Aisha Yesufu Withdraws From NDC FCT Senate Race

Activist and prominent supporter of Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu, has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat following the party’s decision not to hold primaries for the position.

Yesufu had declared her interest in contesting the 2027 FCT senatorial election on May 6 after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC. At the time, she said her decision to seek elective office was inspired by the leadership experience she gained while in the ADC.

Her withdrawal comes amid speculation that the party may have settled for another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had reportedly been a member of the NDC before Yesufu joined the party.

Announcing her decision in a statement released on Friday, Yesufu said the party’s position on the conduct of primaries effectively ended her participation in the race.

“Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she stated.

Despite withdrawing from the contest, Yesufu urged her supporters to remain focused on broader political goals ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she said.

She also thanked supporters who backed her senatorial ambition throughout the process.

“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project,” she added.

The activist further reassured residents of the FCT that her commitment to the territory remains unchanged, promising continued engagement with communities across the six area councils.

“In the coming week, I will be returning back to all the six Area Councils, God willing, to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.

Her withdrawal adds a new dimension to early political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, as internal party decisions and candidate selection processes continue to attract public attention.

Gov. Abba @ 3: If Three Years Feel This Way, What About Eight? By Nworisa Michael

Three years ago, when His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf took the oath of office as Governor of Kano State, expectations were enormous, criticisms came quickly, and skepticism existed across different political divides. Like every new administration, many people waited patiently to see whether promises would remain campaign slogans or gradually translate into visible governance.

Today, three years later, one thing has become increasingly difficult to deny: whether one supports him politically or not, his administration has forced itself into public conversation through visibility and public engagement.

This piece is not an attempt to list every project, intervention, or programme carried out within the last three years because that alone would require extensive research and far more space than one article can conveniently contain. Governance should not always be reduced to long lists and statistics. 

Sometimes governance is judged by what ordinary people see daily, what communities experience directly, and what visitors notice when they arrive.

Across Kano today, discussions around education, infrastructure, healthcare, social welfare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, urban renewal, and community development have become regular parts of everyday conversations. Whether in markets, schools, offices, motor parks, or social gatherings, people increasingly debate the impact of government actions because there are visible activities to discuss.

Perhaps one of the greatest political strengths of any administration is when even opponents find it difficult to completely deny that work is happening. This does not mean there are no criticisms. It does not mean challenges have disappeared. It certainly does not mean expectations have been fully met. Governance everywhere remains a continuous process.

However, fairness demands honesty. Honesty requires admitting that three years into office, the administration of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has created visible footprints that supporters proudly defend and critics increasingly debate rather than dismiss entirely.

The bigger question may no longer be whether this administration has made an impact. The bigger question many residents quietly ask themselves now is this: if three years have generated this level of visibility and conversation, what would eight years eventually look like?

History will judge every government differently. 

But today, many Kano residents and visitors alike would agree that the conversation is no longer about whether governance is visible.

The conversation now is about how much more can still happen.

Nworisa Michael is the coordinator of Inter-tribe Community Support Forum and writes from nworisamichael1917@gmail.com.

Chef Kristo Launches PVC Incentive Campaign, Offers Discount To Customers With Voter Cards

In an effort to encourage civic participation ahead of future elections, Chef Christopher Olojugba, popularly known as Chef Kristo and Chief Executive Officer of Kristo Kitchen, has introduced a special discount campaign targeted at holders of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The entrepreneur announced the initiative through WhatsApp community groups, stating that customers who present their PVCs while making purchases would automatically qualify for a five per cent discount on meals and other items offered by the business.

According to Chef Kristo, the campaign is designed not only to reward customers but also to encourage more Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the democratic process.

“Dear customers, we will be giving out 5% discount to customers who has PVC. All you need to do is to show us your PVC and you automatically qualify for a 5% discount on anything you're buying,” he stated.

He added: “A better Nigeria starts with you & I. GO GET YOUR PVC.”

The initiative has begun attracting attention on social media and community platforms, with some residents describing it as a creative way to promote voter registration and civic responsibility through private sector participation.

Interested customers and members of the public seeking more information about the campaign can contact Kristo Kitchen via WhatsApp on +234 816 717 9227.

Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Emerges NDC Governorship Candidate as Gawuna Accepts Senate Ticket

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State following the decision of a major contender, Nasiru Gawuna, to accept the Kano Central Senatorial ticket.

Gawuna, who had earlier rejected the senatorial offer, reportedly reversed his decision after consultations with political allies and stakeholders, paving the way for Abdussalam’s emergence as the party’s governorship flagbearer ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, sources within the Kwankwasiyya political movement disclosed that the Leader of the movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the preferred governorship candidate of the NDC.

According to sources familiar with the development, the decision followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders, political allies, and influential figures across Kano State.

The sources further stated that Abdussalam earned the confidence of the movement’s leadership due to his longstanding loyalty, commitment, and active role in sustaining the ideals and political structure of the Kwankwasiyya movement over the years.

Further details are expected as events continue to unfold.