Politics
A A Zaura: Let The Man Be!
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By Dr Umar Sani Zage
For the good people of Kano, the name Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura popularly known as A A Zaura is a name that delineates nothing but philanthropy, generosity, benevolence, humanitarianism and public-spiritedness.
The Kano businessman has positively affected hundreds of thousands of Kano families, from Dambatta to Tudun Wada, Gwarzo to Gaya. He has built schools, hospitals, vocational centres, as well as numerous empowerments and social assistance. And he has done all of these and more without occupying a single political office, all of these spending were from his hard-earned money.
His dozens of empowerment programmes has clearly shown that innovation is the best empowerment you can give to any person. It’s no surprise that he was once heard saying that, “I want people, especially the youth, to ascend to the apex of their ambition”.
His humility, strong character, passion for the less-privileged and love for quality education and healthcare are some of the defined qualities of A A Zaura widely recognized in the State. It’s no surprise when the people of Kano dragged him into the race for Kano Guber. And many indigenes think the APC will pulled out a massive win ratio with A A Zaura as the Kano Guber Candidate.
But as Allah will have it, Gawuna emerged the Kano Guber candidate and to the delight of the good people of Kano, A A Zaura was later voted for the APC Kano Central Senatorial seat, the biggest senatorial zone in Nigeria got one of the biggest altruist of our modern politics.
With this good news for the APC and the good people of Kano, the enemies of the state and enemies of Kano people rolled on their evil machinations to ensure that the Kano Central people don’t get this fountain of humanitarian activities as their Senator come 2023.
For any progressive supporter of the APC and anybody who meant well for Kano people, it will be clear that it’s for our own best interest that someone like A A Zaura will be in the Senate come 2023. Time and efforts have shown that this man understands the culture of strategic planning, geared towards building a greater nationa and doing well for the people.
But like everything good in life, there seem to be unwanted elements fighting this good cause, it Al started with campaign of calumny questioning his ability to contest and when he got the ticket for the Kano Central Senatorial zone they shifted the fight to weak court case making numerous false and malicious allegations against a decent man, who has nothing but the good people of Kano at heart.
Every single day they come up with a different pattern of rumors circulated in the media against this rare gem of a businessman turned politician. You don’t need a soothsayer to know that these schemes are purely the handwork of blind enemies of the party and the state. And to use, a court case to dan this amber of hate and malice, goes to show how much these people lack decorum and morals.
It is Allah who gives power to whom He wants, when and how He wants. This is a scripture in the Holy Quran. It is sad that people seem to forget that and they feel they can change the will of the people by schemings and plots. The earlier they let this man be, the better for them and the party as a whole. It’s baffling why anyone in Kano will fight his Senatorial – a politician that even the opposition wish he is in their ranks.
A former NEPU stalwart and a political icon of the state said, “Very few people have contributed to the development of this state and the development of the APC like A A Zaura has done. Personally, I feel those opposing his senatorial bid are people who don’t have the best interest of the party and Kano at heart”.
At this time, when the hope of the people for good governance is beginning to dwindle, A A Zaura is exactly what the Kano people need to build back an already fragile confidence. And coming from the private sector, he has damn advantage of running the mandate of the people like he runs his successful business with transparency and accountability.
With a combination of humanitarian experience and collaboration with the state government as well as the will to serve the people, come 2023 A A Zaura will be come a reference point when history of Kano state is to be written.
Dr Zage wrote in from Zage quarters of Kano and can be reached on doctorzee1999@yahoo.com
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Politics
Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity
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Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.
The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.
“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.
Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.
Politics
2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs
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National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.
The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”
Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.
“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.
As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?
Politics
Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership
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A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.
She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.
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