Arewa Times

---

Dingyadi gives out daughter in marriage in Sokoto

The family of Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi has announced the Wedding Fatiha of their daughter, Aisha Yusuf Dingyadi, to Bashar M. Bashar.

According to an invitation issued by the family, the wedding ceremony is scheduled to hold on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Hassan Dan Mu’azu Jumu’at Mosque, Runjin Sambo, Sokoto.

The bride, Aisha, is a student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Sokoto, while the Wedding Fatiha is expected to commence at 1:45 p.m., shortly after the Jumu’at prayer.

The family of Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi, a prominent political figure in Sokoto State is hosting the event.

The ceremony is expected to attract family members, friends, associates, religious leaders, and other well-wishers from within and outside the state.

The Hassan Dan Mu’azu Jumu’at Mosque in Runjin Sambo has previously hosted several high-profile wedding ceremonies involving members of the Dingyadi family and other notable personalities in Sokoto State.

fourth year of the administration, Yari prayed for continued wisdom, strength and clarity of purpose for the President, expressing optimism that the work ahead would be guided by a vision that uplifts all Nigerians and further strengthens the nation’s democratic foundations.

He congratulated President Tinubu once again on the twin occasions of his third anniversary in office and Democracy Day, assuring him of his continued support

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has condemned the arrest order reportedly issued against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Mele Kyari, by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, describing the action as capable of undermining the principles of fairness and due process.

In a statement issued on Thursday signed by its president, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the group expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of trial by media and premature public judgment before the conclusion of investigations.

AYAGL acknowledged the constitutional oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly but stressed that such powers must be exercised in accordance with justice, fairness, and established legal procedures.

The group noted that reports indicated that Kyari had communicated his inability to appear before the committee due to medical treatment outside the country and had expressed readiness to honour the invitation upon his return.

According to the youth organisation, the decision to issue an arrest order under such circumstances raises questions about proportionality and respect for due process.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. No individual, institution, region or political group owns this country. Every Nigerian citizen deserves to be treated fairly and accorded the constitutional right to be heard before judgment is passed,” the statement said.

AYAGL also appealed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole to ensure that the matter is handled in a manner that does not create the impression of personal bias.

The group described Oshiomhole as a respected national leader with a longstanding reputation for advocating justice, democracy and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, urging him to promote objectivity and national cohesion in the handling of the matter.

It further warned against attempts by individuals or groups to use public institutions to settle scores or discredit achievements recorded in the petroleum sector during Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL.

The organisation maintained that under Kyari’s leadership, the national oil company witnessed significant reforms, including the publication of audited financial statements, implementation of key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), strengthening of corporate governance structures, attraction of investments, refinery rehabilitation efforts and initiatives aimed at improving accountability across the petroleum value chain.

While insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny, AYAGL stressed that investigations must not be transformed into persecution or public conviction before the establishment of facts.

The group also called on national leaders to focus attention on pressing challenges facing the country, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and youth development.

According to AYAGL, national discourse should be directed towards strengthening economic reforms, promoting national unity and addressing issues affecting the daily lives of citizens rather than creating distractions capable of deepening divisions.

It therefore urged the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and other stakeholders to ensure that all investigations are conducted professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

The group reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law, while rejecting any attempt to criminalise or demonise individuals before the conclusion of due process.

“Nigeria’s democracy will flourish when justice is guided by evidence, fairness and due process, not by media sensationalism, political pressure or public hysteria,” the statement added.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure overwhelming support across Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, during the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on the performance of the current administration, Matawalle said President Tinubu remains politically popular in the region and is likely to receive even greater electoral backing than in previous contests. He argued that the administration’s efforts in addressing insecurity, improving infrastructure, and implementing economic reforms have strengthened public confidence in the government.

The minister dismissed criticisms from opposition groups, accusing them of deliberately amplifying security concerns and spreading misleading narratives to diminish the achievements recorded by the Federal Government.

According to him, opposition politicians have focused on isolated security incidents while ignoring broader successes recorded by the military and other security agencies in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.

Matawalle praised members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country, noting that many personnel have lost their lives while defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He stated that the Tinubu administration has adopted a more coordinated, intelligence-based security strategy, particularly in North-West states such as Sokoto State, Zamfara State, Katsina State, Kaduna State and Kebbi State. He said these efforts have led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.

The minister added that military operations have helped restore relative calm in many previously troubled communities, allowing residents to return to farming and other productive activities. He also pointed to progress in counterinsurgency operations in the North-East and efforts aimed at reducing violence in parts of North-Central Nigeria.

Highlighting the administration’s broader achievements, Matawalle said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered measurable results in security, infrastructure, agriculture, social investment, and economic reform.

He cited ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, investments in rail and energy infrastructure, agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, and empowerment schemes targeting young people and women as examples of interventions benefiting Northern communities.

According to him, government efforts to improve education, strengthen local industries, expand economic opportunities, and enhance national security have continued to receive positive feedback from citizens across the region.

Matawalle maintained that the administration’s accomplishments would play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment ahead of the next general election.

He argued that many Nigerians, particularly in the North, are already seeing improvements in security and economic opportunities and would not be swayed by what he described as politically motivated attacks against the government.

The minister said President Tinubu remains focused on governance, national development, and improving the welfare of citizens, expressing confidence that voters would reward those efforts with strong support in 2027.

He also called on political leaders across party lines to prioritize national unity and support initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and development throughout the country.

The statement was issued by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence.

The leadership crisis within the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has taken a fresh dimension as a faction of the party has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the emergence of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman and seeking recognition as the authentic leadership of the party.

The faction, which traces its lineage to the leadership structure established by the late PRP founder, Balarabe Musa, also threatened legal action against INEC if the electoral body fails to recognize its claims.

Speaking with journalists, the faction’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Bashir Bello, alleged that the convention that produced Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman was unconstitutional and contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

According to Bello, the late Balarabe Musa had handed over the affairs of the party to former National Chairman, Malam Falalu Bello, who completed his tenure in office in accordance with the party’s constitution. He argued that Falalu Bello lacked the authority to unilaterally transfer leadership of the party to Baba-Ahmed.

“The late Balarabe Musa handed over the affairs of the party to Malam Falalu Bello, who served as National Chairman and completed his tenure. Upon the expiration of his tenure, he ceased to be the leader of the party. However, he single-handedly handed over leadership to Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, creating unnecessary crisis in the party,” Bello said.

He stated that the faction had formally petitioned INEC over the convention that produced Baba-Ahmed, insisting that the process was flawed and violated both the spirit and letter of the PRP constitution.

Bello disclosed that the group had conducted a parallel national convention, compiled its reports and submitted them to INEC, urging the commission to recognize its faction as the legitimate leadership of the party.

“We have petitioned INEC on the conduct of the convention by Falalu Bello that ushered in Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as the party’s National Chairman, which appears flawed and against the spirit and letter of our party’s constitution.
“We have also conducted our parallel convention, compiled and submitted our report to INEC, urging the commission to recognize our faction as the authentic party,” he stated.

The factional spokesman further revealed that his group had successfully conducted primary elections and submitted the names of its candidates to INEC, including its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Dr. Sani Salih Mustapha.

“Likewise, we have conducted our primaries and submitted the names of our candidates, including our presidential candidate, Dr. Sani Salih Mustapha, to the commission,” Bello said.

He, however, clarified that no court case had yet been filed against INEC, explaining that the faction was awaiting the commission’s response to its petition before taking further legal steps.
“We have not yet filed a court case. We are awaiting INEC’s response to our petition, which we may use as evidence in court if the commission’s decision does not favour us.

“Failure of the commission to recognize our faction will leave us with no other option than to seek judicial redress,” he added.

The latest development marks another chapter in the protracted leadership tussle that has continued to divide the PRP, a party founded on the principles of social justice and popular democracy by the late Balarabe Musa.

Crisis rocks the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna as party has produced two separate senatorial candidates for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, raising fresh concerns over deepening divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Information gathered revealed that former lawmaker, Senator Musa Bello, emerged as the candidate of one faction of the party, while the incumbent lawmaker representing the district, Senator Lawal Adamu, was reportedly declared candidate by a rival faction.

The development has created uncertainty among party members and supporters across Kaduna State, with both camps insisting that their respective candidates emerged through legitimate processes conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Sources disclosed that parallel exercises were allegedly conducted by competing factions, resulting in the emergence of different candidates for the same senatorial seat. Each group has continued to lay claim to the authentic mandate, further fueling tensions within the party.

Some members interviewed described the situation as a major setback for the ADC, particularly in Kaduna Central, regarded as one of the most politically strategic senatorial districts in the state.The district comprises seven local government areas — Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Chikun, Giwa, Kajuru and Birnin Gwari — making it a critical battleground in the state’s political landscape.

Party stakeholders have expressed fears that the unresolved dispute could significantly weaken the ADC’s prospects in Kaduna Central, where the party is expected to challenge established political forces, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

“The emergence of parallel candidates sends a negative signal to voters and may undermine the party’s growing support base in the state,” a party source who requested anonymity said.

The crisis comes amid increasing political realignments across Kaduna State, with several politicians reportedly exploring new alliances and platforms ahead of the next electoral cycle.

As of press time, officials of the party had yet to issue a comprehensive statement clarifying the status of the two claimants. However, sources within the ADC disclosed that consultations were ongoing among key stakeholders to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a prolonged legal and political battle.

Some party members argued that the emergence of multiple claimants to the same senatorial ticket reflects broader leadership and organisational challenges that have recently affected the ADC at the national level. The party has in recent years witnessed internal disagreements and legal tussles over its leadership structure, issues that critics say continue to affect its cohesion.

Meanwhile, political watchers across Kaduna State are closely monitoring developments, as the eventual resolution of the controversy is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Kaduna Central senatorial contest and the broader opposition strategy in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

An Analysis of Political Influence, Public Trust, and Grassroots Loyalty in Northern Nigeria

Politics in Northern Nigeria has long been shaped by power, influence, financial strength, and the ability to command large political structures. For decades, many politicians believed that the quickest route to political relevance was through money, patronage, and the distribution of political favours. Yet, as the political climate continues to evolve, a new reality is gradually emerging, one where genuine grassroots connection, accessibility, and public trust are beginning to challenge the dominance of money politics.

The growing political rivalry between Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar and Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle has increasingly become one of the clearest reflections of this changing political reality in Northern Nigeria. Though both men come from the same political environment and possess significant influence across the North, their political approaches represent two sharply contrasting philosophies.

On one side stands Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, a politician widely associated with the traditional structure of money-driven politics. Over the years, Yari has built an extensive political network powered largely by financial influence, strategic patronage, and the ability to maintain loyalty through political investments. His political structure remains formidable, and few would deny his long-standing influence within Zamfara politics and beyond. To his loyalists, Yari represents strength, structure, and political capacity.

However, critics argue that his style reflects the old political order where money is often treated as the primary instrument of political survival. In such a system, influence is sustained not necessarily through emotional connection with the people, but through the ability to maintain political control using financial power and elite networks.

On the other side is Minister Bello Matawalle, whose political strength appears to stem from a different source entirely. Across many parts of Northern Nigeria, Matawalle is increasingly seen by supporters as a leader whose influence is built on accessibility, humility, loyalty, and direct engagement with ordinary people. Unlike the perception of transactional politics often associated with political heavyweights, Matawalle’s growing appeal appears rooted in trust and personal relationships with grassroots supporters.

His supporters consistently argue that Matawalle’s popularity cannot simply be measured by financial expenditure during political contests. Rather, they insist that his acceptance among ordinary Northerners comes from the belief that he understands their realities, listens to their concerns, and maintains close contact with local communities. This perception has steadily strengthened his political identity beyond Zamfara State.

Recent political developments within the APC across Zamfara and parts of the North have further reinforced this perception. In several political contests and party activities, individuals and groups openly aligned with Matawalle have continued to demonstrate surprising political resilience, even in situations where opponents were believed to possess superior financial resources and stronger political machinery.

For many political observers, this trend carries an important message. It suggests that while money remains a major factor in Nigerian politics, it may no longer be sufficient to guarantee unquestioned political dominance. The Northern grassroots, particularly younger political participants and local stakeholders, are increasingly paying attention to credibility, consistency, accessibility, and perceived sincerity.

For Matawalle, this growing acceptance represents more than ordinary political popularity. It reflects the consolidation of a political philosophy centered around trust-building and people-oriented leadership. His supporters now increasingly portray him as a symbol of a new political direction where genuine relationships with the grassroots matter more than temporary political inducements.

As politics across Northern Nigeria continues to evolve, one reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: money may build political structures, but genuine grassroots trust sustains long-term political relevance. The rising political strength of Bello Matawalle therefore represents more than the success of an individual politician. It symbolizes the growing importance of trust, connection, and grassroots loyalty in shaping the future of Northern Nigerian politics.

In the end, the political contrast between Abdul’aziz Yari and Bello Matawalle is not merely about two influential politicians competing for dominance. It is a reflection of two competing political philosophies, one largely associated with financial power and political patronage, and the other increasingly identified with grassroots trust, accessibility, and people-centered leadership. And for many observers across Northern Nigeria today, the politics of trust appears to be gaining stronger ground than the politics of money.

Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu

• Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba
• National President NSNCM
• Director General Initiative for Military Veterans & family support Foundation
• Deputy National Coordinator Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF).
• Director General youth Reformation and Leadership Skills development Foundation
• Chairman former Kaduna state Governorship Candidates forum
• Political Analyst, Civil society Activist
• Public Affairs commentator
• Security Expert.

By Our Correspondent, Abuja

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a reformer per excellence, just as the agency officially launched a landmark ₦220 billion national solarisation initiative.

Abdullahi made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja during the flag-off ceremony of the ambitious renewable energy project, which aims to deploy solar mini-grids and home systems across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the ECN boss, the President’s ongoing reforms in the energy sector have created the enabling environment for the private-sector-driven project, describing Tinubu’s policies as “bold, transformative, and necessary” for Nigeria’s sustainable future.

“What we are witnessing today is a direct product of Mr. President’s resolve to rethink energy in Nigeria. From the removal of fuel subsidies to the unlocking of private capital in renewables, President Tinubu has proven himself a reformer per excellence,” Abdullahi stated.

The ₦220 billion solarisation drive, being implemented in partnership with global renewable energy developers and local financiers, is expected to:

· Provide electricity to over 5 million unserved and underserved households.
· Create an estimated 250,000 direct and indirect jobs.
· Reduce carbon emissions by 6 million tonnes annually.
· Boost economic activities in rural and peri-urban communities.

The ECN boss further revealed that the project would be rolled out in three phases, with the first phase focusing on 11 high-impact states, including Kaduna, Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and Borno.

“We are not just installing solar panels. We are building a decentralized energy ecosystem that will outlast this administration. Every reform, every policy shift, is aimed at ensuring no Nigerian is left in the dark,” Abdullahi added.

Industry stakeholders at the event, including representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), expressed optimism about the project’s bankability and sustainability.

President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, commended the ECN for keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all Nigerians.

The flag-off ceremony marked the official commencement of procurement and community sensitization, with the first batch of installations scheduled to begin in Q3 2025.

A political support group under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Igabi APC Women Grassroots Forum, has alleged that former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Zailani, is still battling with the “pains of political defeat” following the outcome of the recent APC primaries.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Hajiya Binta Ibrahim Mohammed, said the former Speaker lacked the political influence he often claims to possess, arguing that his inability to deliver electoral victories in his political stronghold exposed his declining relevance within the ruling party.

According to the forum, Zailani failed to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in his ward, local government area, federal constituency, and the Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone during the 2023 general elections.

The women group maintained that if the former lawmaker truly commanded strong political support across Kaduna State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not have emerged victorious in key areas believed to be under his political influence despite his open support for the APC presidential candidate.

“A man who could not deliver his ward and local government for the President during the 2023 general elections should not parade himself as a larger-than-life political figure in Kaduna State,” the statement said.

The forum further argued that the outcome of the elections in Kaduna Central Senatorial District and within his federal constituency clearly demonstrated that the former Speaker no longer possessed the political weight he often claimed.

The group also alleged that Zailani was no longer in good standing with party stakeholders at the ward, local government, and state levels, adding that his relationship with grassroots APC members had continued to deteriorate over time.

According to the statement, the former Speaker spent more time in Abuja pursuing contract opportunities rather than building political structures and strengthening party unity at the grassroots level.

The women forum further questioned Zailani’s capacity for higher legislative responsibilities, alleging that he lacked the intellectual depth and articulation required for such positions, while insisting that his political relevance had diminished significantly since leaving office.

The group called on APC members in Kaduna State to remain united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of future elections instead of engaging in actions capable of creating division within the ruling party.

The Arewa Foundation for Peace has condemned what it described as persistent acts of blackmail and character assassination by retired military officer, General Garus Gololo, against respected members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator,Alhaji Musa Shehu Gabam , the group expressed concern over what it termed “unfounded allegations and reckless accusations” allegedly being made by Gololo against notable political figures in the country.

The foundation said it was unfortunate that an elder statesman of his standing would allegedly make claims against prominent personalities without providing credible evidence to substantiate such allegations.

“It is very unfortunate that such an elder could raise allegations and issues against important personalities which he cannot back up,” the statement read.
The group further accused the retired general of engaging in actions capable of undermining the unity and collective interests of northern Nigeria, stressing that such conduct runs contrary to the region’s long-standing principles of peace, unity and mutual respect.

According to the foundation, “he has a penchant for blackmail and character assassination, which are counterproductive to the North’s principle of unity and common purpose.”
The organization also distanced itself from the former military officer, declaring that his views and actions do not represent the collective aspirations of northerners committed to peaceful coexistence and political harmony.

“We disassociate ourselves from him as northerners with regard for relationship, political alignment and united front for peaceful coexistence,” the statement added.

The foundation called on respected elders and stakeholders across the northern region to intervene and caution Gololo against making statements capable of creating division between northern and southern Nigerians.
It warned that inflammatory comments and unverified allegations could deepen mistrust and threaten national unity if left unchecked.

“We are calling on elders within the northern region to call him to order before he creates a crack between the North and southern people,” the group stated.

The foundation reiterated its commitment to peace, national unity and constructive political engagement, urging public figures to embrace responsible leadership and avoid utterances capable of heating up the polity.