New era

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ‘climbed’ to power in Kano in 2023 with overwhelming grassroots support, riding on the influence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
But less than two years into its administration, the party is showing signs of internal cracks.

Recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), rising internal dissatisfaction, and governance challenges have cast doubt on NNPP’s ability to maintain its dominance in Kano.

On Monday, the Kano State chapter of the NNPP announced the suspension of a senator and three members of the House of Representatives.

The affected lawmakers include Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Aliyu Madaki (Dala Federal Constituency), Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), and Kabiru Rurum (Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure Federal Constituency).

Hashimu Dungurawa, the party’s state chairman, in an interview with DAILY POST cited disloyalty and non-compliance with party directives as reasons for their suspension.

According to him, the lawmakers repeatedly ignored party activities, including major events organized by both Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Kwankwaso.

“The governor has undertaken several projects in their respective constituencies, yet they never showed up. Kwankwaso organized events in both Kano and Abuja, but they were absent. During our recent nationwide committee meeting, all stakeholders attended except them, and they never offered any explanation,” Dungurawa stated in the interview.

The state chairman further alleged that Sumaila’s actions, including the invitation of key APC figures to his daughter’s wedding and the commissioning of his university projects, demonstrated his lack of commitment to the NNPP.

“The people who fought against him in 2009 and 2023 were present at his events, while those who helped him secure his political position were sidelined. This is why we had to act,” he stated.

However, the suspended lawmakers have rejected the party’s action.

They tagged it an illegitimate decision driven by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s faction.

In a joint statement on Monday, the lawmakers accused the NNPP leader of running the party like a personal empire.

“Hashimu Dungurawa, a political puppet of Kwankwaso, lacks any credibility to speak on NNPP matters. This so-called ‘suspension’ is nothing but a fraudulent political gimmick designed to deceive the public and distract them from the monumental failures of Kwankwaso’s faction,” the lawmakers declared.

They accused Kwankwaso of using the NNPP as a tool for personal vendettas.

“Politics should be about service, integrity, and development not a tool for dictatorship. Unfortunately, in Kano State, Kwankwaso has turned the NNPP into his personal empire, disregarding party unity and democratic principles.”

Also, on Tuesday, the party’s national leadership, through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Oginni Olaposi, also rejected the suspension, declaring it “null and void.”

According to Olaposi, the decision was orchestrated by the Kwankwasiyya movement, which no longer holds a formal relationship with the NNPP.

“The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement ended after the 2023 elections. The faction claiming to suspend these lawmakers lacks the authority to do so. We appeal to the people of Kano to disregard their pronouncements,” Olaposi stated.

He also referenced a court ruling that placed the NNPP under the leadership of its Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.

“Kwankwaso and his faction have no legal standing to act on behalf of the party. Their statements are misleading and could cause public unrest in Kano.”

In an interview with DAILY POST on Thursday, Comrade Khatimul Kulkul, Senior Special Reporter to the Kano State Governor from the Ministry of Local and Chieftaincy Affairs, defended the suspension of the lawmakers.

He stated that it was necessary to protect the party from internal crises.

“Internal crises are the most dangerous for a party,” Kulkul said.

“Someone may appear to be with you, but in reality, they are not. Such individuals could be leaking party secrets and agenda to outsiders.”

He explained that the NNPP had come to the realization that the suspended lawmakers and senator were not genuinely aligned with the party’s interests. “If we go into 2027 with them, they will create problems for us. This is why we decided to do away with them now to prepare for the next elections. If we had allowed them to stay, they would have shown their true colors closer to 2027.”

Kulkul also mentioned that despite the defections of prominent figures in the past, the Kwankwasiyya movement has remained strong.

“Aminu Dabo left us, but no matter how prominent Kawu Sumaila thinks he is, he is not at the level of Aminu Dabo, Adamu Yusuf Dangwadima. People who have been with Kwankwasiyya for years. Kawu Sumaila only recently joined and was never originally part of the movement. Many have left before, but that has never stopped us from succeeding.”

He remained confident about the party’s prospects in 2027.

“This will only make us more prepared, and we will put them to shame. The Kwankwasiyya movement will prevail in 2027, just as it has in past elections.

“If you look at the political tide from 2011 until now, there have been crises, deepened politics, inconclusive elections but Kwankwasiyya always prevails because we have a determined leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. And we will put them to shame again.”

Political analysts evaluates party’s ‘journey’ to 2027

An exclusive interview with political analyst, Abba Gwale has revealed growing internal crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, raising concerns about its readiness for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the current state of the party, Gwale highlighted the deepening factional struggle between two opposing camps.

“We all know there’s a faction in the party, one led by Dungurawa, who has the backing of the Kano State government, and the other led by Zarewa. But you know, it’s politics; internal issues are bound to arise, especially as we approach the 2027 general elections,” Gwale said.

He noted that the Dungurawa-led faction recently suspended four federal lawmakers from the party.

According to him, this division could weaken the party’s prospects if left unresolved.

“The party is not in a good position heading into 2027 unless they sit down, amend their differences, and prepare for the politicking ahead,” he added.

Is NNPP still trusted in Kano?

Despite these internal challenges, Gwale believes NNPP still enjoys significant support in Kano, largely due to the influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the administration’s infrastructural efforts.

“People still trust the party in Kano because it’s new and hasn’t exhausted the patience people have for it. In terms of infrastructural and human development, the NNPP under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is trying,” he explained.

However, he acknowledged that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) remains strong, benefiting from federal influence.

“The APC is still active and enjoys the backing of the federal government. Their leaders, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are doing everything to maintain relevance in the state,” Gwale stated.

Can APC reclaim Kano in 2027?

When asked about APC’s chances of reclaiming power in 2027, Gwale remained cautious, citing the unpredictability of Nigerian politics.

“We cannot predict the outcome directly, but many unfolding events will play a role. The trust in NNPP and Kwankwasiyya still exists. However, the country’s economic situation could affect APC’s chances in many states, not just Kano,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Gwale said the APC is already strategizing.

“They still have time to woo voters, and they are doing that now. But unseating an incumbent government is not easy. You need public trust and other political factors to align in your favor,” he said.

Commenting on recent political shifts, Gwale pointed out a significant change on how the opposition is being treated in Kano.

“The state government now allows the opposition to operate freely, something they didn’t enjoy when they were in opposition,” he observed.

However, he warned that the defection of government officials to the opposition is a worrying sign for NNPP.

“When people in government, despite all the benefits of being in power, start leaving for the opposition, then something is not working as it should. We are seeing special advisers resigning and joining the opposition. this is alarming, and they need to address it before it’s too late,” he cautioned.

Auwal Sumaila, a resident in Hotoro revealed to this reporter that the suspension of Kawu Sumaila and other lawmakers will surely affect the NNPP.

“Most people are in the party because of Kawu. So, when he leaves, he is leaving with his people for sure. I will follow him to whatever party he leaves for,” he said.

Recall that the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, revealed that more key figures from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) will soon defect to the ruling party on Sunday during an empowerment program.

According to him, the APC’s policies and governance approach were attracting opposition members.

Also, at the empowerment program, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), pledged that the NNPP will be defeated in Kano before 1 p.m on election day in 2027.

[Daily Post]

There is no end in sight to the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly as the 35 lawmakers who removed Mudashiru Obasa as speaker insisted that the embattled lawmaker would not be reinstated.

According to the lawmakers, the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, remains the leader of the Assembly despite Obasa’s declaration that he had resumed his position.

Obasa had gone to the Assembly on Thursday after his security details were restored.

He also held a plenary session with four lawmakers.

“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly. I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic,” Obasa told reporters on the premises of the House.

Obasa’s action came after some notable chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress met with the lawmakers on Monday.

The chieftains, including former governors of Osun and Ogun states, Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, respectively, alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other party bigwigs, also met with members of the Governance Advisory Council at Marina, Lagos, in a bid to find a solution to the crisis.

According to sources at the meeting, the panel recommended the resignation of Obasa upon his return and that Meranda should also step down to pave the way for another lawmaker from the Lagos West Senatorial District to emerge as Speaker.

However, the arrangement appeared to have collapsed on Thursday following Obasa’s return to the Assembly with new security escorts.

President Tinubu linked to Obasa’s return

There were indications that the presidency supported Obasa’s return to the Assembly, especially with the restoration of his security team.

Saturday PUNCH gathered from an insider among Lagos APC chieftains that Obasa’s return was the outcome of a meeting he held with some party leaders loyal to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

According to the source, the APC leaders met Obasa at the Lagos House, Marina, and spent hours indoors.

He said, “The meeting started late Wednesday evening and ended in the early hours of Thursday. Around 7am to 8am, you could easily tell from some of Obasa’s close aides that something in their favour was about to happen. The lawmaker’s return to the Assembly, I strongly believe, is a result of the meeting because the APC leaders are some of the right-hand men of Mr President.

“The true story of the Akande-led peace meeting is that the lawmakers rejected the proposal that Meranda should step down. It will also interest you that the lawmakers from Lagos West, whom the panel asked to produce one of their own as Meranda’s replacement, also rejected the offer. They said they were okay with her leadership.

“After persuasion, the lawmakers reluctantly agreed to have Honourable Setonji David as the new Speaker. But you could see the objection on their faces. Obasa and the President must have seen the lawmakers’ reluctance to implement the resolution, hence Thursday’s turn of events.”

Also, an APC leader, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, described Obasa’s return to the Assembly as a “massive political statement.”

“Obasa’s resumption as the Assembly Speaker is a massive political statement in the political squabble. The fact that he held a plenary session in the House suggests that the pendulum is swinging in his favour. Also, by having the full complement of security with him, your guess is as good as mine,” he said.

The APC chieftain, who is a staunch loyalist of President Tinubu, said the GAC might be disbanded, adding that there would be casualties at the end of the crisis.

He said, “The current crisis will mark the end of the influence of the so-called Governance Advisory Council. The fact that they couldn’t resolve the crisis and the President had to bring in a panel of three wise men, typically imported from outside Lagos, undermines the influence and importance of the GAC. The GAC has been found culpable; they are taking sides in this quarrel. Things will never be the same again in Lagos APC.

“With all these developments, I can assure you that the President will be focusing on paying more attention to details in Lagos politics. He has to begin to interrogate the commitment and loyalty of these so-called leaders.”

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, an aspirant in Lagos West, who asked not to be identified due to the nature of the matter, said, “Tinubu’s handwriting on the Lagos Assembly crisis is clear on the wall.”

“Mr President intervened in the crisis between Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, but he wants us to believe that he closed his eyes to what is happening in the Lagos State House of Assembly. We know Obasa has the President’s backing, and that is why he is acting the way he is. If Mr President wants us to believe he is neutral in this crisis, he should come out openly and give a direction on the matter,” he added.

However, Obasa, during an interview on Thursday, said he was acting alone, though he was a loyalist of the President.

Assembly deserted as security operatives take charge

There was heavy security presence at the Lagos Assembly complex on Friday, as operatives from the state police command, task force, and armed mobile policemen secured the premises.

Armed officers stood under the trees lining the three roads leading to the Assembly gate, while others rested inside the numerous security vehicles parked along the roads.

Within the Assembly complex, clusters of policemen sat in groups, maintaining a watchful presence.

At least 25 patrol vehicles from various police divisions were stationed on the road. The pedestrian gate remained shut, with two police officers positioned in front, while a state task force van was placed near the entrance.

Beyond the armed officers at the gate, two Assembly workers were seen inspecting approaching vehicles and redirecting individuals away from the entrance.

Movement was also restricted around the Lagos State Recreation Park, close to the Assembly gate, as a large number of policemen sat in clusters.

A female Assembly staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the heightened security presence began on Thursday but escalated on Friday when the crisis deepened.

“As you can see, the whole complex is quite empty. On a normal day, people would be all over the stairs. I guess what happened on Thursday made people stay away today.

“The security situation here is unusual. It started yesterday, and when we arrived this morning, we saw that the number of officers had doubled. I believe it’s because of the ongoing issue,” she said.

Lawyers clash in court

A mild drama ensued on Friday at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, when two lawyers claimed to be the counsel for the Assembly during the hearing of a suit filed by Obasa to challenge his removal.

Obasa, in suit number ID/9047GCM/2025, filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, is contesting the constitutionality of the House’s sitting and proceedings during a recess, which occurred without the Speaker reconvening the House or delegating the authority to someone else.

His lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu, filed the suit on his behalf.

When the matter was called, Fashanu appeared for Obasa, while Mr Femi Falana, SAN, appeared for the Assembly.

Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, represented Meranda, and Mr Olu Daramola, SAN, represented parties seeking to be joined in the suit.

However, a mild confrontation occurred when another counsel, Abang Mkpandiok, stood up to challenge Falana’s representation of the Assembly.

Mkpandiok claimed that he had been briefed the previous night by the Assembly and had filed a motion for a change of counsel that morning.

He argued that the right to choose counsel was a fundamental human right and asked the court to address his application first.

Mkpandiok told the court that his law firm had been briefed just the day before to represent the House of Assembly in the suit, and he had filed the necessary documents, although they had not yet been served on the parties.

However, Falana objected, stating that he had not been served with the application and remained the counsel on record for the Assembly.

Falana maintained that he was still the authorised lawyer for the first defendant and had not been informed of any decision to change counsel.

Oyetibo also pointed out that he had not been served with the application.

Mkpandiok then chose to serve the application on the other counsel in court.

After reviewing the court’s records, Justice Pinheiro noted that the application for a change of counsel was not yet ready for hearing.

The court said, “As counsel himself has admitted, that application has not been served on all parties. I will defer it pending compliance with the rules of court.”

The court also ruled that the application for an expedited hearing would not be addressed.

During the proceedings, Daramola informed the court of a motion on notice filed by 33 members of the Assembly, who sought to be joined as parties in the suit.

The motion sought two main reliefs: an order to add the individuals seeking to be co-defendants and an order compelling the claimant to amend the originating and other processes to include their names as defendants.

Justice Pinheiro fixed March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

My security details yet to return – Meranda

Speaking after the court hearing, Meranda stated that the full complement of her security had yet to be restored.

She said, “I have my people and God with me. Three or four policemen are also with me. Whereas, in my normal convoy, my team comprises two policemen, four DSS, and two anti-bomb operatives. But I don’t have that with me this morning.”

When a reporter asked Meranda, “Can you respond to what happened yesterday when the speaker (Obasa) was at the Assembly…?” she responded by asking, “Which speaker?”

The other lawmakers behind her also joined in querying the reporter.

The reporter retracted, saying, “The removed speaker,” after which Meranda responded to her question.

She said, “I think he (Obasa) is still a member of the Lagos House of Assembly, so he has every right to come. But invasion and breaking into my office is really a big one.”

Meranda declined to comment on whether the House would institute any suit against Obasa for his actions at the Assembly on Wednesday.

She described the plenary held by Obasa on Wednesday as a show of shame.

“To me, that was just a show of shame. Because in our job, we have numbers that form a quorum. So, if you are sitting with three or four members, you’re only doing a drama,” she added.

Meranda said the lawmakers would soon hold their sitting, contrary to Obasa’s declaration that the House had gone on recess.

Also speaking after the court proceedings, the spokesperson for the Assembly, Ogundipe Olukayode, declared that a total of 35 lawmakers, including Meranda, were resolute on the ongoing crisis.

“We are 35 as we speak, including Madam Speaker. The House will reconvene. We are consulting with our leaders, and I know the party is also taking steps. The right thing will be done at the right time. But let’s assure Lagosians that we are still committed to our party, our leadership, and to serving the people of Lagos State.”

In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH, some other lawmakers urged leaders of the party to respect their decision.

The lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency II, David Setonji, said he was fully in support of Meranda’s leadership.

Setonji, who spoke through his media aide, Posu Davies, said Obasa was rejected and would not return as speaker.

He said, “Meranda is the recognised Speaker. Obasa was rejected, and he is not coming back as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. We are fully in support of Madam Speaker.”

Another lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Obasa’s action showed that he could no longer be trusted with power, insisting that the ousted speaker was just grandstanding.

A lawmaker, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, alleged that the President was backing Obasa.

He said, “Obasa cannot be that confident if there is no one backing him. It is President Bola Tinubu who is backing him. The GAC has divided into two; while some support Obasa, others support Meranda. But the larger number supports Meranda.”

A senior legal practitioner, who begged not to be named, said the Federal Government was behind the crisis in the House.

He said, “Where did Obasa get the power to control the police? In the last few days, the DSS director was changed, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos was changed, three House of assembly members were charged. All these point to Abuja.”

GAC, APC react

The Chairman of the GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, said members of the group had already advised the warring parties.

He said, “The GAC is an advisory body, and we have given our advice privately to those involved. What we told them is not meant for the public; the party is in the best position to intervene when things are getting out of hand.”

The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, called for peace.

He said, “It is like a quarrel between siblings of the same parents and the parents should not be seen taking sides while trying to make peace. They (lawmakers) were still at the party secretariat yesterday (Thursday) and we are trying to make everybody see reasons that we are all members of the same family.

“While trying to resolve the issue, we are trying to respect the independence of the legislature, so it remains the business of the lawmakers to find an amicable solution and let things return to normal.”

Oladejo denied the involvement of the President in the crisis.

…Says, ‘My dream is to become one of the most successful actors in Nollywood’

Nollywood actress Lydia Usang doesn’t shy away from talking about her physical appearance whenever she has the opportunity to do so.

In a recent chat with us, she admitted that she has a “banging body” that men find irresistible. She also shared her aspirations to become one of the most successful actors in Nollywood.

Usang, who joined the industry in 2022, is known for her charming physique and doesn’t hesitate to flaunt her assets on social media and in movies. When asked about seducing men with her looks, she said “The truth is that I am not in anybody’s mind to know if I am actually seducing them with my looks. Sometimes, men wouldn’t be able to resist my looks. But in real life, I really don’t know how many men I have turned  on with my looks.  It’s normal for beautiful women  to turn men on,” the actress said.

Usang also shared her idea of a romantic date, describing a scenario where she’s treated like a queen, with petals on the floor and a welcoming environment. She emphasized that Nigerian men should try something different and do better.

Usang values friendship but admitted that she’s yet to find a friend who means everything to her. She’s focused on her career and dreams, aiming to become an A-list actor who can deliver any role given to her.

“I value friendship even though I have my own bad side. I have a couple of friends, but I wouldn’t tell you, I have a friend who means everything to me. I’m yet to find that particular friend,” Usang added.

On her dreams and aspirations, the Cross River State-born actress said “As grow you older,your dreams,aspirations and desires change. It has to be big, bold and better. My dream is to become one of the most successful actors in Nollywood. I want to become an A-list actor who knows how to deliver any role given to her,” the actress stated.

[Vanguard]

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will avoid reckless borrowing and expand government revenues through reforms and enhanced earnings.

Speaking after signing the 2025 budget into law at the State House on Friday, Tinubu said the government would accelerate public-private partnerships and foreign investments to finance key projects.

The president signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 appropriation bill into law, marking a 99.96 percent increase from the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion.

The national assembly approved the bill on February 13, after revisions to Tinubu’s initial budget proposal of N49.7 trillion.

The key breakdown of the 2025 budget includes a total expenditure of N54.99 trillion, statutory transfers of N3.65 trillion, and a recurrent (non-debt) expenditure of N13.64 trillion.

The president added that the government would also hold every agency accountable for prudent spending and value-for-money initiatives.

“Today, we take another bold step in our nation’s journey of economic recovery, stability, and growth,” he said.

“With the signing of the 2025 Budget of Restoration, we reaffirm our commitment to securing our future, rebuilding prosperity, and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance.

“The past year tested our resolve. But through economic discipline and strategic reforms, we achieved what many deemed impossible.

“After the initial turbulent take-off, our people can see signs of progress and the promise of a better future. Our economy is turning the corner. Our national GDP growth rebounded to 3.86% in the last quarter, the fastest in three years.

“Revenue increased to N21.6 trillion from N12.37 trillion, reflecting our drive for fiscal efficiency; the deficit reduced significantly—from 6.2% in 2023 to 4.17% in 2025.

“Forex reforms restored investor confidence, stabilising our markets. The minimum wage was raised to N70,000, strengthening the purchasing power of workers.

“Infrastructure development advanced rapidly, with transformative projects such as the 750 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1,068 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.”

Tinubu added that his administration has laid the foundation for the stability of the country’s economy, saying, “Now, we must build on it.”

“With an unprecedented N54.99 trillion budget, we are making the largest-ever investments in critical sectors: national security—N6.11 trillion, the highest defence allocation in Nigeria’s history to secure our nation from threats,” he said.

” Infrastructure—N5.99 trillion: major rail, road, and energy projects to connect our cities and drive economic expansion. Human capital development—N5.70 trillion: unprecedented funding for healthcare, education, and skills development.

“Agriculture and food security—N3.73 trillion: This will boost local food production and ensure no Nigerian goes hungry. Social welfare N723.68 billion: will support our youth, women, and vulnerable citizens.

“This budget is bold, ambitious, and necessary. However, let me be clear: We cannot spend what we do not have.”

Tinubu said the government has “significantly reduced the deficit,” adding that efforts would be made to ensure that every naira spent is backed with actual revenue.

“We will not burden future generations with reckless borrowing,” he said.

“To ensure smooth budget implementation, we will work with the national assembly to redefine corrigenda within the appropriations act.

“The redefinition will establish clear triggers for amendments, balancing executive needs with legislative oversight. A budget is not just numbers—it is a promise, and we must honour it with discipline.

“Fellow Nigerians, this budget is more than figures—it is a statement of purpose. It is a commitment to security, prosperity, and opportunity for all.

“With hard work, discipline, and faith, we will restore our economy, rebuild our nation, and secure a brighter future for every Nigerian.”

[TheCable]