Archive January 26, 2026

Kwankwaso, NNPP Feel Betrayed By Gov Yusuf’s Defection — Party Spokesperson

Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano State, was removed from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a betrayal of the party and its leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, according to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s national spokesperson, made this statement on Monday during a Politics Today interview with Channels Television.

Johnson questioned whether Kwankwaso personally felt violated by the governor’s decision, claiming that Kano State’s citizens were also affected.

He feels betrayed, “Naturalway.” However, it’s not just about him. The people of Kano came out in their numbers and gave the NNPP a mandate through Kwankwaso’s leadership after eight years of what they saw as poor governance.

Governor Yusuf defeats the APC with nine federal lawmakers in the states.

Combination of the Kwankwaso_Governor and Yusuf_APC flag

He made the point that the party’s victory was still secured despite the fact that the state had no prior political structure.

“They created a blank slate for the NNPP.” We won the state even though we had no chairman or councillor. They supported Abba Kabir Yusuf, according to the spokesman, from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Johnson claimed that leaving the APC without consulting the electorate constituted a betrayal of public trust.

You grant power to those who were voted out after eight years without consulting the electorate. No matter how you try to cover it up, he said, that is a betrayal.

Without Kwankwaso, support is lacking.

Johnson refuted the claim that Yusuf could have won the election without Kwankwaso’s support.

“That is now simple to say.” They are having fun with their five minutes. Abba Kabir Yusuf, His Excellency, would not be hesitant to say that anywhere in the world, he said.

Ibrahim Karaye, the party’s public relations officer, said the development had caused the party much pain but that the party remained politically strong in Kano.

“We are incredibly devastated. We are unhappy with this development because we feel betrayed. However, Karaye remarked that the NNPP is still a formidable force in Kano.

Governor Yusuf’s hands raised on the APC’s hands by deputy president Barau Jubrin on January 26, 2026, after he previously defected to the APC. X / @ Noble_Hassan

He claimed that key party stakeholders were aware of the governor’s intentions but were dissuaded, and that Yusuf had left because of internal difficulties at the NNPP.

He claimed that party leaders couldn’t provide advice and had limited access to the governor.

The governor’s residences were closed. He claimed that he had no access to him.

Kwankwaso and Gov Yusuf’s defection are linked.

(L-R) Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State, and (L-R) Musa Rabiu Kwankwao, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), respectively. Abba Kabir Yusuf/X PHOTO

On Monday, Governor Yusuf joined 22 House of Representatives members and nine members of the Kano State House of Assembly in formally defecting to the APC.

At a political ceremony held at Government House in Kano, the Coronation Hall made the announcement.

Yusuf stated that the decision was the result of extensive state consultations, including with party leaders, lawmakers, and supporters.

The governor explained that the action was intended to promote better governance and promote development.

“We’re deciding to work together rather than polarize.” Political parties are vehicles, with a goal to effect positive change in Kano’s citizens. Judge this based on the good deeds we put forth for the people, Yusuf said.

Former APC leaders Abdullahi Ganduje, former president of the country, Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy president of the Senate, and Abubakar Kabiru Bichi, former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, were present at the event.

Up until their split in January 2026, Yusuf’s election as governor of Kano State was closely linked to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya movement.

Up until their split, Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya movement had a close relationship with Governor Yusuf’s ascendance to the Kano governorship.

Yusuf gained widespread recognition as Kwankwaso’s political protégé thanks to the movement’s strong grassroots and widespread backing.

On the NNPP platform, Kwankwaso polled 1, 019, 602 votes to defeat the APC candidate, earning widely credited with helping Yusuf win the 2023 governorship election.

However, Yusuf’s administration caused him to be under more pressure to become a constitutionally elected governor.

Kwankwaso, NNPP Feel Betrayed By Gov Yusuf’s Defection — Party Spokesperson

Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano State, was removed from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a betrayal of the party and its leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, according to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s national spokesperson, made this statement on Monday during a Politics Today interview with Channels Television.

Johnson questioned whether Kwankwaso personally felt violated by the governor’s decision, claiming that Kano State’s citizens were also affected.

He feels betrayed, “Naturalway.” However, it’s not just about him. The people of Kano came out in their numbers and gave the NNPP a mandate through Kwankwaso’s leadership after eight years of what they saw as poor governance.

Governor Yusuf defeats the APC with nine federal lawmakers in the states.

Combination of the Kwankwaso_Governor and Yusuf_APC flag

He made the point that the party’s victory was still secured despite the fact that the state had no prior political structure.

“They created a blank slate for the NNPP.” We won the state even though we had no chairman or councillor. They supported Abba Kabir Yusuf, according to the spokesman, from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Johnson claimed that leaving the APC without consulting the electorate constituted a betrayal of public trust.

You grant power to those who were voted out after eight years without consulting the electorate. No matter how you try to cover it up, he said, that is a betrayal.

Without Kwankwaso, support is lacking.

Johnson refuted the claim that Yusuf could have won the election without Kwankwaso’s support.

“That is now simple to say.” They are having fun with their five minutes. Abba Kabir Yusuf, His Excellency, would not be hesitant to say that anywhere in the world, he said.

Ibrahim Karaye, the party’s public relations officer, said the development had caused the party much pain but that the party remained politically strong in Kano.

“We are incredibly devastated. We are unhappy with this development because we feel betrayed. However, Karaye remarked that the NNPP is still a formidable force in Kano.

Governor Yusuf’s hands raised on the APC’s hands by deputy president Barau Jubrin on January 26, 2026, after he previously defected to the APC. X / @ Noble_Hassan

He claimed that key party stakeholders were aware of the governor’s intentions but were dissuaded, and that Yusuf had left because of internal difficulties at the NNPP.

He claimed that party leaders couldn’t provide advice and had limited access to the governor.

The governor’s residences were closed. He claimed that he had no access to him.

Kwankwaso and Gov Yusuf’s defection are linked.

(L-R) Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State, and (L-R) Musa Rabiu Kwankwao, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), respectively. Abba Kabir Yusuf/X PHOTO

On Monday, Governor Yusuf joined 22 House of Representatives members and nine members of the Kano State House of Assembly in formally defecting to the APC.

At a political ceremony held at Government House in Kano, the Coronation Hall made the announcement.

Yusuf stated that the decision was the result of extensive state consultations, including with party leaders, lawmakers, and supporters.

The governor explained that the action was intended to promote better governance and promote development.

“We’re deciding to work together rather than polarize.” Political parties are vehicles, with a goal to effect positive change in Kano’s citizens. Judge this based on the good deeds we put forth for the people, Yusuf said.

Former APC leaders Abdullahi Ganduje, former president of the country, Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy president of the Senate, and Abubakar Kabiru Bichi, former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, were present at the event.

Up until their split in January 2026, Yusuf’s election as governor of Kano State was closely linked to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya movement.

Up until their split, Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya movement had a close relationship with Governor Yusuf’s ascendance to the Kano governorship.

Yusuf gained widespread recognition as Kwankwaso’s political protégé thanks to the movement’s strong grassroots and widespread backing.

On the NNPP platform, Kwankwaso polled 1, 019, 602 votes to defeat the APC candidate, earning widely credited with helping Yusuf win the 2023 governorship election.

However, Yusuf’s administration caused him to be under more pressure to become a constitutionally elected governor.

Atiku’s Son, Abba Abubakar, Registers As APC Member In Adamawa

Abba Abubakar, the son of former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has officially become a member of Adamawa State’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

In Yola North Local Government Area, Abubakar completed his registration on Monday.

He thanked party leaders and supporters who welcomed him after the exercise.

He said, “I am very grateful that these people have come out and supported me.”

Abubakar expressed his optimism regarding his political journey within the state and acknowledged APC leaders at all levels of the state’s political structure.

“I want to thank the APC members, the state exco leaders, the leaders of women, youth, and chairman.

I’m proud of the people of Adamawa because they deserve my gratitude. You and I are your children. We are going to go a very long way thanks to God’s grace, he said.

Governor Yusuf defeats the APC with nine federal lawmakers in the states.

His temporary APC membership card includes information for his registration, including Gwadabawa Ward, Yola North Local Government Area, and Adamawa State.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, is in. Images courtesy of Channels TV/Sodiq Adelakun

The former Vice President, however, earlier said that his son’s choice was a personal choice driven by individual conscience, underscoring that such political choices are common in democratic settings, even when they involve close family members.

He added that plural politics’ distinctive political alignments are common.

The development comes a few months after Atiku Abubakar officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which platform he frequently used to run for president.

Atiku’s Son, Abba Abubakar, Registers As APC Member In Adamawa

Abba Abubakar, the son of former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has officially become a member of Adamawa State’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

In Yola North Local Government Area, Abubakar completed his registration on Monday.

He thanked party leaders and supporters who welcomed him after the exercise.

He said, “I am very grateful that these people have come out and supported me.”

Abubakar expressed his optimism regarding his political journey within the state and acknowledged APC leaders at all levels of the state’s political structure.

“I want to thank the APC members, the state exco leaders, the leaders of women, youth, and chairman.

I’m proud of the people of Adamawa because they deserve my gratitude. You and I are your children. We are going to go a very long way thanks to God’s grace, he said.

Governor Yusuf defeats the APC with nine federal lawmakers in the states.

His temporary APC membership card includes information for his registration, including Gwadabawa Ward, Yola North Local Government Area, and Adamawa State.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, is in. Images courtesy of Channels TV/Sodiq Adelakun

The former Vice President, however, earlier said that his son’s choice was a personal choice driven by individual conscience, underscoring that such political choices are common in democratic settings, even when they involve close family members.

He added that plural politics’ distinctive political alignments are common.

The development comes a few months after Atiku Abubakar officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which platform he frequently used to run for president.

FG Lauds Funke Akindele Over ₦2bn ‘Behind The Scenes’ Box Office Feat

Following her groundbreaking film, Behind the Scenes, the Federal Government has praised actress and director Funke Akindele.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), which praised the achievement as a milestone for Nollywood and the creative sector of Nigeria, gave the award.

The organization claimed Akindele had kept up her lead at the box office and that Behind the Scenes had sold over $2.1 billion in tickets in a post on X on Monday.

Behind the Scenes continues to be in front of Funke Akindele. The agency cited the agency’s desire for bigger screens, bigger stars, and even bigger numbers.

Also available as a PDF of Funke Akindele’s “Behind the Scenes,” which has made the box office history

The movie broke records as the first Nollywood production to surpass the $2 billion mark at the box office in Nigeria, according to the NOA.

It also cited the film’s overseas success, which earned more than $111, 256 in Canada and $ 90, 249 in North America, as evidence of “nollywood’s growing global appeal.”

The success, according to the agency, has made Akindele the first director to top the African box office for three straight years, making Behind the Scenes the highest-grossing Nollywood movie in Africa, the UK, and Ireland.

On January 12, Akindele broke the $2 billion milestone, making her the highest-grossing director in Africa.

FilmOne Entertainment earlier confirmed the feat, calling it unprecedented and record-breaking for the Nigerian film industry.

Akindele praised discipline, faith, and a commitment to storytelling as the reasons for their success.

Records are milestones, not the purpose. She said, “Serve the story, respect the audience, perfect the craft, and give the work its applause.”

No sponsor, kit on order & visa wait – Scotland embrace late World Cup call


  • 130 Comments

Scotland are confident visa issues will not delay their players’ arrival at the men’s T20 World Cup as chief executive Trudy Lindblade detailed the frantic preparations involved in their “unique” last-minute tournament plans.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) brought in Scotland to replace Bangladesh on Saturday, with the event set to start on 7 February.

It came after the ICC rejected a request from Bangladesh to move their games from India to Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament. Bangladesh had cited safety concerns amid growing tensions between the countries.

Scotland were given the spot courtesy of being the highest-ranked team – in 14th – not already at the event.

Cricket Scotland officials have been working around the clock since Lindblade picked up a call from ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta at the start of last weekend.

There is still a tight turnaround to get all of their players, including seamer Safyaan Sharif who has Pakistani heritage, visas in time to enter India.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been invited, but it is certainly in unique and challenging circumstances,” Lindblade told BBC Stumped.

“We’re all confident at the moment we can get everybody out there.”

Scotland are hoping to bring on board a major sponsor and are optimistic a new playing kit for the tournament will arrive before they leave.

“If we’ve got kits, that’s a bonus. If not, you might see us in our regular Cricket Scotland playing kits,” Lindblade said.

“We’ve got seven days to turn around a sponsor.”

Scotland have effectively inherited Bangladesh’s itinerary for the World Cup and will initially be based in Bengaluru.

They are expected to play warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia on 2 and 4 February at the Board of Control for Cricket in India centre of excellence in nearby Singahalli.

Scotland are scheduled to play West Indies on the opening day of the tournament at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and do not envisage that fixture being pushed back at this stage.

Scotland squad for T20 World Cup: Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wicketkeeper), Brad Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal.

    • 23 hours ago

‘Sympathy with Bangladesh’

A fourth-place finish at last summer’s Europe Qualifier looked to have cost Scotland a place at the 2026 T20 World Cup as the Netherlands and Italy secured the two spots on offer for the region from that event.

Lindblade has already spoken to Cricket Jersey counterpart Sarah Gomersall, given the Channel Islanders might have felt somewhat aggrieved having finished above Scotland in third place at the Europe Qualifier.

Her diplomacy extended to expressing sympathies to Bangladesh’s players who will miss out on the tournament.

Cricket Scotland had waited for the call to come from the ICC out of respect to their counterparts at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

“We do have sympathy for the Bangladesh players and their fans because you know as cricketers they just want to play the game,” Lindblade said.

“But these are circumstances that are beyond our control. They are matters for the ICC and the BCB to work through. But when it comes to that, absolutely, we’re human beings, so that empathy does come there.

“I’d like to think that it’s not becoming a more divided sport and if it is, that we can see that and we can work together to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”

As an Associate member, Scotland receive approximately £2.7m ($3.8m) from the ICC revenue distribution model.

It is a pittance compared to full members – England receive close to £33m in addition to lucrative broadcast deals.

Participation in the World Cup will provide Scotland with a valuable cash injection – they picked up £203,000 ($250,000) from the T20 World Cup in 2024 – but the late nature of inclusion means a greater outlay as well.

Scotland will take two travelling reserves, something they would not normally do for financial reasons, given the risk of injury to players, and they hope the ICC will cover the cost.

“I think the conversations will happen if there’s anything that we’ve had to unreasonably do,” Lindblade said.

“As any team that qualifies for a World Cup, there are financial benefits with that. So we need to make sure that we make the most of it.”

Related topics

  • Scottish Cricket
  • Cricket

More on this story

    • 1 day ago
    Priyanaz Chatterji playing for Scotland against Nepal
    • 16 August 2025
    BBC Sport microphone and phone
    • 1 day ago
    Pakistan's players celebrate taking a wicket against South Africa during a one-day international in November 2025