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The Human Rights Alliance of Nigeria (HRAN) has called on former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to honour the invitation extended to him by the Kaduna State Police Command in the interest of upholding the rule of law.

The Command had reportedly summoned El-Rufai alongside six top members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and disturbance of public peace in the state.

The Rights group however said instead of honouring the invitation, El-Rufai chose to submit a petition against the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, accusing him of “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations.”

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abraham Tar, HRAN expressed dismay over what it described as El-Rufai’s disregard for constituted authority, stressing that such conduct was unbecoming of a former governor and respected public figure.

“We are saddened that instead of honouring the invitation, he decided to petition the Police Service Commission,an act that undermines the principles of accountability and respect for the law,” the group said.

The group recalled that several former governors in Nigeria, including Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto State, and Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, had previously honoured police invitations without hesitation.

“Since others before him have submitted themselves to investigation when invited, there is no reason why El-Rufai should act differently,” HRAN added.

The rights group further urged political leaders across the country to set positive examples for citizens by demonstrating respect for democratic institutions and processes.

A widely a tauted candidate’s name for the position of Vice-Chancellor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was missing on the list of members of the university’s congregation.

Prof. Godwin Akper who was the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor incharge of Technology Innovation and Research of the university was conspicuously missing amongst the names of other members of the congregation this Monday.

The NOUN congregation was constituted Monday to elect from amongst them who to represent their interest in the search team, a key committee in the process leading to the emergence of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The tenure of the current VC expires on February 11th, 2026.

Our reporter gathered that the exclusion of Prof. Akper’s name from the list of the university’s congregation may not be unconnected to his not meeting the requirement of having a first degree, which qualifies one for membership of the university congregation.

Findings by our reporter reveals that Prof. Akper holds a Diploma in Theology, Reformed Theological College of Nigeria, Mkar Benue State (now Theological Seminary Mkar) before proceeding for a Master of Arts at Westminster Theological Seminary, California, USA.

A member of the congregation who pleaded anonymity with our reporter said “with this development, the chances of Prof. Akper in succeeding the incumbent VC is becoming slim by the minutes. This is because the VC is not only the Chairman of the university congregation, but also is responsible for bestowing first degrees to graduands during convocation. How then will someone without a first degree bestow what he doesn’t have” he concluded.

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Southern Kaduna and Middle Belt groups on Tuesday descended on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of using “reckless hate speech” against the people of Southern Kaduna and thriving on vendetta politics during his eight-year rule.

The Southern Kaduna Awake Group and the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna chapter, were reacting to El-Rufai’s appearance on Channels Television’s One-on-One with Seun, where he described Southern Kaduna people as violent, entitled, and less than 25 per cent of the state’s population.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the National Youth Leader for the Middle Belt Youth Forum, Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, alleged that El-Rufai’s bitterness stemmed from the rejection of his ministerial nomination by the Senate last year, following petitions from Southern Kaduna.

“His years in office will be remembered for mass sackings of civil servants, expansion of grazing reserves at the expense of indigenous landowners, and failure to protect communities from relentless attacks,” Jagaba stated.

They also faulted El-Rufai’s comparison of Southern Kaduna to the Shiite Islamic Movement led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, saying it was a “reckless attempt to criminalise an entire population.”

The groups maintained that contrary to El-Rufai’s claims, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had sited major projects in Southern Kaduna, including the University of Applied Sciences and a Federal Medical Centre.

Echoing the same view, publisher of Gurara Accord, Bomba Dauda, said El-Rufai had lost political relevance and was “using Southern Kaduna as a scapegoat to remain in the spotlight.”

“His administration thrived on division and undemocratic practices. He suppresses one side to gain relevance in another using religion, but that tactic no longer resonates with today’s reality,” Dauda said.

He urged Nigerians to hold El-Rufai accountable for “dangerous narratives capable of pitching communities against one another.”

By Ibrahim Musa, Kaduna

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has strongly criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its recent comments questioning the credibility of voter registration figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). NAN described the ADC’s statements as unfounded, misleading, and indicative of a party grappling with political irrelevance.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, NAN expressed concern over what it called the ADC’s “public disputes” regarding registration statistics in Osun State and the South West region. According to NAN, the figures reported by INEC are consistent with ongoing nationwide efforts to expand voter participation and reflect the electoral engagement of the citizens, not any form of manipulation.

“It is both irresponsible and dishonest for any political party to interpret voter registration numbers through the lens of their own electoral ambitions,” the statement read. NAN cited the 2022 Osun Governorship election, in which the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC), as proof that high registration figures do not necessarily favor any one party. NAN said it was perplexing that the PDP, now aligned with the ADC in their criticism, would dispute data from a state they had recently won.

The group further accused the ADC of selective outrage, pointing out the party’s silence on figures from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NAN argued that such cherry-picking calls into question the sincerity of the ADC’s concerns and suggests that their allegations may be politically motivated rather than rooted in a genuine interest in electoral transparency.

“Why the focus on Osun and the South West while ignoring voter numbers from other parts of the country, including the FCT? The ADC’s silence on other data suggests they are more interested in discrediting the process than in strengthening democracy,” NAN stated. The group said the ADC’s posture amounted to an intentional undermining of INEC and its critical mandate.

Rather than stirring controversy, NAN urged the ADC to take up the responsibility of educating and mobilizing Nigerians to register and participate in elections. It emphasized that all political parties share in the burden of building a robust democratic process, and that distracting the public with unsubstantiated claims was counterproductive and dangerous.

According to NAN, parties should work with INEC and other democratic institutions to encourage voter participation. “Political energy should be directed towards positive engagement, not divisive rhetoric. The focus should be on inclusion and participation, not paranoia,” the group said, adding that constant political quarrels only serve to discourage potential voters.

The organization went further to accuse the ADC of trying to set the stage for rejecting future election results. NAN stated that baseless allegations are often the hallmark of struggling political outfits preparing excuses for poor electoral performance. “This is a textbook case of a party preparing to blame everyone but itself for a defeat it already anticipates,” NAN noted.

Salihu Sulaiman called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be swayed by what he described as the antics of political actors who invent conspiracies to mask their own failings. He emphasized that sustaining democracy requires political maturity and a commitment to facts, not propaganda and manufactured outrage.

In conclusion, NAN reiterated its support for INEC and all efforts aimed at expanding voter registration across the country. The group urged Nigerians to register, participate, and reject divisive politics. “We must all protect the sanctity of our democracy from those who would tear it down just to make a headline,” the statement concluded.

By Samuel Adeyemi


The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned political parties against actions capable of disrupting the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State or discrediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Saheed Adeola, quoting the YYC National President, Comrade Eric, the group faulted what it described as unnecessary alarm raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the number of registered voters credited to Osun State in the latest nationwide pre-registration exercise conducted by INEC.

According to INEC’s figures, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country. But some stakeholders, including the PDP and ADC, dismissed the numbers as unrealistic and alleged fraud.

Responding, INEC, through a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman’s spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations, explaining that the figures were consistent with data from its 2021 online registration exercise.

YYC maintained that the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC was needless, noting that the figures for Osun State were not unusual.

“In any case, in the 2022 governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics,” the group said.

It added that contrary to claims of fraud, the latest figure aligned with the pattern recorded in 2021. “For instance, Osun recorded 232,880 registrants in a similar exercise conducted by the same INEC in 2021. There is no significant difference in the data recorded for Osun State in 2021 and the figures of 393,289 for the 2025 online pre-registration,” the statement read.

YYC further noted that INEC would still clean up the data and publish the register for claims and objections before finalising the exercise.

“Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of the FCT. Rather than busy themselves in raising unnecessary alarm that amounts to a storm in a tea cup, the PDP and ADC should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration, instead of querying figures and heating up the polity unnecessarily,” YYC added.

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By Saheed Adeola

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned political parties against actions capable of disrupting the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State or discrediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued at the weekend by its spokesman, Saheed Adeola, quoting the YYC National President, Comrade Eric, the group faulted what it described as unnecessary alarm raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the number of registered voters credited to Osun State in the latest nationwide pre-registration exercise conducted by INEC.

According to INEC’s figures, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country. But some stakeholders, including the PDP and ADC, dismissed the numbers as unrealistic and alleged fraud.

Responding, INEC, through a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman’s spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations, explaining that the figures were consistent with data from its 2021 online registration exercise.

YYC maintained that the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC was needless, noting that the figures for Osun State were not unusual.

“In any case, in the 2022 governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics,” the group said.

It added that contrary to claims of fraud, the latest figure aligned with the pattern recorded in 2021. “For instance, Osun recorded 232,880 registrants in a similar exercise conducted by the same INEC in 2021. There is no significant difference in the data recorded for Osun State in 2021 and the figures of 393,289 for the 2025 online pre-registration,” the statement read.

YYC further noted that INEC would still clean up the data and publish the register for claims and objections before finalising the exercise.

“Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of the FCT. Rather than busy themselves in raising unnecessary alarm that amounts to a storm in a tea cup, the PDP and ADC should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration, instead of querying figures and heating up the polity unnecessarily,” YYC added.

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By Ibrahim Yusuf

A Kaduna based political advocacy group, Capacity Movement, has criticised Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, popularly known as Mr. LA, over recent remarks perceived as attacks on the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna, the group’s convener, Shehu Sani Sado, described the senator’s comments as “cheap political distractions” and accused him of attempting to divert attention from what it called his underwhelming performance at the National Assembly.

“The public is not even aware of any tangible contribution Senator Lawal Adamu has made since assuming office. His recent outbursts are simply aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that Senator Adamu, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is making moves to defect back to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next election cycle.

“After riding on the back of the PDP to get to the Senate, he is now plotting a return to the APC. Instead of focusing on delivering on his legislative mandate, he has resorted to constant and baseless attacks on Governor Uba Sani,” the group said.

The Capacity Movement called on the senator to refrain from what it termed politically motivated criticisms, and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the Senate.

“Governor Uba Sani is committed to the development of Kaduna State and should not be distracted by a lawmaker who has yet to prove his worth. The people deserve focused leadership, not political theatrics,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

By Olikita Afio

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against entertaining any attempts by Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, popularly known as Mr. LA, to return to the party, describing the move as a desperate attempt to salvage his dwindling political relevance.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Danjuma Paul, the NSCF accused the senator, who currently represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District, of political inconsistency and a lack of genuine commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

“Senator LA’s recent political trajectory has been nothing short of opportunistic. From defecting from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and now allegedly exploring ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his political manoeuvres reveal a pattern of survivalist politics rather than public service,” the statement read.

The forum said such frequent political realignments raise questions about the senator’s ideological convictions and loyalty to the platforms that brought him to office.

NSCF described Senator LA’s tenure as being devoid of legislative achievements or impactful constituency projects, accusing him of engaging in “belly politics” and filing frivolous petitions rather than addressing the pressing needs of the people he represents.

“His record is marked by an absence of significant legislation or developmental initiatives. Instead of returning to his constituency with innovative solutions, he has chosen to deploy political theatrics that have done little to improve the lives of his constituents,” the group stated.

The forum urged APC stakeholders at both the state and national levels to reject any overtures from the senator, warning that his return to the party would be a setback for efforts to uphold integrity, accountability, and performance-based politics.

“At a time when political parties should be prioritising competence and genuine representation, it would be unwise to welcome an individual whose political career has been defined by inconsistency and underperformance,” the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting candidates with a clear track record of service and urged party leaders to remain focused on strengthening the APC with credible and committed individuals.

ENDS


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By Adi Ogundioe

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has condemned Senator Lawal Usman Adamu’s petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over a recent by-election in Kaduna State, describing the move as “misguided” and a distortion of the ICC’s core mandate.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the group said invoking the ICC in the context of a local electoral dispute trivialises the global institution’s mission and undermines serious international justice mechanisms.

“The ICC was established to prosecute the gravest crimes — war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. To liken a by-election dispute in Kaduna to the genocides in Rwanda or the atrocities in Darfur is both irresponsible and offensive to victims of such heinous crimes,” the statement read.

NAN described the senator’s petition as a “theatrical display” aimed at garnering attention rather than addressing the developmental challenges faced by constituents of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

“The people expect their senator to address issues such as poverty, insecurity, education, and basic infrastructure. Instead, what we are witnessing is a disturbing trend of political posturing and legal drama that has no bearing on the immediate needs of the electorate,” NAN said.

The group further stated that Senator Adamu’s actions have brought ridicule to both his office and the democratic institutions he represents, warning that such political gimmicks erode public trust in the democratic process.

“Democracy thrives on accountability and sincere engagement with the people. Resorting to international legal bodies over domestic political disagreements only signals a lack of serious legislative focus and contributes to voter apathy,” the forum noted.

NAN also criticised the senator’s perceived lack of legislative achievements, stating that his tenure has not been marked by meaningful bills, motions, or constituency projects.

“Rather than delivering development, he has become fixated on personal political survival, ignoring the very people he was elected to serve. This fixation undermines both his credibility and the expectations of the electorate,” the statement added.

The group called on Senator Adamu to reconsider his political approach and re-engage meaningfully with issues affecting his constituents.

“The people of Kaduna Central deserve better. They need representation grounded in vision, service, and substance—not international distractions or political theatrics

By Sunday Illona

The Kaduna Central Women Forum (KACEWOF) has delivered a damning verdict on the political career of former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, declaring that his long years in the Senate were “wasted” with little or no impact on the lives of Nigerians.

The group’s criticism comes in the wake of reports that Senator Lawal Adamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a petition at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The petition accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of unlawfully arresting and detaining the PDP candidate in the August 16 by-election, allegedly on the orders of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Hajiya Binta Garba, KACEWOF described as “unfortunate” Lawan’s attempt to undermine what it called a “free, fair, and credible” election.

The group accused Lawan of squandering opportunities to transform governance, saying that despite holding the highest legislative position in Nigeria, his leadership failed to produce meaningful reforms.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan’s years in the Senate amount to wasted opportunities. He failed to champion people-oriented legislation, neglected his responsibilities, and spent more time on political survival than on the welfare of Nigerians,” the statement read.

KACEWOF said Nigerians must begin to demand accountability and reject politicians who, in its words, “stay long in office but leave no legacy.”

“Our democracy must move beyond recycled leaders who waste opportunities. Performance and tangible results must be the standard for public service, not the length of stay in office,” the group declared.

The forum further urged voters in Kaduna and across the country to remain vigilant against politicians who, it claimed, thrive on “empty rhetoric” rather than results.