Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Ganduje made the announcement on Monday while addressing top APC leaders during Governor Yusuf’s official return to the party, describing the decision as a collective sacrifice by all other prospective aspirants who agreed to step down in the interest of unity.
“I can categorically tell you that you are going to win in 2027 with a landslide because all those contesting for the same seat have agreed to allow you to go alone for it,” Ganduje told the gathering.
He described Yusuf’s return to the APC as a historic and unifying moment for the party in Kano, recalling their long-standing political association.
“We were in the APC together. The party was formed with you. Later, due to political differences, you left for the NNPP, but we thank God that you are now back home, back to your party,” Ganduje said.
The former two-term governor of Kano also praised Yusuf’s leadership style and performance in office, describing him as a progressive politician whose actions speak louder than words.
“You, as our brother and the Governor of Kano State, are a progressive politician. Your utterances, your policies and the implementation of those policies speak for themselves. Today, you stand as the leader of the APC in Kano State,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended Governor Yusuf for what he described as a bold and strategic return to the APC, noting that the move would further strengthen and consolidate the party’s dominance in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision was aimed at ending what he described as decades of opposition-driven and isolationist politics that have hindered the state’s development.
Speaking during his official defection ceremony at the Kano Government House, Yusuf said leadership demands difficult but necessary choices in the collective interest of the people.
“Leadership must rise above comfort, sentiment or personal interest. After wide consultations and careful reflection on the future of Kano State, I have relinquished my membership of the NNPP and joined a party that is better positioned for Kano,” the governor said.
Yusuf announced that his defection was not a solitary move, revealing that his cabinet, 22 out of the 24 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state have agreed to align with the APC.
“I, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, together with my cabinet, the majority of our lawmakers and all local government chairmen, have resolved to join the ruling party, the APC,” he declared.
The governor explained that his return to the APC was anchored on the need to align Kano State with the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in order to fully tap into national development opportunities.
“This decision is not driven by personal ambition or negative motives, but by the collective good of Kano and the transformational vision we have for the state,” Yusuf said. “Kano is richly endowed, and we must put an end to confrontational politics.”
He stressed that governance should be people-centred, not personal.
“Government is a responsibility to the people, not a personal affair. We are choosing development over personal interests, progress over emotions, and rejecting retrogressive politics in favour of purposeful governance,” he added.
Yusuf expressed optimism that the move would usher in a calmer and more cooperative political climate in the state, while acknowledging the contributions of those who supported him in the past.
“I remain grateful to everyone who stood by me. My loyalty is to Kano above all else—Kano comes first,” he said.
In a bid to further stabilise the political landscape, the governor announced the establishment of a Kano Elders Council, a non-partisan body of respected leaders tasked with advising, reconciling differences and fostering unity across the state.
“The council will serve as a moral compass and stabilising force to ensure that Kano continues to move forward in unity. Our government will remain inclusive—no one will be left behind,” Yusuf said.
The ceremony marking the governor’s return to the APC was held at the State Coronation Hall and attracted prominent political figures, including former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, federal and state lawmakers, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Inuwa Waya, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and other senior APC leaders at state and national levels.
The event was marked by chants and songs in praise of President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf, reflecting a celebratory atmosphere.
State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described Yusuf’s decision as a major boost for Kano’s development, assuring the governor of the party’s full support.
He pledged that the APC in Kano would work closely with President Tinubu’s administration to deliver meaningful development to the state.
Anti-graft agency uncovers massive airline ticket, investment scams; flags N162bn crypto transactions at single bank.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a sweeping investigation into multiple banks and financial technology companies for their alleged complicity in two major fraud schemes that defrauded Nigerians of N18.7 billion, exposing what officials called “deliberate breaches” of banking protocols.
Unveiling the findings on Thursday, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, detailed two distinct operations: a fake airline ticket discount scam and a bogus investment scheme, both heavily facilitated by lapses within the financial sector.
The Scams: N651m Airline Fraud & N18bn Fake Investment
The first scheme targeted travelers through fraudulent discount offers for a foreign carrier. “The payment module is designed…that their victims would be convinced payment is made into the airline’s account,” Uwujaren explained. Instead, victims’ entire bank balances were emptied. Over 700 people lost N651,097,755 to this scam, with only N33.6 million recovered. The EFCC warned the fraud remains active, with foreign actors converting stolen funds to cryptocurrency via the Bybit exchange.
The second and far larger operation involved ‘Fred and Farid Investment Limited’ (FF Investment), which lured over 200,000 Nigerians with false promises. More than N18 billion was funneled through nine companies offering fake investment packages. Uwujaren stated that “more than 900 Nigerians were fleeced through the direct connivance of banks.” Foreign nationals masterminded the scheme alongside three arrested Nigerian accomplices.
Systemic Failures: 960 Accounts for One Customer, N162bn Crypto Flow
EFCC investigators presented a damning picture of institutional failure. Directors Abdulkarim Chukkol (Investigations) and Michael Wetcas (Abuja Zonal Directorate) stated that “a new generation bank and six Fintechs and Micro Finance Banks” clearly compromised procedures, allowing fraudsters to launder proceeds into digital assets.
Investigations revealed that N162 billion in cryptocurrency transactions passed through a single new-generation bank without proper checks. In an egregious case, one customer operated 960 accounts at the same bank, all allegedly used for fraud.
Regulatory Crackdown & Warnings
The EFCC declared that negligence enabling suspicious transactions “would no longer be allowed.” It called on financial regulators to enforce strict compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) requirements. Any bank or fintech found aiding fraudsters should be suspended and prosecuted, the Commission warned.
Uwujaren urged financial institutions to strengthen internal controls, stating continued lapses expose the economy to “leakages and compromises.” The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s financial system integrity as the probe continues.
Symbolic switch signals Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s imminent move from NNPP to ruling party.
The Kano State Government House has undergone a striking political transformation, with the green and white flags of the All Progressives Congress (APC) now prominently displayed on its pillars and gates, heralding the anticipated defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
A visit to the seat of power on Monday morning confirmed the complete replacement of the NNPP’s red and white insignia with APC symbols. The visual shift marks the symbolic start to what state officials are describing as a “Homecoming” for the governor.
Inside the Government House, a palpable air of preparation is evident, with security personnel and staff on high alert. The premises are being readied for the arrival of top-tier national and state APC leaders, alongside a large gathering of supporters expected for the formal declaration ceremony scheduled for later today.
The event will see Governor Yusuf, elected under the NNPP banner in 2023, officially declare his membership in the ruling APC, a move set to significantly reshape the political landscape of Nigeria’s most populous state.
I have tailored this breaking news story in the concise, impactful style characteristic of major newspaper reports, focusing on the key visual evidence and imminent political event.
Governor warns crippled grassroots governance in Osun is “unsustainable,” appeals to Tinubu for federal intervention
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared a full-scale crisis in the state’s local government system, accusing sacked APC council officials of an illegal year-long occupation of secretariats and demanding the immediate release of over ₦130 billion in statutory allocations he claims are being withheld from the councils.
In a fiery statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke framed the escalating standoff as a battle between constitutional order and “naked impunity,” warning that the blockade has crippled grassroots administration and inflicted severe hardship on workers and residents.
At the heart of the dispute is the legal status of local government leadership. Adeleke asserted that court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors have unlawfully occupied the 30 council offices for nearly a year, despite judgments from the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022 and subsequent affirmations by the Court of Appeal in February and June 2025, which nullified their elections.
“The court removed them, not my administration,” Adeleke stated, emphasising that fresh local government elections were held in compliance with court orders, leading to the swearing-in of newly elected officials on February 23, 2025. He labelled the current secretariat occupants as “imposters acting without any lawful mandate.”
The governor launched a direct accusation against his predecessor and political rival, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, alleging he is backing the continued occupation with police support—a move Adeleke said undermines democracy. He claimed local government workers attempting to resume duty have been harassed by armed police officers and political thugs.
The financial impact of the crisis is staggering. Adeleke disclosed that since February 2025, statutory allocations due to Osun’s local governments—now totalling approximately ₦130 billion—have not been released to the legally recognised council accounts. He stated these funds are critical for paying salaries of primary school teachers, nurses, health workers across 332 primary healthcare centres, council staff, traditional councils, and retirees.
“Governance is about humanity, responsibility, and compassion, but this burden cannot continue indefinitely,” Adeleke said, noting that the state government has made “painful sacrifices” to cover salaries for almost 12 months.
Adeleke further accused the United Bank for Africa (UBA) of allowing unauthorised persons to operate the councils’ accounts, noting that senior bank officials involved are facing criminal prosecution.
Calling for federal intervention, Governor Adeleke appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the release of the withheld funds and to protect democratic institutions. “There is no provision in our Constitution for tenure elongation,” he declared, urging Nigerians and democracy advocates to demand an immediate end to the council occupation and the release of funds. He assured residents of his administration’s commitment to upholding the constitution while urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Case delayed as Justice Minister seeks time to review high-profile charges.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has assumed control of the prosecution of senior lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over an alleged fraudulent claim to a London property, leading to a postponement of his arraignment.
At a hearing on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Office of the AGF formally requested and received the court’s consent to take over the case from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, appearing for the AGF, informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the decision was made pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution. He stated the aim was to collaborate with the ICPC to ensure a prosecution that “meets the highest standard of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence and compliance with due process.”
Oyedepo emphasized the move was guided by “public interest” and the desire to instill “confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice” system, assuring the court that the defendant’s rights would be protected.
The AGF subsequently requested an adjournment to allow his office to retrieve and thoroughly review the case file from the ICPC “to take a well-informed decision.”
The ICPC, represented by Dr. Osuebeni Akpos, raised no objection to the takeover and pledged full cooperation. Consequently, Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case to February 24, 2026, for the arraignment.
Ozekhome, represented in court by a formidable legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, and 15 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, faces a three-count charge filed by the ICPC on January 16.
He is accused of giving false information and using forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to deceive a public authority. The charges allege that in August 2021, he presented these documents to support a claim of ownership of a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal.
The high-profile takeover underscores the case’s sensitivity and signals a coordinated inter-agency approach to the high-stakes legal battle.
Abuja — The Federal Government has outlined a clear framework for resolving the ongoing industrial dispute between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), while reaffirming its commitment to reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The Ministry’s attention was drawn to a joint statement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) concerning the dispute, which followed an earlier ultimatum issued by JOHESU demanding adjustments to CONHESS in line with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). The disagreement culminated in the strike action embarked upon by JOHESU on November 14, 2025.
In the statement, the labour centres alleged that the Ministry deliberately failed to implement the report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment submitted in 2021, describing the delay as institutional disrespect to health workers and organised labour, and issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare firmly rejects these allegations, stating that there has been no deliberate refusal to implement the Technical Committee’s report, nor any form of discrimination against any category of health workers.
The Ministry reiterates its unwavering commitment to industrial harmony in the health sector and clarifies that since the commencement of the industrial action, the Federal Government has engaged JOHESU in several conciliatory meetings, both at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, despite the union’s decision to seek judicial intervention at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
As part of sustained efforts to de-escalate tensions, a high-level conciliatory meeting was convened by the Ministry on Thursday, January 15, 2026. At that meeting, a tentative understanding was reached on a framework for resolving the lingering dispute.
Outcome of the January 15 Meeting
During the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals including the implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which recommended adjustments to CONHESS. The unions also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular, insisting it should not apply to their members.
Ministry’s Position
In response, the Ministry appealed for the maintenance of the status quo to allow the NSIWC to conclude an ongoing job evaluation exercise, which commenced in November 2025 and is expected to last six months. The exercise is intended to determine appropriate job placements for all health professionals and provide an evidence-based foundation for salary adjustments and the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Ministry explained that this approach takes into account existing Memoranda of Understanding and agreements previously signed with various unions in the sector, many of which present conflicting positions.
On the issue of “No Work, No Pay,” the Ministry stated that if JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter would be addressed administratively in its entirety.
To further demonstrate its commitment to dialogue, the Ministry expressed its readiness to continue engaging with the NLC and TUC and raised no objection to their participation in ongoing discussions. Following the January 15 meeting, additional meetings were held on January 20 and 22, 2026, to conclude outstanding issues and facilitate the suspension of the strike.
Against this background, the Ministry notes a clear disconnect between the ongoing engagement process and the ultimatum issued by the labour centres, stressing that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to achieving sustainable industrial peace in the health sector.
The Ministry also noted that demands for CONHESS adjustment have been longstanding for over a decade and remained unresolved under previous administrations. However, JOHESU members recently benefited from increases in professional allowances amounting to approximately ₦58 billion in arrears from July 2024 and about ₦40 billion annually.
Recognising the critical role of healthcare workers in national development, the Federal Government is determined to resolve the dispute through dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect, while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery, equity across professional cadres, and long-term industrial harmony.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare therefore calls on JOHESU to suspend the ongoing strike and allow negotiations to continue in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public.
The Ministry also commends health professionals who have remained at their duty posts, saving lives, and assures Nigerians that all efforts are being made to keep federal hospitals operational.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared security emergencies in high-risk parts of the country, vowing to end attacks on civilians and religious communities through intensified military and intelligence operations.
The President has approved expanded joint security operations and sustained deployment of forces to flashpoint areas repeatedly hit by violence, kidnappings and attacks on worshippers.
Backing the President’s directive, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the measures were not mere words but actions already being implemented on the ground.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Abuja, Ribadu announced the expansion of early-warning and rapid-response systems, alongside the creation of a national database to track deaths and casualties from violent incidents.
According to him, the initiative will strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve accountability and sharpen Nigeria’s overall security response.
“Investigations and prosecutions related to attacks on religious communities have been intensified to ensure violence is met not only with force, but with justice,” Ribadu said.
He stressed that protecting all Nigerians—regardless of faith—remains a core priority of the Tinubu administration.
“Nigeria is a plural society. Any violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself,” he declared.
Ribadu explained that the government’s approach combines security operations, legal action, humanitarian safeguards and transparent communication to rebuild public trust.
He urged Nigerians to judge progress by long-term improvements rather than isolated incidents, noting growing institutional capacity to prevent, counter and punish violence.
The NSA also highlighted broader US-Nigeria cooperation covering democracy, rule of law, regional stability and counter-terrorism, warning that extremists must not be allowed to exploit social or religious divisions.
US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, described the partnership as grounded in shared interests in security, trade, energy and regional peace.
However, she expressed concern over the reported abduction of more than 170 Christians in Kaduna State on January 18, urging Nigeria to strengthen protection for freedom of worship.
Hooker recalled former US President Donald Trump’s October 31, 2025 designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, noting that meaningful progress has since been made in protecting vulnerable groups.
“I am here to expand this partnership and deepen our joint efforts against violence,” she said.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the dialogue reflected deepening strategic ties between both countries, built on trust and shared responsibility for civilian safety and religious freedom.
He cited improved intelligence sharing and coordination between US AFRICOM and Nigerian forces, particularly in operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasan Yamma.
Idris also disclosed US commitments to deliver long-pending military equipment, including drones, helicopters and spare parts, as well as offers of surplus defence hardware to support Nigeria’s security operations.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed the Federal Government over what it described as a failed attempt to cover up the mass abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State, accusing authorities of being more concerned with public relations than protecting lives.
The party condemned the initial denial of the abduction at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area by the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, warning the Federal Government to stop denying the country’s worsening security crisis.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the incident as another example of the APC-led government’s obsession with suppressing uncomfortable truths to maintain a false image of security.
The party expressed grave concern that the abduction was only acknowledged after public outcry, raising serious questions about the government’s credibility and commitment to citizen safety.
According to the ADC, “This was not a communication error. It was a deliberate act of denial by a government more interested in looking good than solving problems. In moments of violence, truth is the first line of defence. When government chooses silence or falsehood, it delays action, deepens trauma, and puts more lives at risk.”
The party also criticised the Federal Government’s silence on the incident, describing it as a sign of fatigue and lack of empathy, adding that silence in a security crisis only worsens fear and erodes public trust.
ADC further alleged that journalists and civil society groups were prevented from accessing affected communities, questioning what authorities were attempting to hide.
“It is troubling that verified accounts from families, community leaders and religious bodies were dismissed. A government committed to solving problems asks for information, it does not suppress it,” the party said.
The opposition party also pointed to contradictions in Kaduna State’s so-called peace strategy, noting that while officials rushed to deny the abduction, senior government figures have openly acknowledged negotiations with bandits.
“This approach rewards criminality and leaves law-abiding citizens exposed to further attacks,” the ADC warned.
The party called for the immediate and transparent rescue of all abducted persons, an independent investigation into the initial denial of the incident, and the lifting of restrictions on journalists and civil society organisations in conflict-affected areas.
ADC also demanded full disclosure of any agreements between government authorities and armed groups, including their legal basis and oversight mechanisms.
“No Nigerian should have to beg the government to acknowledge their suffering,” the statement said. “Leadership begins with honesty, and the first duty of government is to protect life, dignity and truth.”
Injunction issued against union leaders as legal battle over promotion arrears begins.
The National Industrial Court (NICN) in Abuja has issued an interlocutory injunction, halting the ongoing indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and barring their union from any further industrial action.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, January 21, 2026, by Justice E. D. Subilim, restrains the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), its leaders, agents, and members from embarking on strikes, picketing, lockouts, or any action “capable of crippling activities of the FCTA.”
The order follows an indefinite strike launched by the workers on Monday over alleged non-payment of promotion arrears and other entitlements.
The court’s decision came after an application filed by the Minister of the FCT and the FCTA Administration. Their lead counsel, Dr. Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN, argued that the strike was illegal under extant labour laws and posed a “serious threat to public administration” in the nation’s capital.
Justice Subilim held that the applicants had established a strong case deserving of judicial protection to prevent the paralysis of government operations. The defendants, JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Umar Saleh, were absent from the proceedings.
Consequently, the court granted an order for substituted service, directing that court processes be published in a national newspaper and pasted at the JUAC office at the FCTA Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
The originating summons filed by the FCTA challenges the legality of the strike under the Trade Disputes Act and questions the registered status of JUAC as a trade union.
In reaction, a JUAC official who spoke anonymously stated the union’s readiness to defend its actions legally. “If they want us to continue our agitation in court, we are ready,” the official said.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, January 26, 2026, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.
