By Suleiman Abdullahi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a courageous and timely appeal to the political leadership of Kano State, urging them to set aside their differences for the greater good. During a recent condolence visit to the family of the late Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, Shettima emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation among Kano’s political factions, particularly between former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. His heartfelt plea for leaders to “put down their political swords” and prioritize the collective interests of the state marks a pivotal moment for a region long regarded as a beacon of peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.

Historically, Kano State has led the way in peace advocacy, serving as a model for coexistence and dialogue among diverse communities. Its rich cultural heritage, underscored by strong family values and profound respect for elders, has traditionally fostered unity and collective responsibility. However, the ongoing political rivalries have eroded this legacy, leading to an alarming rise in indiscipline and a decline in the respect for elders—principles that once defined Kano’s identity.

Today, the once-sturdy fabric of Kano’s society is under significant strain. The institution of the family, and indeed the revered Kano royalty, faces unprecedented challenges. As divisions deepen, outsiders seeking to exploit these rifts for selfish ends find fertile ground, putting both individuals and the larger society at risk.

At the heart of this instability lies the rivalry between Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, which has intensified political tensions and dealt a heavy blow to Kano’s socio-economic landscape. Merchants and investors, once eager to tap into Kano’s vibrant markets, now proceed with caution, wary of the escalating violence and insecurity. Reports of thuggery, violent clashes, and petty crime have created an atmosphere of fear, discouraging investment and threatening the livelihoods of countless local traders.

Complicating the situation further is the protracted tussle over the Kano Emirate, involving the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, backed by the state government, and the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, supported by federal security forces. This crisis has not only polarized the state but also reinforced a perception of instability that severely hampers societal and economic development.

The Emirship dispute reflects deeper societal divisions, distracting attention from the pressing needs of the people—economic revitalization, educational advancement, and infrastructural development. Rather than channeling energy and resources toward these essential goals, the community finds itself consumed by a struggle that benefits no one.

Tragically, Vice President Shettima’s recent call for unity was further undermined by the controversial appointment of Sanusi Ado Bayero as the new Galadiman Kano by his brother, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. This appointment, made without the consent of state authorities, appears as a direct challenge to Shettima’s plea for reconciliation. Formalized in a letter dated April 21, 2025, and signed by a senior administrative officer of the so-called “Kano Emirate Council,” the decision came just weeks after the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II had appointed Alhaji Mannir Sanusi as Galadiman Kano following the death of the previous titleholder.

The timing and manner of this parallel appointment not only deepen divisions within the Kano Emirate but also question the legitimacy of Aminu Ado Bayero’s actions. It suggests a prioritization of personal interests over collective welfare, further alienating key stakeholders and exacerbating tensions that deter economic growth and social harmony.

Moreover, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero’s current residence at the Nasarawa Palace is heavily guarded, with over 10 police vehicles stationed at entry and exit points. This stands in stark contrast to the insecurity faced daily by ordinary Kano citizens, who grapple with phone snatching, thuggery, and violence. Rather than embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice that traditional leadership demands, such displays of privilege deepen public resentment and mistrust.

In light of these challenges, now is the time for decisive action. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf must take a bold step by activating the committee he established to invite former governors and their deputies for a peace summit. This initiative could facilitate the reconciliation that Shettima passionately advocates, enabling influential leaders to collaboratively address the urgent issues facing Kano.

Additionally, reviving the Kano Elders’ Forum is imperative. This body of respected statesmen can provide a much-needed platform for mediation, helping to restore respect for traditional authority and heal the fractures within society. The ongoing Emirate crisis must also be swiftly resolved, alongside addressing the troubling division between the state government and security forces—an issue that has been shamelessly exploited by actors intent on destabilizing Kano.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need to encourage grassroots participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard and respected in the journey toward unity and progress.

The Path Forward

Convene a summit of former governors and deputies to foster dialogue and healing.

Revitalize the Kano Elders’ Forum to mediate conflicts and reinforce traditional values.

Encourage grassroots participation to strengthen democracy and community ownership of governance.

Conclusion

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call for unity represents a vital and necessary step toward healing and progress in Kano State. By embracing collaboration, respect, and dialogue, Kano can reclaim its historic status as a hub of commerce, culture, and peace in Northern Nigeria. The values of discipline, community spirit, and respect for elders must not only be preserved but strengthened, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

By Our Correspondent

Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of intentionally creating division between the southern and northern regions of Nigeria to further his personal political ambitions.

He alleged that Tinubu views the 2027 election as a personal contest against the north, explaining that this is why Tinubu is allegedly using manipulation and deception to secure support from the south.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Frank cautioned both the northern and southern regions against being deceived by Tinubu’s alleged tactics to retain power in 2027.

He claimed that Tinubu is simultaneously blackmailing southern politicians, particularly opposition governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), by appealing to ethnic sentiments, while also threatening them with consequences such as declaring a state of emergency in their states based on fabricated accusations of violence and corruption if they refuse to support him.

Frank emphasized that the 2027 election should not be about regional affiliations, but rather about electing a leader capable of addressing the numerous challenges facing the nation.

He noted: “He has increased the intensity now by blackmailing, intimidating and putting at least five PDP governors from the south under duress to defect along with their members in the National Assembly to the APC.

“To Tinubu, the 2027 election is about him versus the north and that is why he is trying desperately to enlist the support of the south through manipulation and subterfuge. He has forgotten so soon that the north helped him to get to power in 2023.

“Nigerians are in need of a president who will help Nigeria become better, not ‘Northern candidate or Southern candidate’ or ‘Northern President or Southern President’.

“The country is overcharged already with divisions along ethnic lines. We therefore can’t afford to have a president who is setting one region against another for the sake of his own personal ambition.

“For me, Timi Frank, as a southerner, I don’t believe in tribalistic and a divisive president. I believe in a leader that will come and unite rather than divide Nigeria.

“I advise every northerner still supporting Tinubu to have a rethink. They should know that the north that apparently ‘assisted’ Tinubu to gain power in 2023 are suffering the most today.”

Frank asserted that the northern region has been significantly marginalized in appointments and infrastructure development initiatives under Tinubu’s administration, claiming that the president has prioritized his personal and tribal interests above all else.

The former APC chieftain urged the north to unite, rise, and speak with a collective voice in the 2027 elections.

According to him, “I want the northern leaders to know that should Tinubu find his way back to power in 2027, the north will suffer untold neglect as Tinubu and the APC don’t have their genuine interest at heart.

“As we speak, at least five opposition governors are set to defect to APC not because they like Tinubu but due to intense political pressure, intimidation and blackmail, while those who will remain have been made to sign undertakings to deliver their states to Tinubu otherwise they will be made to lose their second terms elections.

“Tinubu does not believe in the power of the people. Tinubu is working to steal the election results, to grab it and run away with it like he did in 2023.

“If the north can’t see the omen of imminent regional stagnation and destruction, they will regret it if they do nothing to stop Tinubu in 2027.”

By Our Correspondent

In a decisive move to reaffirm party loyalty and unity, governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with key party stakeholders, have rejected any plans to join a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The decision followed a closed-door meeting held from Wednesday night through the early hours of Thursday in Abuja, where party leaders resolved to channel all efforts and resources towards rebuilding the PDP rather than forming alliances with other opposition groups.

This comes amid recent comments by former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who hinted at a possible coalition with other opposition figures to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

However, party leaders at the meeting stressed that rather than seeking external alliances, the PDP must focus inward, reconcile differences, and strengthen its structures across the country.

Prominent attendees included two former Senate Presidents, David Mark and Bukola Saraki; former governors Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); former Ministers Adamu Maina Waziri (Police Affairs) and Lawal Batagarawa (Defence); as well as Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), who represented their colleagues.

A source at the meeting told Daily Facts that discussions were frank and focused on repositioning the PDP as a strong, independent alternative.

“They resolved that there is no need to abandon the party or pursue any coalition,” the source said. “The same energy, resources, and strategies being considered for coalition efforts should instead be invested in rebuilding and strengthening the PDP.”

Leaders at the meeting also acknowledged that all parties, including the APC, face internal challenges. They emphasized the need for the PDP to resolve its internal issues, reunite its ranks, and present a united front ahead of 2027.