Northern Governors Mourn Kebbi Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru

By Jamila Muhammad

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed profound grief over the death of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, who reportedly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday in Egypt.

In a condolence message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the late Speaker’s death as a painful and significant loss, not only to Kebbi State but to the wider democratic and legislative family in Northern Nigeria.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Muhammad Usman Zuru was a seasoned lawmaker, a dependable pillar of governance and a patriotic public servant who devoted himself to the service of his people with rare dedication, wisdom and humility.

He noted that the late Speaker earned respect through his commitment to democratic values, legislative service and unwavering loyalty to the peace, growth and development of Kebbi State.

The NSGF chairman said the passing of the Kebbi lawmaker has created a vacuum in the state’s political and legislative landscape, stressing that his contributions to governance and public service would not be forgotten.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended heartfelt condolences to Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, the family of the deceased, members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly and the Zuru Emirate Council over what he described as a deeply painful loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Speaker, reward his lifetime of service to humanity and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.

The condolence message was signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.

2027: APC Stakeholder Pushes for Power Shift to Yobe South, Backs Bomai’s Governorship Bid

By Abubakar Alhaji, Damaturu

A fresh political conversation is gaining momentum in Yobe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) mobiliser, Yusuf Zaki, has urged party stakeholders to support the emergence of Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai as the next governor.

Speaking with journalists in Potiskum, Zaki made a strong case for zoning the governorship to Yobe South, arguing that equity and fairness demand a shift in power after years of dominance by other senatorial zones.

He traced the state’s political trajectory since the return to democracy, noting that leadership has largely rotated between Zones A and B. According to him, the late Mamman Ali from Zone B was elected governor but died in office, paving the way for his deputy, Ibrahim Gaidam from Zone A, who went on to complete two terms. He added that the current governor, Mai Mala Buni, also hails from Zone A.

“This pattern clearly shows that Yobe South has yet to produce a governor in the current democratic dispensation. It is only fair that the zone is given the opportunity in 2027,” Zaki said.

Throwing his weight behind Bomai, Zaki described the senator as a capable and inclusive leader whose track record in public service has earned him widespread respect across the state.

“Yobe South is ready and deserving. Senator Bomai has demonstrated capacity, integrity, and commitment to development. His leadership style reflects unity and fairness, which are essential for the progress of our state,” he stated.

He highlighted several constituency projects attributed to Bomai, including road construction, improved healthcare services, foreign scholarship initiatives, and empowerment programmes targeting youths and women. According to him, these interventions have begun to change the development narrative in the zone.

Zaki further emphasized the importance of continuity in governance, noting that backing Bomai would help sustain and build upon the achievements of the Buni administration.

“Our zone has a significant voting strength made up of peaceful and independent-minded people. For the APC to retain power in Yobe, it must recognise this reality and give Yobe South a fair chance,” he added.

As political alignments gradually take shape ahead of the 2027 polls, Zaki’s call is expected to resonate within party ranks and beyond, potentially influencing debates on zoning, inclusivity, and the future leadership direction of Yobe State.

2027: Goje’s Supporters Reject Moves to Replace Him in Gombe Central

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Political tensions are beginning to build in Gombe Central Senatorial District as supporters of former Governor and serving Senator, Mohammad Danjuma Goje, drawn largely from Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, have rejected moves by some politicians seeking to replace him ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development follows reports that certain political actors from Yamaltu/Deba recently approached Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, urging him to support the emergence of another candidate from the area to take over the senatorial seat currently occupied by Senator Goje.

However, in what appears to be a counter-position from within the same local government, a coalition of residents, APC loyalists and stakeholders from Yamaltu/Deba has declared strong support for the senator’s continuity in the National Assembly, insisting that competence, experience and the will of the people should prevail.

The position of the group was made public on Friday when Dr. Newton Moses read the memorandum to journalists, declaring that the people of Yamaltu/Deba were united in their support for Senator Goje’s return to the Senate.

According to the memorandum, Senator Goje remains a seasoned lawmaker whose continued presence in the Senate would further benefit Gombe Central and strengthen its voice in national affairs.

Dr. Moses said the call to replace the senator should not be driven by narrow political interests, but by a fair assessment of performance, leadership capacity and democratic legitimacy.

He noted that continuity in the National Assembly offers significant advantages, especially in a system where legislative experience, seniority and strategic relationships often translate into stronger influence and increased access to developmental opportunities.

“Continuity in leadership, especially in a legislative environment, is not merely desirable — it is essential. Lawmaking is a complex and evolving process that benefits immensely from institutional memory, strategic relationships and procedural mastery,” the memorandum stated.

The supporters emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not impose any tenure limits on lawmakers, stressing that the decision on representation must ultimately reflect the wishes of the electorate rather than informal political arrangements.

They further noted that Senator Goje’s long-standing experience in governance and lawmaking places him in a unique position to continue advancing the interests of Gombe Central at the national level.

“Distinguished Senator Mohammad Danjuma Goje stands as a towering figure whose years of legislative experience have translated into tangible dividends of democracy for Gombe Central and beyond,” the group added.

The emerging division within Yamaltu/Deba highlights early political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with competing interests beginning to shape the future of representation in the senatorial district.

While Governor Inuwa Yahaya has yet to publicly respond to the reported request by some politicians, the development is already generating conversations within the APC and among political observers in the state.

Supporters of Senator Goje, however, remain firm, maintaining that his track record, accessibility and established influence in national politics make a strong case for continuity.

“By returning Senator Goje to the Senate, Gombe Central stands to gain even more. His seniority and established influence will ensure greater access to federal opportunities, increased developmental projects and stronger representation in critical national decisions,” the group said.

They reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while calling on party leaders and stakeholders to respect the will of the people and support Senator Goje’s return in 2027.

As political activities gradually intensify, the unfolding debate in Yamaltu/Deba may shape one of the earliest and most significant contests ahead of the next general election in Gombe State.