him of disloyalty are ignoring the internal challenges that led to recent political realignments.

He argued that key decisions within the political movement were taken without proper consultation, raising questions about internal democracy and inclusion.

Yusuf further maintained that his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was necessary to prevent political uncertainty and protect the interests of millions of Kano residents.

He said efforts to resolve internal disagreements within the party were unsuccessful, forcing his administration to take a different political direction.

“We saw the direction the party was heading and offered advice, but it was ignored. God showed us the way, and we left because we did not want to put millions of Kano residents in uncertainty,” he said.

The governor also accused unnamed political actors of promoting individuals he described as former opponents of the Kwankwasiyya movement, questioning what he called “political betrayal” within the system.

He maintained that his administration remains open to credible individuals interested in serving as deputy governor, following the exit of his former deputy.

Political observers say the remarks highlight deepening tensions within Kano’s political landscape, where internal disagreements and shifting alliances continue to shape governance and party structures ahead of future elections.

The former deputy governor has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

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Ogun 2027: Radio Interview that Triggered APC Move for Hunye’s Arrest, Prosecution 

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August 26, 2026

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Ogun 2027: Radio Interview that Triggered APC Move for Hunye’s Arrest, Prosecution 

What Happened in Osun Will Be a Child’s Play in Ogun — Hunye

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has distanced itself from Abayomi Hunye and called for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly impersonating a governorship candidate of the party, following comments he made during a radio interview in which he vowed to challenge the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s 2027 governorship candidate.

Hunye, who described himself as an APC governorship aspirant, made the comments on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

During the programme, Hunye warned that the political crisis surrounding the APC’s 2027 governorship ticket could become far more intense than the recent political upheaval witnessed in Osun State.

“They saw what happened in Osun. What happened in Osun is going to be a child’s play to what is going to happen in Ogun State in 2027,” he said.

The comments appeared to have heightened the controversy surrounding the APC governorship ticket and prompted the party to disown Hunye, insisting that he had no authority to present himself as its governorship candidate.

The party maintains that Adeola is its duly nominated candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship election.

Hunye, however, said he remained committed to his legal challenge against the outcome of the party’s governorship primary, arguing that the dispute was fundamentally about the integrity of the process and the right of party members to participate in a free and fair contest.

According to him, political grievances cannot simply be suppressed by imposing a preferred candidate on party members.

“What happened in Osun was the same thing. You cannot deprive people of their rights and want them to now keep quiet. They will not keep quiet,” he said.

Hunye also accused Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC leadership of imposing Adeola on other aspirants, challenging the party to subject the senator to a transparent primary if he was genuinely popular among party members.

“He imposed him on us. And you want to force us to obey it. If you agree that he is popular, let the primaries be free and fair. And if he wins the primary, everybody will agree,” Hunye said.

He maintained that his court action was not driven solely by personal ambition, but by what he described as the need to ensure that the APC’s candidate emerged through a credible and acceptable process.

Hunye further claimed that opposition to Adeola’s emergence extended beyond his camp, alleging that some members of Governor Abiodun’s cabinet were also unhappy with the development.

“Quite a number of people in Dapo Abiodun’s cabinet are with us. They are not happy. People are not happy,” he claimed.

The radio interview has since become central to the latest development in the dispute, with the APC using Hunye’s public statements and his self-description as an aspirant to reinforce its position that he has no mandate to speak or act as the party’s governorship candidate.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election, with the APC leadership seeking to consolidate support around Adeola while the internal dispute over the primary process continues to generate tension.

Hunye’s warning that the situation in Ogun could surpass the political crisis witnessed in Osun has also added a new dimension to the dispute, raising concerns about the possibility of further confrontation within the ruling party if the grievances of aggrieved aspirants and their supporters remain unresolved.

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APC Petitions Police, DSS Over Ogun 2027 Governorship Claim, Seeks Hunye’s Arrest

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8 hours ago

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August 26, 2026

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APC Petitions Police, DSS Over Ogun 2027 Governorship Claim, Seeks Hunye’s Arrest

I’m ready to honour police invitation – Hunye

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Mr. Abayomi Hunye over his alleged impersonation as the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party also urged the security agencies to stop Hunye from further parading himself as its candidate, warning that his continued claim could mislead the public, undermine electoral integrity and potentially threaten public peace in the state.

The development followed Hunye’s recent declaration at an event in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where he reportedly presented himself as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election and unveiled Chief Abayomi Odunowo as his purported running mate.

The APC had on Monday publicly disowned Hunye, describing his claim as mischievous and insisting that he was not its governorship candidate.

In separate petitions dated August 24 and signed by the party’s Director of Administration, Ayoola Olajolo, the APC asked the police and DSS to urgently intervene in the matter.

In the petition to the Inspector-General of Police, the party described Hunye’s action as a “grave threat to public peace and electoral integrity,” alleging that he had been using both traditional and social media platforms to parade himself as the party’s candidate.

The APC stated: “The Subject has notoriously and unlawfully taken to the public domain, including print and social media, parading himself as the governorship candidate of our party for the forthcoming January 2027 election.

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“I wish to state unequivocally that this claim is false, fraudulent, and a deliberate act of impersonation designed to mislead the public and destabilise the peace of Ogun State.”

The party further alleged that Hunye had been suspended from the APC on April 7, 2026, following a petition from his Tube Ward in Ipokia Local Government Area.

According to the APC, the suspension was subsequently ratified by the Ogun State Working Committee and communicated to the party’s national headquarters.

The party also maintained that it had conducted its governorship primary election in the state and that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and Mrs Balogun Abiodun remained its recognised governorship candidate and running mate respectively.

Consequently, the APC asked the police to invite Hunye for questioning and investigate what it described as possible offences arising from his conduct.

The party specifically requested that the security agency investigate and prosecute him, where appropriate, for alleged impersonation, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and alleged violation of the Electoral Act, 2026.

It also urged the police to restrain Hunye from further presenting himself as the APC candidate in order to prevent what it described as a possible breakdown of law and order in Ogun State.

The party pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide additional statements or evidence that may be required.

Meanwhile, reports that Hunye had gone into hiding after security operatives allegedly visited his residence to deliver an invitation for questioning have been denied by the politician.

Hunye, while reacting to the development, dismissed the claim that he was on the run, insisting that he remained available and was prepared to honour invitations from the security agencies.

He questioned the basis for reports that he had evaded the operatives by jumping over his fence.

“Somebody was saying they came to my house and I jumped the fence. Why won’t I honour it? How can I be on the run?” Hunye asked.

He added that he would honour any invitation issued by the security agencies, noting that an invitation scheduled for September could not reasonably be interpreted as an indication that he was fleeing.

“If somebody invited me for September, I’ll be running now? The question is, have they visited my house?” he said.

Hunye further insisted, “I heard that they’re saying they came to my house and I jumped the fence. How can I be on the run? If I’m invited for September, I’ll definitely honour it.”

The dispute has added a fresh layer to the unfolding political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, with the APC now seeking the intervention of security agencies to settle what it considers a case of impersonation and potential threat to electoral order.

 

APC Petitions Police, DSS Over Ogun 2027 Governorship Claim, Seeks Hunye’s Arrest

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Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference

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10 hours ago

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August 26, 2026

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Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference

Presidential candidate clarifies policy position after media aide’s interview sparks confusion, drawing clear line between proposed targeted intervention and old fuel subsidy regime.

The political landscape was thrown into a brief confusion on Tuesday when Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, appeared on African Independent Television (AIT) and suggested that his principal would restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027, but would gradually phase it out after the economy recovers. That statement, however, did not sit well with the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Hours later, Atiku Abubakar publicly disowned Ibe’s comments, stating unequivocally that his media aide was not speaking on his authority. Speaking while receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja, Atiku declared that one of his press aides had contradicted him in a policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned, and he wanted to repeat categorically that when he said he would return to subsidy, he would. He emphasised that Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens and made it clear that the aide was not speaking on his own authority.

Taking to his official X account, the former vice president doubled down on his commitment, framing it as a moral and economic imperative for a nation blessed with vast resources. He declared that on the question of subsidy, his position had not changed and would not change, insisting that he would restore it and that a nation as blessed as Nigeria has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship. He argued that Nigeria is rich enough to look after her own. He linked the fuel subsidy debate directly to the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians, describing the chain reaction triggered by high energy costs. He stated that he believes the wealth of a nation is not measured by how much government collects, but by how much the money in the pockets of its people can buy. He expressed his desire for wages to have value again, for farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits, for families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets, and for businesses to produce, employ and prosper. He added that when fuel rises, transport rises; when transport rises, food rises; and when food rises, families suffer, and he vowed to break that wretched chain that has defined the national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s presidency.

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While the headline-grabbing statement from Atiku was a firm “I will restore subsidy,” his campaign team quickly moved to provide critical context to prevent what they described as “unauthorised, imprecise and materially misleading” interpretations of his policy. In a statement, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, explained that the candidate is not proposing a return to the old, opaque import-subsidy system that was abolished by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. Instead, Atiku advocates for a “targeted, capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited subsidy” designed to support domestic refining and production. Shaibu stressed that for the avoidance of doubt, policy belongs to the candidate, not the spokesperson, and that their responsibility as communicators is to explain Atiku’s position accurately, not create formulations capable of confusing Nigerians or handing opponents convenient talking points. To drive the point home, Shaibu employed an analogy, stating that you do not remove scaffolding because the calendar says so; you remove it when the building can stand securely on its own. This suggests that t

he subsidy intervention under an Atiku administration would be phased out gradually based on concrete economic indicators—such as expanded domestic refining capacity, stable fuel supply, and improved market competition—rather than an arbitrary date. Atiku himself reinforced this distinction by declaring that he would not restore the import racket but would restore relief.

This incident has reignited the fuel subsidy debate, placing it at the centre of the 2027 presidential election campaign. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to abolish petrol subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023, triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to a broader cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria. Atiku’s camp argues that the current administration’s reforms, including the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, have transferred the burden of economic shock to households and businesses. They are positioning the 2027 election as a choice between what they term “Expensive Nigeria versus Affordable Nigeria.” The ADC presidential candidate argues that Nigerians have not benefited sufficiently from the savings associated with the subsidy removal and that the government has failed to provide adequate palliatives to cushion the impact.

The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. While Atiku’s camp frames the policy as a pragmatic approach to easing hardship and boosting local production, critics have accused

him of proposing a retrogressive policy. The Presidency has previously criticised the proposal, arguing that returning to any form of subsidy could undermine local refining, threaten jobs, and increase foreign exchange losses. The debate is expected to intensify as the 2027 election draws nearer, with both sides seeking to define the economic narrative.

To cut through the confusion, here is a clear breakdown of what Atiku Abubakar is actually proposing regarding his subsidy policy as clarified by his campaign. First, it is not a return to the old system, meaning the proposed intervention is not the previous import-subsidy regime that was fraught with corruption and leakages. Second, it is targeted at domestic production, so the subsidy will be designed to support local refining capacity, ensuring that crude oil is processed within Nigeria. Third, it will be capped, transparent, and audited, meaning the new model will have clear financial limits, public transparency, and independent audits to prevent abuse. Fourth, it will feature a performance-based phase-out, so the withdrawal of the subsidy will be tied to measurable improvements in the economy, domestic refining, and market stability, not a fixed timeline.

 

Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference

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