Zamfara APC Congratulates Barrister Aminu Kaura on Federal Appointment.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Barrister Aminu Junaidu Kaura on his appointment as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s Investments and Securities Tribunal.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party described the appointment as a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in the people of Zamfara State and their capacity to deliver on the APC mandate.

According to the statement, the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the former Attorney General of Zamfara State is another indication of the President’s trust and belief in Zamfara State and its citizens.

The party expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the choice, assuring Nigerians that, the appointee would live up to expectations.

It also commended APC leaders at the national level, particularly former Governors Bello Mohammed Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, and Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for their efforts in advancing the interest of the state.

The statement further urged Kaura to justify the confidence reposed in him by providing quality representation and prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection as he assumes his new responsibility.

Zamfara First Lady Urges Women, Youth to Champion Peace at UN Event.

The Wife of Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has urged women and youth across Nigeria to become agents of peace by promoting unity, showing kindness, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She made the call in New York, United States of America, while delivering a speech at the 2025 United Nations International Day of Peace celebration.

In a statement issued by her Press Secretary, Rabi Yusuf, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal emphasized the importance of unity, collective action and justice in building peace and mutual understanding across the world.

She described her participation as a significant opportunity to represent Zamfara State and Nigeria on the global stage, noting that Nigerian women particularly wives of governors played vital roles in fostering peace, stability, and social development in their communities.

According to her, her presence at the global gathering reaffirms her vision of a peaceful and prosperous society for all.

This year’s celebration, themed “Peace is a Verb, Act Now for a Peaceful World,” brought together global stakeholders committed to advancing peace and development.

Zamfara First Lady extends support to parents of triplets in Mada town.

Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has supported a family blessed with triplets recently delivered in Mada Town in the state.

In a statement by her Press Secretary, Rabi Yusuf said the wife of the Governor had provided the parents with medical assistance, foodstuffs, diapers, cash support, and other essential items to ease the burden of caring for the newborns.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of women and children across Zamfara State.

She also  assured that her, office will continue to supporting vulnerable families and promote maternal and child health.

Similarly, the parents of the triplets Iliyasu Nuhu Mada and Aina'u Musa  expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady for her timely intervention.

They also described the gesture as a great relief to their family.

APC Marafa Faction Members in Zamfara Reaffirm Loyalty to Party Despite Leader’s Exit.

Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) faction loyal to Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa have reaffirmed their commitment to remain in the party despite defection of their former leader in Zamfara State.

Speaking during a meeting Gusau, the former Secretary of the Marafa's faction of the APC Abubakar Sadiq, said the gathering was convened to publicly declare their unwavering support for the APC and to distance themselves from Senator Marafa’s recent political moves.

According to him, the decision reflects the collective will of the faction’s members across the state. 

Abubakar Sadiq explained that, 20 delegates from each of the 14 local government areas of Zamfara participated in the gathering and unanimously resolved to continue with the APC under the leadership of former Governors Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar and Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle Maradun.

Sadiq noted that their loyalty to the party was born out of a belief in the APC’s capacity to deliver good governance and development to the people of Zamfara State.

Further more, the leader for the group, Abdulkadir Mijin Yawa, said they had resolved to end factional politics.

“We are here to affirm our decision to remain in APC. No more fighting, we will support the party fully"

In a remark, the Chairman of the APC in Zamfara State, Tukur Danfulani represented by the Secretary of the party in the state appreciated the members for their courage, dedication and commitment for chooseen  to remain in the party.

"You are true members of the APC. We will carry you along sincerely in all we do,” 

Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau described the reaffirmation of loyalty by members of Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa’s faction as a welcome development that strengthens the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the declaration by the Marafa faction members to remain within the party was a clear indication of cohesion and renewed confidence in the leadership of the APC in Zamfara.

“This is a welcome development, and it is what we have been expecting. Their decision to remain in the APC and pledge total loyalty to the leadership of the party in this state signifies unity and the bright prospects of the party ahead of the 2027 elections,” Gusau said.

Yusuf Idris Gusau added that, the party has no intention of entertaining crises but is rather focused on reconciliation, inclusiveness, and building a formidable structure that will ensure APC’s success in future elections.

On concerns raised by the returning faction members regarding equal treatment, the Publicity Secretary assured them that the leadership of the APC in Zamfara would treat all members fairly.

“We are going to treat them as equal members, with equal rights, just like every other loyal member of our great party. Their decision to realign with the progressives is commendable, and the party will ensure justice is done to all members according to our constitution,” he emphasized.

Reacting to questions on whether the APC leadership in Zamfara would reach out to Senator Marafa to reconsider his decision to leave the party, Yusuf Idris Gusau said the party has no such plans, stressing that, APC is more concerned with building strength rather than courting distractions.

According to Idris Gusau, the party has not received any formal letter from Senator Marafa notifying them of his resignation, stressing that, Until such a letter is received, they cannot take an official position. 

"What he made was a mere pronouncement, and we are waiting to see if he will formalize it,” Gusau clarified.

He further explained that while Marafa has not announced his next political move, his key loyalists, including the faction’s secretary, Abubakar Sadiq, and other notable figures, have all pledged to remain in the APC, which he described as proof of the party’s resilience.

Kaduna Islamic Scholar Commends Governor Uba Sani for Attending Maulud Celebration.

An Islamic Scholar in Kaduna State, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Mai Mota Gwalli, has commended Governor Uba Sani for personally attending this year’s Maulud Celebration held at the Murtala Square in Kaduna.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, Sheikh Usman Gwalli said the governor’s presence at the celebration clearly demonstrated his commitment to carrying everyone along in the pursuit of peace, unity, and development of the state.

According to Sheikh Gwalli, thousands of participants, including men, women, and children, were visibly excited to see the governor in their midst, noting that for many children, it was their first time seeing the state’s number one citizen in person.

He emphasized that, such gestures of humility and inclusiveness would go a long way in strengthening the bond between the government and the people.

Sheikh Usman Gwalli further urged Islamic teachers and parents to instill in their students and children deep love of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and to nurture them with the Prophet’s exemplary teachings so that they could grow up with pure hearts, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards humanity.

Sheikh Usman Maimota Gwalli also highlighted the importance of celebrating the Maulud as a reminder of the Prophet’s life of service, sacrifice, and dedication to truth and justice.

He  stressed the need for leaders and followers to emulate these virtues for the progress of society.

The scholar called on the people of Kaduna State to continue supporting Governor Uba Sani’s administration through prayers, unity, and constructive engagement to ensure lasting peace and development across the state.

The celebration was also attended by prominent Islamic scholars from Kaduna State and beyond, who gathered to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and to preach unity, peace, and moral uprightness among the Muslim Ummah. 

Similarly, Governor Uba Sani while speaking  appreciated religious leaders, the Imams and Ulamas, for their tireless efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence in Various communities. 

Governor Sani also urged the people to continue to live in peace and harmony to ensure the sustenance of important celebrations like Maulud Nabiyy.

"This year's Maulud celebration is possible because of the prevailing peace in our dear state. We must therefore work collectively to forge lasting peace and harmony"

"I assured the gathering of people of faith that our administration will remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that strengthen interfaith dialogue, foster mutual respect, and advance the Kaduna Peace Model. Together, we shall continue to build a society anchored on justice, tolerance, and shared progress"

Zamfara First Lady support Elderly, Vulnerables on International Day of Charity.

The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has extended support to vulnerable groups in the state to mark the 2025 International Day of Charity.

The event, which was organised through the Huriyya Dauda Lawal Initiative in collaboration with the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, took place in Gusau metropolis, the Zamfara State Capital.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal while presenting the items, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through consistent interventions.

The Wife of the Governor represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, said charity goes beyond giving but it helps to restore dignity, strengthen community ties, and ensure that no one is forgotten.

According to her, the Food items distributed during the outreach included Cash, bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, sugar, and vegetable oil, aimed at providing relief and sustenance to those in need.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal also commended the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum for its dedication to strengthening humanitarian support across the region.

In a statement by the Press Secretary to the Governor’s wife, Rabi Yusuf, says this year’s celebration with the theme Speeding Global Generosity and Strengthening Community Support,  targeted the elderly and the less privileged.

She said the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the intervention as timely.

The International Day of Charity highlights the importance of philanthropy in reducing poverty, fostering solidarity, and building inclusive communities.

Zamfara First Lady Reaches Out to Vulnerable Groups on International Day of Charity.

The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has extended support to vulnerable groups in the state to mark the 2025 International Day of Charity.

The event, which was organised through the Huriyya Dauda Lawal Initiative in collaboration with the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, took place in Gusau metropolis, the Zamfara State Capital.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal while presenting the items, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through consistent interventions.

The Wife of the Governor represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, said charity goes beyond giving but it helps to restore dignity, strengthen community ties, and ensure that no one is forgotten.

According to her, the Food items distributed during the outreach included bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, sugar, and vegetable oil, aimed at providing relief and sustenance to those in need.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal also commended the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum for its dedication to strengthening humanitarian support across the region.

In a statement by the Press Secretary to the Governor’s wife, Rabi Yusuf, says this year’s celebration with the theme Speeding Global Generosity and Strengthening Community Support,  targeted the elderly and the less privileged.

She said the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the intervention as timely.

The International Day of Charity highlights the importance of philanthropy in reducing poverty, fostering solidarity, and building inclusive communities.

Zamfara APC Felicitates Muslims on Eid-El-Maulud.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Muslims in the state and across the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Maulud, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Friday, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Yusuf Idris Gusau, described the celebration as a season of reflection and unity.

He urged Muslims to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet, particularly his teachings on good neighbourliness.

The party called on the faithful to use the period to strengthen their relationship with Allah through increased charity, prayers for peace and development, as well as compassion towards one another.

“We urge all Muslims to use the Maulud period to pray for the return of peace in our dear state and the country at large,” Idris stated.

The party further prayed that Allah bless the celebration with peace and a brighter future for Zamfara and Nigeria.

Governor Dauda Lawal Urges Prayers for Peace at Maulud Celebration.

Governor Dauda Lawal has called for intensified prayers for the restoration of peace in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris made this known In a statement issued to newsmen to mark this year’s Eid-El-Maulud, said the occasion is an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on and emulate the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

It explains that, Muslims commemorate the birth of the Prophet every 12th of Rabi’ul Auwal, noting that the Prophet’s life serves as a guide for good character, values, and righteous conduct.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal, on behalf of the people of Zamfara State, congratulated the Muslim Ummah and urged the faithful to use the season to pray for peace, unity, and progress.

He expressed optimism that with collective prayers and steadfastness, Almighty Allah will bring an end to banditry and all forms of criminality in the state and across the country.

AGILE project Urges Zamfara Girls to Report Cases of Gender-Based Violence.

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in Zamfara State has called on adolescent girls not to relent in reporting any case of gender-based violence (GBV) occurring within their schools or communities.

The Gender-Based Violence Officer under the AGILE Project in Zamfara, Hajiya Sadiya Shehu Kaura, made the call during the Dissemination of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) Safeguarding Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff, held in Gusau, the state capital.

She urged students to promptly report any signs of violence, harassment, or exploitation to trusted persons, stressing that AGILE has already put in place several measures to ensure the protection of children and communities where the project is being implemented.

Hajiya Sadiya explained that, the dissemination exercise was aimed at sharing the draft with stakeholders and staff members for adoption.

She warned that, teachers and staff who violate the provisions of the document would be held accountable, noting that, the main goal of the initiative is to prevent and mitigate cases of GBV in school environments.

"The purpose of the presentation was to emphasize and equip all stakeholders, especially those in the education sector, with the knowledge and understanding of the School-Related GBV Safeguarding Guidelines and Code of Conduct"

She stressed the need for schools and educationists to ensure full implementation of the guidelines in all schools in order to mitigate the occurrence of GBV.

She also advised teachers to carefully study the document, understand its contents, and strictly abide by all the rules and regulations contained in it.

The AGILE officer further advised parents to remain close to their children, especially during adolescence, which she described as the most dangerous stage for a child.

She urged parents to monitor their children’s movements, peer groups, and activities while listening attentively to them.

“Sometimes a child may want to share something very important with his or her parents, but out of fear of being ignored or harassed, the child keeps quiet. Parents must create room for open communication,” she stressed.

She also cautioned students to focus on their studies and avoid restricted or unsafe areas within schools.

"As part of its protective measures, AGILE has engaged relevant stakeholders including ministries, NGOs, CSOs, faith-based organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and security agencies in drafting the SRGBV Code of Conduct"

"The document was later reviewed by legal experts and Islamic scholars to ensure alignment with existing laws and Sharia principles before being validated as the official state SRGBV Code of Conduct"

The final version of the safeguarding document is now being disseminated to all affected institutions and stakeholders for full implementation.

The event was attended by various stakeholders.

OPINION: WHY SENATOR MARAFA SHOULD JOIN FORCES WITH GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL IN PDP

By Suleman Ahmad Tudu

The resignation of Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa from the All Progressive Congress (APC) has recently reactivated some political debates and 2027 permutations that dominated the cyberspace in Zamfara state and beyond.

Sen. Marafa’s long-overdue exit from the party has never taken me by surprise because I foresaw it coming. I have since subjected Zamfara APC into a ‘miscibility’ test and what I saw was a heterogeneous mixture of ‘immiscible actors’ that can only stay in one platform but will always form distinct layers.

Somewhere around March 2024, I predicted that two of the major APC constituents (referring to Marafa and Sani Jaji) in the state with similar ‘progressive ideologies' will soon be forced out of the mixture by their fellows that share the opposite of their ideals. It seems the chicken is coming home to roost!

I was a fan of Sen Marafa, because I believe he means well for Zamfara State going by his political antecedents and track record of service. I like his courage, boldness and doggedness especially during the G-8 struggles. I also admired his outspokenness when he was in the red chamber, especially when he single-handedly rallied his colleague Senators to appropriate N10 billion for Zamfara State over devastation caused by banditry into the 2019 budget and for empowering many of his constituents.

However, Marafa's major undoing, and perhaps, his biggest political miscalculation was subscribing to the APC’s deceptive and desperate power-grabbing arrangement in the name of ‘Sulhu’, a derailment that has significantly depleted his popularity in the state.

His recent resignation from the APC—a party that failed to provide good governance while in power and now failed to provide responsible opposition in Zamfara—is a good step towards his political redemption. Though, this depends on Senator Marafa’s next political move because it has been proven that being in the wrong company has the potential to spoil someone's future and vice-versa. Hence, I see the imperative to offer a recommendation while the Senator is weighing his options.

Looking at the current political landscape in Zamfara and Nigeria at large, I humbly wish to invite Senator Marafa to join forces with Governor Dauda Lawal in the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to move Zamfara forward. The reasons for this suggestion are not far-fetched. 

Both Governor Lawal and Senator Marafa were once  friends united in the G-8 struggle that fought against the former Governor Yari's selfish imposition of candidates when they were both in APC. This signifies that they share some similar visions for the progress of Zamfara State and strengthening democracy. Their reunion could therefore be the game-changer the state needs. 

Moreover, despite its not insurmountable internal crisis, the PDP remains the only formidable national party that can challenge the excesses of the APC, because it has a strong grassroots structure and support base, not only in Zamfara but across the country which would provide Senator Marafa with a solid foundation to build on.

By joining the PDP, Senator Marafa would not only add to Governor Lawal's numbers but also contribute to his re-election, allowing him to continue doing good for the people of Zamfara that Senator Marafa had also been advocating. I believe even Senator Marafa will love to join Governor Lawal's moving train and be part of the rescue consolidation project beyond 2027.

It is worth noting that Senator Marafa was once a member of the PDP, so rejoining the party now would be a homecoming of sorts. On the other hand, if he were to join another party that lacks a grassroots support base, such as the ADC coalition, he might not make any significant difference and that will be politically unwise. 

I therefore believe that joining hands with Governor Dauda Lawal in the PDP would be the best decision for Senator Marafa going forward, allowing him to leverage the party's structure and Governor Lawal's rising popularity to redeem politically and contribute towards achieving a greater Zamfara of our dreams. I hope the distinguished Senator will critically ponder on this with alacrity.

Tudu is a Senior Special Assistant on Media, Office of the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government.

sulemantudu22@gmail.com

Zamfara APC Replies Marafa Over Comment on Tinubu’s 2027 Votes.

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to comments credited to former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, in which he allegedly threatened to deny President Bola Ahmed Tinubu one million votes in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued in Gusau, the State APC Chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, dismissed Marafa’s claims as baseless, describing him as a “disgraced politician still struggling to recover from his defeat in 2019.”

Danfulani noted that contrary to Marafa’s boast of delivering votes for President Tinubu in 2023, the former lawmaker failed to win his own constituency, stressing that APC’s victory in Zamfara was the result of collective efforts by leaders such as former Governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari, alongside other stakeholders.

He explained that Matawalle coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign in the Northwest, while Marafa was reluctantly assigned as Zamfara coordinator despite lacking the merit. “Having lost everywhere, Marafa turned to blackmail and needless controversies, sometimes aligning with troublemakers until they discovered his selfish motives,” Danfulani said.

The APC chairman further argued that Marafa has lost political relevance in Zamfara, citing the party’s landslide victory in the recent Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly bye-election without any contribution from him. “It is laughable that someone who could not win his ward or local government in 2023 is now claiming he can reduce one million votes from the President,” he added.

Danfulani also accused Marafa of being haunted by a history of betrayal and deceit, recalling that his 2011 Senate victory was sponsored by Senator Yari, while his subsequent bid only succeeded after intervention by other party leaders.

“What Zamfara people know today is that Senator Marafa is all noise without substance. Even his family will hardly follow him politically, and that is why he resorts to cheap media campaigns for sympathy,” Danfulani stated.

He advised Marafa to “shine his eyes and face reality,” insisting that the APC in Zamfara remains united and formidable under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal and other key figures.

“Ordinarily, we would not have responded to a rejected politician like Marafa, but since he chose to attack the President, it became necessary to set the records straight. Zamfara APC is strong, united, and focused on victory. No amount of propaganda can distract us,” the statement concluded.

Lessons from PDP’s Resounding Defeat in Zamfara By-Election

By Yusuf Idris Gusau

The recent by-election in Kaura-Namoda South State Constituency has once again reaffirmed the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a heavy defeat at the polls.

The election, which held in two phases, ended with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring APC candidate, Malam Kamilu Sa’idu, as the winner after polling 8,182 votes against the PDP’s 5,543. The Returning Officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau, announced the result in the early hours of Thursday, August 21, 2025.

The poll was initially conducted on Saturday, August 16, but declared inconclusive due to irregularities in five polling units in Sakajiki and Kyambarawa. INEC later scheduled a supplementary election, where the APC widened its lead from 7,001 to over 8,000 votes, while PDP only managed a marginal increase.

The outcome has been described by the APC as a reflection of the people’s rejection of the PDP-led government in the state. According to the party, the electorate used the by-election to express dissatisfaction with the administration’s unfulfilled promises on security, development, and welfare.

The APC also accused the ruling party of attempting to disrupt the process through violence and intimidation, which was swiftly curtailed by the intervention of security agencies. The Commissioner of Police had earlier warned that only conventional security personnel would be allowed to provide coverage during the election.

Despite these measures, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that the APC manipulated the process by “militarising” the election and intimidating voters—an accusation strongly dismissed by the APC.

The election also exposed the rising political tension in Zamfara. The APC maintained that instead of addressing insecurity, Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration had resorted to blame games and the use of political thugs. The party further criticised the PDP governors who visited Zamfara for their 102nd forum meeting, accusing them of failing to sympathise with victims of recent bandit attacks in Banga village, where 38 people were killed.

For many residents, the PDP’s defeat serves as a lesson in leadership and accountability. They believe the people can no longer be swayed by empty promises, and that the ruling party faces an uphill task ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Kaura-Namoda South by-election, therefore, stands as both a warning and a pointer: that political power ultimately belongs to the people, and that APC remains the strongest political force in Zamfara State.

— Idris Gusau is the Zamfara State APC Publicity Secretary
1st September, 2025.