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Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has emerged victorious in the primary election for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, defeating former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, and another aspirant, Shettima.

The results, announced on Monday by the Returning Officer, Barrister Sameera Ibrahim, showed that Shehu Sani polled 9,105 votes to secure victory in the keenly contested exercise.

According to the results declared, Zailani garnered 1,021 votes, while Shettima secured 1,253 votes.

The outcome marks a major political comeback for Shehu Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is widely known for his activism and outspoken views on governance, democracy and social justice.

Political observers described the victory as a significant development ahead of the forthcoming general elections, considering the calibre of contenders involved in the primary contest.

Supporters of the former senator celebrated the outcome shortly after the announcement of the results, expressing confidence in his chances at the general election.

Supporters of former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, on Monday turned out in large numbers across the seven local government areas of the senatorial district despite alleged intimidation, political thuggery and destruction of campaign posters in parts of Rigasa and other communities within the zone.

The supporters, who trooped out in Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, said they remained resolute in supporting the former lawmaker because of his grassroots appeal, political experience and track record while in office.

Several voters interviewed during the exercise described Shehu Sani as a compassionate politician who has consistently identified with ordinary people and defended the rights of the oppressed.

According to them, the former senator distinguished himself during his time in the National Assembly through outspoken representation and advocacy on issues affecting the masses.

“We heard his voice loudly when he was in the Senate and the people felt the impact of his representation,” one of the supporters said.

The voters also maintained that the former senator remains accessible to the people and has continued to champion causes affecting vulnerable citizens without fear or intimidation.

They argued that his return to the Senate would strengthen representation for Kaduna Central and ensure that the concerns of the people receive adequate attention at the national level.

The exercise, however, witnessed pockets of tension in some areas following reports of destruction of campaign posters and alleged acts of intimidation by suspected political thugs.

Despite the challenges, supporters of the former lawmaker insisted that the incidents would not deter them from exercising their democratic rights and supporting their preferred candidate.

The recent media reports alleging the arrest of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N500 billion fraud have exposed what appears to be a calculated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of a rising public figure known for his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his growing grassroots influence among Nigerian youths.

Contrary to sensational reports circulating across some media platforms, Dr Abdullahi was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC. Multiple reports confirmed that he merely honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency in line with due process and respect for constituted authority.

A statement issued by his media team clarified that the ECN boss voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation and was not arrested as falsely portrayed in several publications.

However, despite this clarification, sections of the media rushed to publish alarming headlines suggesting guilt even before any formal findings or charges had been made public.

Observers say the development bears the familiar signs of politically motivated blackmail often deployed against public officials who command growing popularity and political relevance ahead of major electoral cycles.

In recent months, Dr Abdullahi has emerged as one of the prominent voices mobilising young Nigerians in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the possible second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His youth engagement efforts and expanding political network across several states have reportedly unsettled certain interests uncomfortable with his rising profile.

Supporters of the ECN boss insist that responding to an invitation by a law enforcement agency should not be twisted into a media conviction or used to destroy reputations through coordinated misinformation.

They argue that anti-corruption institutions must be allowed to carry out investigations professionally without political actors and sensational headlines weaponising routine procedures for propaganda purposes.

The situation has also sparked concerns about the growing trend of trial-by-media in Nigeria, where public officials are declared guilty in headlines long before investigations are concluded or any court pronouncement is made.

Political analysts note that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, invitations for questioning are not equivalent to convictions, adding that public discourse must remain guided by facts, fairness, and due process.

For many of Dr Abdullahi’s supporters, the question remains: why the desperation to criminalise a man whose only visible political offence appears to be his vocal support for President Tinubu and his growing acceptance among young Nigerians?

The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence cooperation and enhance intelligence sharing between both countries.

The MoU was signed on Sunday, 10th May 2026, in Amman, Jordan, by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, and Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in intelligence exchange, defence capacity building, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security. Key areas of cooperation include:

· Joint military training and exchange of defence expertise
· Intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism operations
· Defence research, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration
· Mutual support for regional and global peace and security initiatives

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Matawalle described the MoU as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Jordan relations and a strategic step toward addressing contemporary security challenges.

“Nigeria and Jordan share a common commitment to peace, stability, and security. This partnership will deepen our collaboration and create practical pathways for technology transfer, including the establishment of a defence production line in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the DICON Act,” he said.

The MoU reflects the mutual resolve of both nations to strengthen trust, enhance interoperability, and pursue joint actions that contribute to stability within their regions and beyond.

Signed:
Ahmed Dan Wudil SA New Media

Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence
Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja

By Shehu Musa

ABUJA 

Leaders of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) have insisted that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the South in 2027, arguing that preserving the existing zoning arrangement is necessary for political balance and national stability.

The position was contained in a communique issued after an emergency meeting of the forum held in Abuja on Saturday.

The SMBLF, an umbrella body comprising Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and PANDEF, urged political parties to zone their presidential tickets to Southern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the communique, rotational presidency has remained part of Nigeria’s democratic tradition since 1999 and should be respected in the interest of fairness and national cohesion.

“Political parties are strongly advised to zone and elect their presidential candidates from Southern Nigeria during their congresses and conventions,” the forum stated.

The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial and uphold its constitutional responsibility in the management of elections and political party affairs. The leaders expressed concern over controversies surrounding sections of the Electoral Act, warning that unresolved disputes could threaten electoral credibility and increase political tension.

On insecurity, the forum passed a vote of confidence in the Nigerian military but maintained that security agencies remain overstretched due to inadequate manpower relative to the country’s population and territorial size.

The leaders criticized what they described as preferential treatment for “repentant terrorists” under government-backed amnesty programmes, while many victims of violence continue to live in displacement camps without adequate support or prospects of returning home.

Addressing the debate over state policing, the SMBLF rejected the proposal reportedly advanced by the Inspector General of Police for a 60-month timeline to establish state police structures across the country.

The forum described the timeline as excessively long and unsuitable given the scale of insecurity facing Nigeria.

The leaders also opposed proposals suggesting that 60 percent of federal police personnel should automatically be absorbed into state police structures based on their states of origin, arguing that such a framework would be ineffective and counterproductive.

According to the communique, state police should be established as an independent constitutional institution rather than an extension of the federal policing system.

The forum further called on the federal government to protect Nigerians living abroad following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa. It urged authorities to assist Nigerians willing to return home while also appealing to youths against retaliatory attacks on South African businesses or citizens in Nigeria.

Reaffirming its long-standing position on restructuring, the SMBLF advocated greater autonomy for states and federating ethnic nationalities in line with the principles of true federalism.

The leaders also urged the federal government to intensify measures aimed at easing economic hardship, including stronger support for local crude oil refineries and policies designed to end the continued importation of refined petroleum products.

The communique was signed by HRH Oba Oladipo Olaitan, leader of Afenifere and Chairman of SMBLF; Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum; Senator John Azuta-Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF.

Isreal Gabby

Abuja

*Landmark agreement marks major milestone for Nigeria’s Homegrown Electric Vehicle Brand “Acely”,

*Development combines local assembly with world-class automotive engineering

Launch Design Shanghai and Hybrid Motors Nigeria on Friday, announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement for the establishment of state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities in Lagos and Abuja.

This landmark collaboration will accelerate the production of Acely, Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s proudly homegrown vehicle brand, designed and engineered specifically for Nigerian roads and drivers.

The signing ceremony, held in Shanghai on May 8, 2026, brings together two industry leaders committed to transforming Nigeria’s automotive landscape through innovation, local manufacturing excellence, and sustainable mobility solutions.

At the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design Mr. Wang Xun and Mr. Jubril Arogundade, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria, delivered keynote addresses underscoring the significance of the partnership and their shared vision for the future of automotive manufacturing in Africa.

Acely Motor represents the convergence of deep local market expertise and cutting-edge automotive design. Developed in partnership with Launch Design Shanghai a global leader in automotive design and turnkey engineering solutions. Acely is positioned to deliver practical, modern vehicles built specifically for Nigerian drivers.

“This partnership is more than a business agreement; it is a commitment to building Nigeria’s automotive future,” said Mr. Jubril Arogundade, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria.

“With Acely, we are proving that world-class vehicles can be conceived, designed, and assembled right here in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for Nigerians. Our collaboration with Launch Design brings world-class engineering expertise directly into our operations, ensuring that

Acely meets the highest international standards while remaining authentically Nigerian.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design added: “Launch Design is proud to partner with Hybrid Motors Nigeria in this transformative venture. Our turnkey engineering capabilities, combined with Mr. Arogundade’s leadership and Hybrid Motors’ deep understanding of the Nigerian market, create a powerful formula for success. Together, we are not just building vehicles, we are building an industry.”

Launch Design Shanghai brings decades of advanced automotive engineering expertise, providing Hybrid Motors Nigeria with comprehensive turnkey solutions spanning vehicle architecture, design optimization, manufacturing process engineering, and quality assurance systems.

The partnership establishes manufacturing operations across two strategic locations, with a combined annual production capacity of 70,000 units at full maturity:•

Lagos situated in the Lekki-Epe Axis of Lagos, will serve as the primary production and assembly hub with an annual capacity of 50,000 units at maturity.

Strategically positioned near the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos plant will serve as the export gateway for Acely, covering Southern Nigeria and West African markets including Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond.

The facility leverages Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial capital and its robust maritime infrastructure to optimize regional distribution and international trade logistics.•

Abuja facility, located at the Free Zone Business Area of Centenary Economic City, Abuja, will operate as a secondary manufacturing and technology center with an annual capacity of 20,000 units at maturity.

The Abuja plant will primarily serve Northern Nigeria and the broader Sahel region, capitalizing on the Free Zone’s tax and regulatory incentives, Abuja’s central geographic location, and its connectivity to major northern trade corridors and land-border markets.

This dual-facility approach ensures comprehensive national and regional coverage, reduces logistics costs, maximizes operational efficiencies through strategic Free Zone positioning, and creates employment opportunities across multiple regions of the country.

Acely Motor embodies a forward-looking vision for Nigerian mobility:

Vehicles built in Nigeria, creating jobs and fostering technology transfer within the domestic automotive sector.

Every vehicle engineered with Nigerian road conditions, climate, and driving patterns as core design parameters.

Integration of advanced powertrain technologies, intelligent vehicle systems, and energy-efficient solutions.

A growing emphasis on electric and hybrid propulsion systems aligned with global sustainability trends and Nigeria’s clean energy goals.

The establishment of EV manufacturing plants in Lagos and Abuja is expected to deliver significant socioeconomic benefits, including:• Job Creation — Direct and indirect employment opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors.• Technology Transfer — Knowledge exchange between Launch Design’s global expertise and Nigeria’s growing technical workforce.• Supply Chain Development — Stimulation of local component manufacturing and vendor ecosystems.• Foreign Exchange Conservation — Reduction in vehicle import dependency through domestic production.• Industrial Diversification — Strengthening of Nigeria’s manufacturing base and positioning within the African automotive value chain.

Establishing Nigeria as a manufacturing hub for West African and Sahel region automotive markets.

The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader objectives under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and supports the country’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.“Today’s signing in Shanghai is a defining moment for both our organizations and for Nigeria’s automotive industry,” Mr. Arogundade concluded.

“With facilities in Lagos and Abuja serving distinct but complementary markets across Nigeria and the wider region, we are laying the foundation for a new era of mobility one that is locally rooted, globally competitive, and sustainably driven.”

A political pressure group has accused a Kaduna-based politician, Yerima Usman Shettima, of allegedly using a fake ambassadorial title in his political campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Citizens for Democratic Accountability, described the use of the title “Ambassador” on Shettima’s campaign posters as misleading, deceptive and capable of creating false impressions among members of the public.

The group in a press statement signed by the spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, challenged Shetima to publicly explain the source and legitimacy of the title he has allegedly adopted in his political activities.

According to the statement, there is no known official record showing that Shetima was ever appointed as an ambassador by the Federal Government of Nigeria or any recognised international body.

“We are demanding clear explanations from Yerima Usman Shettima on how he came about the ambassadorial title he is parading on campaign posters and political materials,” Musa said.

“He was never officially appointed ambassador by the Nigerian government. The use of such a title is misleading and deceitful to the electorate.”

The group maintained that public office seekers, particularly those aspiring to represent the people at the National Assembly, must demonstrate transparency, honesty and integrity in both public and private conduct.

“Someone seeking a highly coveted Senate seat must be a person of proven integrity. Nigerians deserve leaders who are truthful about their identity, qualifications and background,” Musa added.

The group further warned against what it described as the increasing trend of politicians adopting honorary or unofficial titles to gain political advantage and public sympathy.
According to the group, such practices undermine public trust and weaken democratic values.

They called on relevant authorities, including electoral bodies and anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the matter and ensure that politicians do not misrepresent themselves before the electorate.

The claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requires Senator Abdulaziz Yari to secure Zamfara or Northern votes in 2027 does not reflect the political realities on the ground. Electoral support in the North is driven by performance, party structure, and the capacity of leaders to deliver results for their people.

Matawalle’s Track Record in Zamfara and the North

1. Sacrifice for Party Victory in 2023
In the 2023 general elections, then-Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle prioritized President Tinubu’s national victory over his own re-election bid. He mobilized his political structure across Zamfara to deliver votes for the APC presidential ticket, demonstrating loyalty to the party and the President at a critical moment.

2. Grassroots Acceptance and Human Capital Development
Dr. Matawalle is widely regarded as one of the most accessible and impactful political figures in Zamfara. During and after his tenure as governor, he implemented programs targeting youth empowerment, women’s support, scholarships, and community development. This direct engagement has earned him significant goodwill among youths, women, and traditional institutions in the state.

3. Leadership in National Security
As Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Matawalle has shifted focus to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through strategic partnerships and industrialization. He is currently engaging international defence manufacturers to attract investment and technology transfer into Nigeria, with emphasis on local production of military hardware. This aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of building self-reliance in defence and reducing dependence on imports.

4. Party Unity and Reconciliation
Within the APC, Matawalle has been active in reconciliation efforts across Northern states, working to bridge divides among party stakeholders. His approach has been to prioritize party cohesion and the broader interest of the North within the national political framework.

Zamfara and the wider North have multiple political leaders with influence and followership. President Tinubu’s 2023 victory and prospects for 2027 are built on a coalition of party structures, governors, ministers, and grassroots mobilizers across the region. No single individual holds a veto over Northern votes.

The APC remains committed to internal cohesion, and the contributions of all stakeholders who have supported the President and the party will continue to be recognized.

Signed:
Northern Political Communications Network.

Recent remarks by Sani Abdullahi Jaji, an aide to former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari, suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu risks political setbacks in the North in 2027 if Senator Yari leaves the APC, require a balanced response in the interest of factual clarity and party cohesion.

1. Commitment to Tinubu’s 2023 Victory
   In the 2023 presidential elections, the then Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, prioritized the success of President Tinubu over his own gubernatorial re-election. He channeled his political structure, resources, and goodwill toward ensuring Tinubu’s victory nationwide, while others focused on personal electoral ambitions.
2. Grassroots Acceptance and Service to Zamfara Citizens
   Matawalle remains one of the most politically relevant and widely accepted leaders in Zamfara State. His interventions in youth empowerment, women and community support, and education have earned him broad recognition and goodwill across the state, particularly among youths, women, and elders.
3. Leadership in Security and National Defence
   As Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle is actively advancing the Federal Government’s agenda for security reform and indigenous defence production. He is currently engaging international partners to attract investment and technology transfer into Nigeria’s defence sector, with the aim of providing lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the North and the country at large.
4. Loyalty and Party Unity
   Matawalle has consistently demonstrated loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC. He has been instrumental in building bridges and promoting reconciliation among party members and aggrieved stakeholders in the North, reinforcing party unity ahead of future political engagements.
5. Context of Party Dynamics
   The current political discourse in Zamfara reflects the broader realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. It is important that such discussions are guided by verifiable contributions to the party, to national security, and to the welfare of the people.

While acknowledging the contributions of all APC stakeholders, the record shows that Bello Matawalle has played a decisive role in advancing both the electoral success of the President and the strategic interest of Northern Nigeria within the APC.

Signed::

Arewa Democratic Development Forum

A coalition of political support groups and stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has thrown its weight behind Shehu Sani as the consensus candidate for Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition, which comprises youth groups, women associations, party mobilizers, grassroots campaign structures and community leaders drawn from the seven local government areas of Kaduna Central, announced its position during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna.

According to the groups, the endorsement of the former senator followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders and supporters across the zone who considered Sani’s track record, accessibility and constituency projects during his tenure in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Convener, Comrade Musa Ibrahim, said the decision to support Sani was based on what he described as “visible achievements, courage, and people-oriented representation.”

He noted that during his time in the Senate, Sani facilitated several developmental projects across Kaduna Central, including the construction and equipping of primary healthcare centres, educational support programmes, rural infrastructure and empowerment initiatives targeted at youths and women.

According to him, many residents of the senatorial district still remember the former lawmaker for maintaining close contact with constituents and consistently speaking on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians both at the state and national levels.

“The coalition carefully reviewed the political situation in Kaduna Central and resolved that Senator Shehu Sani remains the most experienced, accepted and credible aspirant capable of uniting the party and delivering victory for the APC in 2027,” Ibrahim said.

He added that the groups were particularly impressed by Sani’s long-standing involvement in human rights advocacy, democratic struggles and grassroots mobilization, describing him as a politician with “deep connection to the masses.”

The coalition further argued that Sani’s return to the Senate would strengthen legislative representation for Kaduna Central due to his experience, national visibility and understanding of the challenges confronting the district.

In an interview,another stakeholder, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, said women and youth groups across the zone were supporting the former senator because of his inclusive style of leadership and accessibility while in office.

She stated that many beneficiaries of scholarships, empowerment schemes and social intervention programmes initiated during Sani’s tenure still identify with his leadership style.

“We believe Senator Shehu Sani has the capacity to effectively represent Kaduna Central again. He is accessible, outspoken and understands the needs of the people. That is why many groups have resolved to support him as consensus candidate,” she said.

The coalition also appealed to other aspirants and party leaders within the APC to work towards unity and avoid actions capable of creating divisions ahead of the elections.

According to the groups, adopting a consensus arrangement would help strengthen the party’s chances and ensure a rancour-free primary process in Kaduna Central.

Political observers believe the endorsement may further boost Sani’s growing political momentum within the APC following recent alignments and consultations among party stakeholders across the state.

Although the APC is yet to officially commence its primary process for the 2027 elections, political activities and consultations have continued to intensify across Kaduna State as aspirants position themselves for key elective offices.