Arewa Times

Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi, has paid tribute to the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a trusted brother who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.

In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and deeply religious man who devoted his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.

He recalled that their relationship blossomed during their journalism careers, particularly through writing, publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

“It will be recalled that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji organised a reception in his residence to honour three of us—Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That occasion cemented our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.

He also reminisced about how the late statesman hosted a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) journalists during the turbaning of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

“During the dinner, we all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience. Even the leader of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, publicly acknowledged the gesture and said she had learnt many things she never knew despite living in London,” he added.

Dingyadi described the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.

“Since the demise of Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, Tsoho Mafara and Muhammadu Bature, I have not seen a man who carried the burden of his people with such sincerity as late Sardaunan Sokoto.

“He opened his doors to everyone. On one occasion, he instructed his aide to grant me unrestricted access to him at all times. Anyone who was not close to him could never fully appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.

He noted that the late elder statesman fondly called him “Yusufu,” a name he always used affectionately, reflecting his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

Before his ministerial appointments, he built a distinguished career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Trade, Finance and National Planning.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s economic history.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers and associates, who described him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.

His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki and several serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.

By Grace Abu

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has honoured the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, for what it described as his outstanding leadership, commitment to national development and support for youth empowerment.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by its president, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the youth group said the recognition was in appreciation of Faleke’s contributions to nation-building, exemplary public service and people-centred leadership.

According to the Assembly, the lawmaker has consistently demonstrated commitment to the principles of good governance, inclusive development and national unity through his leadership and service to the country.

The group noted that Faleke’s support for youth development and his leadership style had inspired many young people, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to embrace the values of integrity, excellence and responsible leadership.

AYAGL also commended the federal lawmaker for what it described as his role in encouraging Northern youths to pursue quality leadership, promote national cohesion and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

It stated that Faleke’s style of leadership continues to serve as an example for public office holders and emerging leaders across the country.

Describing him as a statesman whose influence transcends ethnic, religious and regional divides, the Assembly said his record of selfless service and commitment to the welfare of the people had earned him widespread respect and admiration.

The group further praised the lawmaker for his contributions to youth empowerment and national progress, urging him to remain committed to serving the nation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible leadership, youth inclusion, peace, unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.

ENDS

Over the past few weeks, I have watched Governor Uba Sani’s activities with keen interest, and one question keeps coming to mind: does this man ever sleep?

From one official engagement to another, from project inspections to policy meetings and community interactions, his schedule appears remarkably demanding. The consistency and intensity of his public engagements have prompted many to wonder how he manages such a relentless pace.

In just a matter of days, he commissioned roads in Jaba and Jama’a, flagged off another major road project in Zaria, and stood before thousands of farmers to distribute fertilisers and agricultural support that will help many families return to their farms with renewed hope.

To some people, these are just government activities, but to me, they tell a deeper story.

Years ago, when I had the privilege of serving as a Local Government Chairperson, I discovered something that many people outside government never get to see. Leadership is exhausting. The public only sees the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

They rarely see the sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, the criticism, the impossible expectations, or the constant pressure to satisfy millions of people whose needs are genuine.

That experience taught me how to recognise hard work when I see it.

That is why I do not merely see Governor Uba Sani’s projects; I see the effort behind them.

Kaduna is not an easy state to govern. It carries the weight of years of insecurity, mistrust, political tension, economic hardship and communities that have, at different times, struggled to see themselves as one people. No governor inherits those realities and fixes them overnight.

But leadership is not always about performing miracles,
sometimes leadership is about refusing to stop trying.

That, to me, is what Governor Uba Sani represents today.

One thing that particularly touched me was the distribution of fertilisers and farming support. To on Saturday 25th July some, it may simply be another government programme; I saw something much bigger.

I saw a government saying to farmers, “Go back to the land. We have not forgotten you.”

In a state where insecurity has kept many people away from their farms, supporting agriculture is not only about increasing harvests.

It is about restoring confidence, reducing hunger, creating jobs, strengthening rural communities and reminding people that better days are still possible.

Food security begins long before the harvest. It begins when a farmer believes it is worth planting again. That is the real significance of Saturday’s intervention.

Beyond the projects is something that cannot be measured with statistics. Governor Uba Sani has consistently projected the spirit of bringing people together. The journey is not over, and no honest person would claim every challenge has disappeared.

But there is a visible effort to replace division with dialogue, exclusion with inclusion, and suspicion with partnership and that matters, because development grows faster where people begin to trust one another again.

As a former Local Government Administrator, I know how easy it is for people to criticise from a distance. I also know how difficult it is to wake up every morning carrying the expectations of thousands of citizens.

That is why I believe that we should never become so consumed by what remains undone that we fail to acknowledge what is being done.

Governor Uba Sani is showing Kaduna people that leadership can be present and can keep moving even when the road is steep.

Perhaps that is why he always seems to be on the move, from one community to another, from one project to another, from meetings in Abuja to engagements across Kaduna State, pushing, listening, negotiating, building.

Whether one agrees with every policy or not, one thing is difficult to deny: the man is putting in the work.

And as someone who understands the weight of public leadership, I simply want to say this:

Thank you, Gov. Uba Sani (CON) for choosing effort over excuses.

Kaduna still has work to be done; there are still roads to build, schools to strengthen, hospitals to improve, communities to heal, and young people to empower, and Governor Uba Sani has shown the determination to complete the task he began.

My prayer is that history will remember not only the projects he commissioned, but the hope he kept alive, the bridges he built between people, and the example he set that leadership is not about occupying an office; it is about showing up, every single day, for the people.

Hon Dr Nita Byack George (The Administrator) writes from Kaduna

The 2026 leadership election of the Plateau State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been plunged into uncertainty following the resignation of the reconstituted Credentials Committee and the withdrawal of several aspirants, amid allegations of irregularities and undue interference in the electoral process.
The twin developments have effectively halted preparations for the election, leaving the Chapel without an electoral body and significantly disrupting plans for the scheduled poll.
The situation reportedly worsened after concerns emerged over alleged external influence on the conduct of the election, prompting contestants to withdraw from the race. Shortly afterwards, members of the Credentials Committee stepped down, citing circumstances that have raised fresh questions about the credibility, independence and transparency of the process.
Sources familiar with the developments claim that attempts by outside interests to shape the outcome of the election have fueled anxiety, mistrust and growing dissatisfaction among members of the Chapel.
The Correspondents’ Chapel has long been regarded as an institution guided by democratic principles, fairness and professional independence. Stakeholders argue that any perceived effort to compromise its electoral process threatens the credibility of the Chapel and weakens members’ confidence in its leadership structure.
Amid the unfolding crisis, members are calling for an urgent, transparent and inclusive resolution that will restore confidence in the process, reconstitute the electoral machinery where necessary, and guarantee a free, fair and member-driven election devoid of intimidation, manipulation or external influence

By Grace Isreal, Abuja

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has cautioned opposition politicians against comments and actions capable of inciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Matawalle, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, faulted the reported decision of a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to engage a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents concerning Tinubu in the United States.

He described the move as unfortunate, saying it neither advanced Nigeria’s democracy nor addressed the pressing challenges confronting the country.

The minister urged opposition leaders to redirect their energy towards supporting government efforts on insecurity, national unity and the welfare of citizens, rather than seeking to damage the country’s image abroad.

“The Presidency is a national institution and symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty that deserves respect, regardless of political differences,” he said.

Matawalle insisted that Nigeria’s democratic outcomes would not be shaped from outside the country.

“No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or alter the mandate freely given by Nigerians,” he said, adding that political differences must not come at the expense of the nation’s image and collective interest.

He cited what he described as a recent commendation of Tinubu’s leadership by United States President Donald Trump, who he said acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in strengthening security cooperation and combating terrorism.

According to him, such international recognition reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s efforts under the present administration and should encourage citizens to work together instead of promoting divisive narratives abroad.

The minister warned that campaigns of propaganda against a government enjoying popular goodwill would ultimately rebound on their sponsors, leaving them politically and morally diminished.

He added that those who believe falsehood and mischief can unseat the Tinubu administration were mistaken, insisting that the country belongs to its people, who would make their choice again in 2027.

Matawalle called on opposition politicians to embrace constructive engagement by offering credible alternatives and supporting ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, promote peaceful coexistence and accelerate national development, rather than pursuing campaigns capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every political actor has a responsibility to protect the country’s unity, stability and international reputation,” he said.

– 

The Igbo Youth League (IYL) has accused Paul Ibe, the media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of prioritizing personal political gain over the regional interests of the South-East.

In a statement released on Thursday, the organization claimed that Mr. Ibe’s recent public remarks and political activities are inconsistent with the push for greater political inclusion and equity for the Igbo nation. The league alleged that his persistent defense of Atiku Abubakar’s political agenda constitutes a betrayal of Igbos who advocate for stronger regional representation in Nigeria’s leadership .

The group argued that political appointments and personal benefits must not take precedence over the broader interests of the region. They urged Igbo political actors to focus on advancing the collective cause of the South-East rather than pursuing individual ambitions .

The IYL further warned that history would judge public figures who sacrifice regional interests for personal political advantage. They called on Igbo leaders, professionals, and youths to remain united in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and political inclusion, asserting that no individual should undermine the region’s voice for temporary political gain .

Paul Ibe, who has long served as a spokesman for the former vice president, has notably criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu on issues of governance, security, and the economy. As of the time of this report, he had not publicly responded to the allegations .

By Andrew Tate

A Northern Christian Progressive group has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to appoint a Northern Christian as Director-General of the presidential campaign to ensure the overwhelming success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The Group Secretary, Rev. Hayap Musa Danladi, made the appeal on behalf of the group in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Danladi stressed that it is the right time for Northern Christians to demonstrate their loyalty and political weight in the forthcoming 2027 general election.

“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing a Christian politician from Northern Nigeria, especially prominent ones, as was done in the 2023 election by appointing the former Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, to steer the election ship,” Danladi said.

“We are optimistic that Lalong, with his widespread support and experience, contributed to securing victory for President Bola Tinubu’s election.”

According to him, giving such a position to a Northern Christian will further strengthen the campaign and clear all miscommunications, misconceptions and false claims of presidential bias being spread by political opponents.

The group secretary emphasised that the inclusion of Northern Christians will further highlight political acceptance, mutual respect and understanding among citizens.

He stressed that Christian politicians will surely work tirelessly to campaign for Tinubu’s victory in recognition of his achievements and landmark transformations in the country.

“We must shun religious hatred, ethnic differences and work toward national development, as well as overcoming challenges at all levels,” Danladi added.

“Christians mean well for all Nigerians. We consider all people equal and focus on nation-building without considering Muslims as opponents or critics of ideas.

“We must respect individuals, as demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu, through his style of leadership that works in the interest of all Nigerians.”

Earlier, the Leader of the Northern Christians Youth, Mr. Zakaria Bitrus Gwasshi, commended Tinubu on his administration’s achievements, fairness and for uniting the nation despite some pockets of challenges across the country.

Gwasshi said his blueprint for fighting insecurity, economic development and ensuring peaceful coexistence is glaringly evident in the country, particularly bringing an end to religious crises bedevilling some states of Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue, without witch-hunts or other biases.

---

Tags: 2027 Election, APC, Bola Tinubu, Northern Christians, Campaign Director-General, Simon Lalong, Religious Inclusion

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has condemned the engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to circulate documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to officials in the United States.

Sani described the move as unnecessary and capable of undermining Nigeria’s image abroad, urging political actors to resolve their differences within the country’s democratic and legal institutions rather than seeking to influence foreign governments.

His reaction followed reports that the Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., retained by Atiku Abubakar under a reported 12-month contract, had begun distributing documents relating to a long-running U.S. civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu to officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, members of Congress and congressional staff.

According to reports, the firm said it was sharing records from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds allegedly linked to Tinubu. The lobbying contract, reportedly valued at $1.2 million, covers advocacy, diplomatic outreach and the presentation of Atiku’s positions to U.S. policymakers.

Reacting to the development, Sani maintained that disagreements arising from Nigeria’s political process should not be exported to foreign capitals.

He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation should take precedence over partisan interests, warning that attempts to lobby foreign governments against the country’s leadership could have unintended consequences for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and national interest.

The former lawmaker called on politicians across party lines to conduct their political engagements responsibly, stressing that elections and governance issues should be addressed through constitutional means and established democratic institutions.

Sani further urged all stakeholders to place national unity and the country’s global image above political rivalry, noting that healthy opposition remains an essential part of democracy but should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.

The Bauchi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Group has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, of allegedly sponsoring the governorship ambition of Senator Shehu Buba of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The group described the move as anti-party activity capable of destabilising the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s Zonal Secretary, Dr. Mustafa Babayo Tunga, the elders described the alleged actions of Senator Yari, a prominent APC chieftain, as a calculated attempt to weaken the party’s campaign structure and electoral prospects in Bauchi State.

The group vowed to resist any individual using influence or financial resources to sow division within the party.

“We are aware of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari’s alleged efforts to build a political structure through financial inducements to some APC supporters across the state in support of Senator Shehu Buba of the PRP against our party’s governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.

According to the elders, Senator Yari was allegedly involved in meetings with some political stakeholders in Abuja where strategies were discussed to mobilise support for the PRP governorship candidate despite his membership of the opposition party.

The group also alleged that vehicles and other forms of support had been provided to strengthen Senator Buba’s political structure.

It maintained that Senator Buba, having left the APC, no longer had any relationship with the party, warning that anyone supporting his governorship ambition should be regarded as an opponent of the APC.

“Senator Buba has nothing to do with our party. He voluntarily left the APC for the PRP. Anyone openly supporting him is working against the interest of our great party,” the statement added.

The elders called on the National Chairman of the APC to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action against Senator Yari if found culpable, saying such steps were necessary to preserve unity and cohesion within the party.

“It is unfortunate that one of our political leaders is allegedly working to undermine the APC’s chances in Bauchi State by supporting the ambition of a candidate who abandoned the party for personal interests,” the group stated.

The APC Elders Group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and securing victory for the party in the Bauchi State governorship election, insisting that the party remained united despite the alleged attempts to create internal divisions.