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Kano Guber: Afenifere Urges Caution As Yoruba Community Alleges Planned Attack

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The recent alarm raised by the Yoruba community in Kano State is eliciting reactions. There were claims by the Yoruba residing in some parts of Kano State that they could be targets of possible attacks following the recent judgement of the Appeal Court, sacking Governor Abba Yusuf.

Recall that the Appeal Court, on September 17, nullified the election of Governor Yusuf, who contested the March 18 gubernatorial election under the platform of the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP.

The appellate court had in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of justices, held that Governor Yusuf was not a valid candidate in the gubernatorial polls. Some of his votes were also voided.

The court maintained that evidence that was adduced by the parties established that Governor Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP, at the time the election was held.

According to the court, Yusuf, under section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not qualified to contest the governorship election since he was not validly sponsored by the NNPP.

After that, the court declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the election.

The Appeal Court verdict stimulated anger across the country as a section of Nigerians accused the ruling APC of influencing the court’s decision.

The anger among supporters of the governor and other opposition parties degenerated into a protest in the ancient city despite warnings by security agencies.

Some indigenes have also been accused of threatening to attack persons of Yoruba extraction residing in the state, alleging that their ‘kinsman’ President Bola Tinubu is imposing leadership on them.

The Yoruba community alleged that there was a move by some indigenous residents to attack them.

Speaking under a group called Concerned Yoruba Community in Kano, they called on Yoruba leaders and other well-meaning citizens in the country to wade into the matter.

The group headed by Taofeek Olalekan Olaosebikan, at a special Press Conference, alleged that the situation was endangering their lives in Kano.

“Kano is a very volatile state politically, which is why all men and women of goodwill should be concerned about the situation in Kano and rally around a collective initiative to save the state from any calamity which will affect us and our livelihood.

“In this regard, we are using this platform to call on all Yoruba Obas and leaders to wade into the Kano situation without further delay by engaging President Bola Ahmad Tinubu for a possible political settlement of the Kano logjam.

“Kano must not be allowed to erupt into such preventable chaos as it happened in the past.

“Of course, many enlightened minds believe very strongly that what we are witnessing in Kano today has a strong relationship with political elite’s interference in the political result and mandate so obviously given to Abba Kabir Yusuf by the citizens of the state” the group stated.

Similarly, a Yoruba trader in Kano, Mr Matthew Adebayo, told DAILY POST on Saturday that some indigenes are allegedly “threatening us that Yoruba people have removed the person they elected and that they will deal with us.

“This is so bad that wherever you see people gathered, especially supporters of the NNPP, they are talking about how Yoruba people came to change what they fought hard to get.

“Some of them don’t even patronise us anymore. When they come to your shop to buy something, immediately they realise that you are a Yoruba person, they move to another shop.

“Most of us are not into politics; we are here to make a living, so it is very wrong for some people to pour their anger on us. We have been living in peace with everyone here”, he said.

But Seyi Oluronsola, Chairman of Yoruba Cultural Group, a group believed to have been formed by Yoruba APC members, told DAILY POST on Saturday that the allegations were plots by the NNPP and its supporters to blackmail the president.

He said, “Of course, there are side talks generated by the indigenes, especially from the top hierarchy of the NNPP themselves.

“They are doing everything possible to counter what the judiciary has done. This is Kano today, and everybody is moving about doing their business.

“Some Yorubas are APC, PDP, NNPP and even Labour Party members, just like you see elsewhere. All these things are just political propaganda. They just want to blackmail the president.

“I am a former councillor, and as far as I am concerned, I represent the entire Yoruba community here”.

However, when contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, the pan Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said that “it’s for people who suspect that danger is looming to cry for help.

“Thus, the Yoruba community in Kano, or any other group for that matter, is not doing anything wrong in calling for help when they see danger coming or feel threatened”.

He was, however, quick to caution against anything that could border on encouraging any arm of government, particularly the executive, to interfere with the judicial process.

“Also, it does not augur well to insinuate that the executive arm or the Presidency is directing the courts or electoral tribunals to determine electoral cases in a particular way.

“Going by various electoral cases that have been determined so far, it is clear that all the major political parties have gained and lost at multiple levels.

“Incidentally, the laws of the land make it possible for those who are dissatisfied with the verdict of a particular court to move to the next level in the form of an appeal. This is the norm in the civilised climes to which Nigeria also belongs.

“In the case of Kano, it is important that security agencies should step in to ensure that all Nigerians in that state are protected – without regard to their tribe, gender, language or religious faiths.

“Incidentally, the aggrieved party, the NNPP, has filed an appeal. It is important to pursue that line of action”.

He called on the Kano State Governor and security agencies to ensure the safety of residents’ lives and properties.

“We in Afenifere appeal to the government of Kano State and security agencies, particularly the police, to ensure that no harm comes to any resident in that state no matter their tribe.

“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, especially law-abiding citizens,” he said.

Ajayi reminded politicians that members of respective tribes live in various parts of the country.

“As such, no harm should be done to those living in a particular area so as not to provoke a reprisal in another part of the country.

“It is important for us to toe the line provided by law to seek redress when we feel aggrieved.

“It is important to seek the path of peace and live harmoniously with one another,” the Afenifere spokesman advised.

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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