The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on party members in Kano State to prioritize unity as they prepare to reclaim political control from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Speaking at the 8th and 9th APC Members Kano State House of Assembly Forum dinner on Monday, Ganduje, represented by the APC Chairman in Kano, Abdullahi Abbas, urged members to focus on collaboration to achieve their political ambitions.

Highlighting the importance of solidarity, Ganduje stated, “Unity is the only way forward for us; it’s our only option to achieve our goals. God has already intervened in our situation.

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“The current government is distorting the state; we are just waiting for the right time. The next election will be like shifting a hen from its eggs.”

He also criticised NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, downplaying his influence in Kano politics.

“I am always surprised when Rabiu Kwankwaso claims he has the people’s support. I swear to God, if not for the issues that caused some of us to leave, he wouldn’t have won any election in the state. This time, he will see. Those who supported him are already disappointed and regretful.”

Ganduje expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to reclaim the state, adding, “I assure you, we are done with Kwankwasiyya. Even the governor is unaware of all that is happening.”

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, also stressed the need for party cohesion, assuring members of the APC’s strong position.

“What we need in Kano now is unity. The issue of the election is not a concern. If elections were held today, we would have no reason to fear. The loss we experienced was God’s will. Let us pray and work together in unity,” Ata said.

Criticising the NNPP-led administration, Ata noted, “We must strive to reclaim Kano because the state is not in the right hands. Nobody is benefiting from the leadership. I appreciate the president for prioritising Kano. For example, when other states received 250 housing units, Kano received 500 units.”

The Chairman of the Forum, Abdul’azeez Gafasa, commended the honorees for their service to the APC and reiterated the importance of party unity.

“Our leaders have worked hard to bring us together,” he said, pledging the forum’s commitment to progress and mutual support.

The event, which celebrated notable APC members, including former House Speakers Rt. Hon. Kabiru Rurum, Rt. Hon. Hamisu Chidari, and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Atta, underscored the party’s resolve to reclaim Kano in the next elections.

Edo State’s local government councils have been plunged into chaos, with three chairmen facing impeachment proceedings amid accusations of violence, unconstitutional actions, and political interference.

The affected councils — Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, and Owan East — are witnessing escalating tensions that threaten governance and stability.

In Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, tensions escalated on Tuesday when gunmen allegedly attacked bystanders, leaving several injured.

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The council chairman, Kenneth Adodo, accused the attackers of being policemen sent from the Edo State Government House.

“The people who came to shoot were policemen from the Government House,” Adodo alleged.

The incident followed moves by councillors to impeach the local government leadership, intensifying concerns about safety and order in the area.

Leadership Dispute in Orhionmwon

In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, councillors impeached the Leader of the House, Hon. Daniel Osariemen, on Wednesday, replacing him with Hon. Chuks Isan.

The impeachment was reportedly an attempt to preempt a suspected plot by Osariemen to oust the council chairman, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, and his deputy, Midwest Ogbebor.

Osariemen later led a group of unidentified individuals to seize the council secretariat in Abudu, where he declared himself acting chairman.

Ugiagbe, in a statement issued by his press secretary, Roy Osariemen, dismissed the action as illegal.

“The action in Abudu is illegal. I remain the chairman of the Orhionmwon Local Government Area,” Ugiagbe asserted.

In Owan East, Chairman Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri has described his impeachment as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge the process in court.

Addressing journalists in Benin City on Thursday, Okodo-Kadiri outlined several irregularities, including the absence of a seven-member investigative panel as mandated by the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002).

He also alleged that the councillors used an unofficial mace during the impeachment and that two of the councillors who participated had been suspended for gross misconduct.

“The process violated the provisions of the law,” Okodo-Kadiri said. “The governor alleged that council chairmen embezzled ₦50 million meant for salaries, but this claim lacks merit. Monthly salary expenditures far exceed ₦50 million, and salaries were paid up to November. If funds were misappropriated, where is the proof? Our bank records are clear, and no salaries are owed.”

Okodo-Kadiri further criticized the lack of due process in reinstating the suspended councillors. “Their participation rendered the proceedings invalid. My office was never notified of their reinstatement,” he added.

The embattled chairman vowed to seek redress through the judiciary. “I trust the courts to restore justice and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

Below is the full text of the pact that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti tabled before the citizens in his 2025 new year message, as vented on his verified socials.

“NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Being the Text of a New Year Broadcast by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, on January 1, 2025

“1. Ndi Abia ibe m, I bring you warm and joyful greetings. I have come with a deep sense of our collective gratitude to the Almighty God for the blessing and privilege of waking up to another New Year. Let me join families, friends and well-wishers in welcoming all of us to the great promises of 2025. Happy New Year, umunne m.

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“2. This is the beginning of another phase of a long journey to find meaning in our individual lives and contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of our society. Our pursuits may be different but the goals are often not too far apart: we want to live in fulfilment by applying our talents and abilities to useful endeavours, chase our dreams, pursue worthy causes and one day, when our race is done, look back in gratitude for the opportunities we had and the overall impact made within our spheres of influence.

“3. Things may not go exactly as we wish but even then, we have a responsibility to step out with hope, doing our best each day to pursue the outcomes we seek for ourselves and our loved ones. Hope must override despair and nothing should distract us from giving our all to achieve the goals that we have carefully laid out in the weeks and days leading to this remarkable day. I do not possess the power to predict the future but I know one thing for sure: victory ultimately goes to the one who never gave up.

“4. As a government, our job in the New Year will be to build systems and structures to support your dreams and offer you the institutional leverage to thrive and contribute to our shared aspiration of building a better society. With sincerity and commitment as our guiding principles, we have strived to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people, honouring the faith they have placed in us.

“5. We are practically in a hurry to rebuild our State and realign governance priorities to reflect the true aspirations of the people. We have since evolved a system that prioritises the needs of the downtrodden by paying attention, listening carefully and channelling public resources to where they yield the highest social and economic dividends to the majority.

“6. By taking on very difficult but economically and socially significant projects in road infrastructure development, health and education, waste management and environmental recoveries, we have demonstrated that no obstacle can be too difficult to surmount when there is the sincere will to get things done. Many of the impact-making projects in our urban and rural communities are now nearing completion. Others are also being developed at a pace that leaves no doubt about the determination of the government to complete and add them to the stock of public infrastructure in the State. You will find evidence of our commitment to the restoration and upgrade of long-abandoned public infrastructure across the State at the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia, Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Obohia and Ohanku Roads, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge and several others that only served as tools of electioneering deceit before now. What makes us different as an administration is that we are driven by a genuine sense of service and an obligation to work for the people. Our pursuit is beyond political glory because we appreciate that humanity comes before politics.”