Former Senator representing Kaduna Central and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has dismissed allegations linking former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to an alleged gold smuggling operation reportedly intercepted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kano.

Reacting to videos and reports circulating on social media, Sani described the claims as fabricated, mischievous and lacking credibility.
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the former lawmaker said the individuals behind the videos had made desperate efforts to portray Yari as being involved in the alleged smuggling of gold bars valued at billions of dollars.

“I have watched a couple of videos alleging the smuggling and interception of billions of dollars worth of gold bars in Kano. The content creators struggle hard to package Senator Abdulazeez Yari in the act,” Sani wrote.

He further dismissed the allegations as a poorly executed attempt to tarnish the former governor’s image.
“The fabrication is childish and senseless. They need a good movie director to help them do a better job,” he added.

According to Sani, the allegations may be connected to recent political comments made by Yari, suggesting that the reports were likely motivated by political considerations rather than factual evidence.

“I just guess that it’s a mischievous response to his recent political comments,” the former senator stated.

The allegations against Yari have generated debate on social media in recent days, although no official statement has been issued by relevant authorities directly linking the former governor to any gold smuggling operation.

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In the annals of Nigeria’s energy sector, few appointments have generated as much goodwill and validated confidence as the placement of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi at the helm of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 24, 2023, as the third Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Abdullahi has become the very embodiment of purposeful leadership; a man whose competence, passion, and vision align so perfectly with his mandate that the metaphor writes itself: a round peg, firmly and productively seated in a round hole.

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Born in Kano and hailing from Okene Local Government Area in Kogi State, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi brings to the ECN an enviable combination of academic distinction and hands-on professional experience that few in his generation can match.

A Chartered Engineer (CEng) and member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, an MSc from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the prestigious University of Manchester, where his research on structural integrity was supported by the Industry Collaboration Fund of the United Kingdom, underscoring his standing in global engineering circles.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Abdullahi had accumulated over 14 years of experience across Nigeria’s energy sector, spanning stints at the Department of Petroleum Resources, now the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the University of Manchester, before serving as Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

It was, therefore, no surprise when President Tinubu, a leader widely credited with assembling quality hands to deliver on his policy agenda, identified in Dr. Abdullahi the rare qualities of passion, technical depth, and reform instinct required to pilot Nigeria’s energy transition.

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From the moment he assumed office, Dr. Abdullahi anchored his leadership on a clear and urgent mission: to make solar energy not a privilege of the few but a practical and accessible reality for millions of Nigerians from university campuses in the South to rural communities in the North.

His five-point agenda, centred on the integration of renewable energy solutions into Nigeria’s mainstream energy mix, has translated into a series of landmark projects that are reshaping the country’s energy landscape.

The most consequential of these is the implementation of the Renewed Hope Solarization Project; the flagship initiative of President Tinubu’s energy agenda, which provides 2 megawatts (MW) of solar hybrid systems across 37 federal universities and 37 tertiary hospitals in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Under Dr. Abdullahi’s stewardship, the ECN has already delivered over 100 MW of solar power, touching the lives of students, healthcare professionals, and communities across the country.

His ambitious goal of achieving full renewable energy coverage for federal tertiary institutions by 2027 is not mere rhetoric but a programme-backed commitment with measurable milestones.

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MANUFACTURING NIGERIA’S SOLAR FUTURE

Perhaps the most transformative pillar of Dr. Abdullahi’s tenure is his deliberate push to move Nigeria from solar energy consumer to solar energy producer.

On July 27, 2024, history was made when the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules Assembly Plant was held at Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The plant, once operational, will domesticate solar PV technology in Nigeria, moving the country from small-scale attempts to a full-fledged solar manufacturing ecosystem.

The significance of this is not lost on energy analysts. For decades, Nigeria has been a net importer of solar technology, spending scarce foreign exchange on panels manufactured thousands of kilometres away. Dr. Abdullahi’s vision changes that narrative fundamentally.

Going further, he led Nigeria into a landmark partnership with LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer. Discussions held at LONGi’s headquarters in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, anchored by an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed in London centred on the establishment of a 500 to 1,000 MW solar panel production plant in Nigeria. If realised, this single initiative would not only create thousands of jobs but would position Nigeria as a continental leader in solar manufacturing and a destination for clean energy investment across Africa.

He also signed an MOU with China Energy Engineering Corporation to establish State Energy Planning Centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, ensuring that energy planning becomes a data-driven, decentralised, and responsive exercise rather than a top-down, Abuja-centric exercise.

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FROM RESEARCH CENTRES TO RURAL COMMUNITIES

Dr. Abdullahi has ensured that the ECN’s network of Research Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones is not merely academic but actively development-oriented. Under his watch, these centres have been mobilised to develop demonstrable products addressing real energy challenges, from bio-energy systems that reduce dependence on fossil fuels, to solar drying systems that aid rural farmers in preserving their produce, to small, medium, and commercial-scale solar-powered chicken brooding systems that are transforming the agricultural economy at the grassroots level.

His collaboration with ECOWAS to launch the National Energy Information System (NEIS) has also strengthened Nigeria’s energy data architecture, a critical enabler for evidence-based policymaking.

The Renewable Energy Empowerment Programme implemented in communities like Odoli and Owerri further demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition reach those most often left behind.

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A NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY FOR THE AGES

Under Dr. Abdullahi’s watch, the ECN unveiled the National Energy Policy (NEP) and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP), the first time in the Commission’s history that Nigeria has had both a comprehensive national energy policy and a corresponding master plan to guide its energy development and sustainability trajectory. This achievement alone represents a foundational contribution to Nigeria’s long-term energy governance that will outlast any single administration.

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THE RIGHT MAN, THE RIGHT PLACE, THE RIGHT TIME

In a country where square pegs in round holes have too often been the story of public service appointments, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi stands as a refreshing and compelling exception. Stakeholders, industry watchers, civil society, and even Nigeria’s development partners have consistently affirmed that his appointment represents one of the most inspired choices of the Tinubu administration.

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) put it well when it described him as “one of the leading lights in the government’s push for sustainable development.” His peers in the energy sector see in him a man who did not merely arrive at office with a title, but with a blueprint; and has been executing it with rare discipline, innovation, and patriotism.

Nigeria’s power sector crisis is deep and structural. But if the experience of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi’s tenure at the Energy Commission of Nigeria teaches anything, it is that when the right person occupies the right office with the right mandate, transformation; however incremental, becomes not just possible but inevitable.

The round peg is firmly in the round hole. And Nigeria’s solar future, for perhaps the first time, looks genuinely bright.

A civil society organisation, the Coalition for Accountability and National Development (CAND), has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, of allegedly undermining the Federal Government’s efforts to maximise revenue from Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through illegal mining activities.

The group made the allegation while reacting to the reported interception of an aircraft allegedly conveying gold valued at about N4 billion by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, CAND described the seizure, linked to Senator Yari, as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage.

According to the organisation, the illicit exploitation and smuggling of gold and other mineral resources have continued to deprive Nigeria of substantial revenue that could otherwise be channelled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

“We commend the EFCC and other security agencies for their vigilance and commitment in tackling illegal mining activities across the country. We are happy that the reported interception of gold worth about N4 billion allegedly linked to Yari demonstrates the scale of revenue loss the nation has been suffering due to illicit operations in the mining sector,” the statement said.

The coalition further alleged that some politically exposed persons and influential individuals had continued to benefit from illegal mining activities in mineral-rich states, thereby frustrating ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reform and regulate the sector.

While specifically mentioning Yari in its allegations, the group called on security and anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations into all individuals and networks linked to illegal mining and gold smuggling, irrespective of their political status or affiliations.

“We urge the authorities to carry out comprehensive investigations and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law. The fight against illegal mining must not be selective if Nigeria is to derive maximum benefits from its vast mineral resources,” the statement added.

CAND also argued that illegal mining has contributed to environmental degradation, insecurity and the proliferation of armed groups in several mining communities, particularly across Nigeria’s North-West region.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within the mining industry, improve collaboration among security agencies and deploy modern technology to track mineral extraction and exports.

It also urged mining regulators to intensify efforts to formalise artisanal mining operations and ensure strict compliance with existing mining laws and regulations.

The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, warning that the illicit exploitation of mineral resources poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and national security.

The group however vowed to support the ongoing investigation with a view to ensure that the truth is unravelled as the developing story unveils.

Former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West, Senator (Dr) Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, has rejoiced with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his third anniversary in office and Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, praising the President’s resilience, determination and commitment to national development.

In a goodwill message personally signed by him, alongside with the Obaloyin of Yoruba Land, and 1st Baba Isale of Ikorodu), Yari described the milestone as a significant moment in the nation’s democratic journey, noting that the Tinubu administration has continued to confront complex national challenges while pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, expanding economic opportunities and promoting stability across the country.

The former Senate Committee Chairman and influential political leader said the President’s three years in office have been marked by steadfast leadership and an unwavering commitment to the responsibilities of governance despite prevailing challenges.

According to him, many observers have acknowledged the administration’s efforts in navigating difficult national circumstances while remaining focused on policies and reforms designed to reposition the country for sustainable growth and progress.

“As your staunch political ally and strong backer, I acknowledge the weight of these efforts and the dedication required to sustain them,” Yari stated.

He emphasized that anniversaries provide an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to reflect on the tasks ahead and renew commitment to the collective goal of nation-building.

The former governor reaffirmed his loyalty and support for President Tinubu, pledging to continue working alongside the administration in the pursuit of a more prosperous, secure and united Nigeria.

“I remain committed to working alongside your administration in the shared pursuit of a more prosperous, secure and united nation. The journey of nation-building is continuous, and collaboration remains essential,” he said.

Looking ahead to the fourth year of the administration, Yari prayed for continued wisdom, strength and clarity of purpose for the President, expressing optimism that the work ahead would be guided by a vision that uplifts all Nigerians and further strengthens the nation’s democratic foundations.

He congratulated President Tinubu once again on the twin occasions of his third anniversary in office and Democracy Day, assuring him of his continued

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By Our Correspondent

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has condemned the arrest order reportedly issued against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Mele Kyari, by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.

The group described the action as capable of undermining the principles of fairness and due process.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its president, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the group expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of trial by media and premature public judgment before the conclusion of investigations.

Oversight Powers Must Follow Justice

AYAGL acknowledged the constitutional oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly but stressed that such powers must be exercised in accordance with justice, fairness, and established legal procedures.

The group noted that reports indicated that Kyari had communicated his inability to appear before the committee due to medical treatment outside the country and had expressed readiness to honour the invitation upon his return.

According to the youth organisation, the decision to issue an arrest order under such circumstances raises questions about proportionality and respect for due process.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. No individual, institution, region or political group owns this country. Every Nigerian citizen deserves to be treated fairly and accorded the constitutional right to be heard before judgment is passed,” the statement said.

Appeal to Senator Oshiomhole

AYAGL also appealed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole to ensure that the matter is handled in a manner that does not create the impression of personal bias.

The group described Oshiomhole as a respected national leader with a longstanding reputation for advocating justice, democracy and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, urging him to promote objectivity and national cohesion in the handling of the matter.

It further warned against attempts by individuals or groups to use public institutions to settle scores or discredit achievements recorded in the petroleum sector during Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL.

Defence of Kyari’s Tenure

The organisation maintained that under Kyari’s leadership, the national oil company witnessed significant reforms, including:

· The publication of audited financial statements
· Implementation of key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)
· Strengthening of corporate governance structures
· Attraction of investments
· Refinery rehabilitation efforts
· Initiatives aimed at improving accountability across the petroleum value chain

Call Against Persecution

While insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny, AYAGL stressed that investigations must not be transformed into persecution or public conviction before the establishment of facts.

The group also called on national leaders to focus attention on pressing challenges facing the country, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and youth development.

According to AYAGL, national discourse should be directed towards strengthening economic reforms, promoting national unity and addressing issues affecting the daily lives of citizens rather than creating distractions capable of deepening divisions.

It therefore urged the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and other stakeholders to ensure that all investigations are conducted professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

Commitment to Rule of Law

The group reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law, while rejecting any attempt to criminalise or demonise individuals before the conclusion of due process.

“Nigeria’s democracy will flourish when justice is guided by evidence, fairness and due process, not by media sensationalism, political pressure or public hysteria,” the statement added.

The leadership crisis within the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has taken a fresh dimension as a faction of the party has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the emergence of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman and seeking recognition as the authentic leadership of the party.

The faction, which traces its lineage to the leadership structure established by the late PRP founder, Balarabe Musa, also threatened legal action against INEC if the electoral body fails to recognize its claims.

Speaking with journalists, the faction’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Bashir Bello, alleged that the convention that produced Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman was unconstitutional and contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

According to Bello, the late Balarabe Musa had handed over the affairs of the party to former National Chairman, Malam Falalu Bello, who completed his tenure in office in accordance with the party’s constitution. He argued that Falalu Bello lacked the authority to unilaterally transfer leadership of the party to Baba-Ahmed.

“The late Balarabe Musa handed over the affairs of the party to Malam Falalu Bello, who served as National Chairman and completed his tenure. Upon the expiration of his tenure, he ceased to be the leader of the party. However, he single-handedly handed over leadership to Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, creating unnecessary crisis in the party,” Bello said.

He stated that the faction had formally petitioned INEC over the convention that produced Baba-Ahmed, insisting that the process was flawed and violated both the spirit and letter of the PRP constitution.

Bello disclosed that the group had conducted a parallel national convention, compiled its reports and submitted them to INEC, urging the commission to recognize its faction as the legitimate leadership of the party.

“We have petitioned INEC on the conduct of the convention by Falalu Bello that ushered in Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as the party’s National Chairman, which appears flawed and against the spirit and letter of our party’s constitution.
“We have also conducted our parallel convention, compiled and submitted our report to INEC, urging the commission to recognize our faction as the authentic party,” he stated.

The factional spokesman further revealed that his group had successfully conducted primary elections and submitted the names of its candidates to INEC, including its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Dr. Sani Salih Mustapha.

“Likewise, we have conducted our primaries and submitted the names of our candidates, including our presidential candidate, Dr. Sani Salih Mustapha, to the commission,” Bello said.

He, however, clarified that no court case had yet been filed against INEC, explaining that the faction was awaiting the commission’s response to its petition before taking further legal steps.
“We have not yet filed a court case. We are awaiting INEC’s response to our petition, which we may use as evidence in court if the commission’s decision does not favour us.

“Failure of the commission to recognize our faction will leave us with no other option than to seek judicial redress,” he added.

The latest development marks another chapter in the protracted leadership tussle that has continued to divide the PRP, a party founded on the principles of social justice and popular democracy by the late Balarabe Musa.

Crisis rocks the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna as party has produced two separate senatorial candidates for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, raising fresh concerns over deepening divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Information gathered revealed that former lawmaker, Senator Musa Bello, emerged as the candidate of one faction of the party, while the incumbent lawmaker representing the district, Senator Lawal Adamu, was reportedly declared candidate by a rival faction.

The development has created uncertainty among party members and supporters across Kaduna State, with both camps insisting that their respective candidates emerged through legitimate processes conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Sources disclosed that parallel exercises were allegedly conducted by competing factions, resulting in the emergence of different candidates for the same senatorial seat. Each group has continued to lay claim to the authentic mandate, further fueling tensions within the party.

Some members interviewed described the situation as a major setback for the ADC, particularly in Kaduna Central, regarded as one of the most politically strategic senatorial districts in the state.The district comprises seven local government areas — Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Chikun, Giwa, Kajuru and Birnin Gwari — making it a critical battleground in the state’s political landscape.

Party stakeholders have expressed fears that the unresolved dispute could significantly weaken the ADC’s prospects in Kaduna Central, where the party is expected to challenge established political forces, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

“The emergence of parallel candidates sends a negative signal to voters and may undermine the party’s growing support base in the state,” a party source who requested anonymity said.

The crisis comes amid increasing political realignments across Kaduna State, with several politicians reportedly exploring new alliances and platforms ahead of the next electoral cycle.

As of press time, officials of the party had yet to issue a comprehensive statement clarifying the status of the two claimants. However, sources within the ADC disclosed that consultations were ongoing among key stakeholders to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a prolonged legal and political battle.

Some party members argued that the emergence of multiple claimants to the same senatorial ticket reflects broader leadership and organisational challenges that have recently affected the ADC at the national level. The party has in recent years witnessed internal disagreements and legal tussles over its leadership structure, issues that critics say continue to affect its cohesion.

Meanwhile, political watchers across Kaduna State are closely monitoring developments, as the eventual resolution of the controversy is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Kaduna Central senatorial contest and the broader opposition strategy in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A Political Commentary By Mustapha Mohammed Gusau.

As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused on anti- party activities by some aggrieved party members and loyalists.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continues to implement policies aimed at economic reform, security enhancement, and national development. While opinions may differ on the pace and impact of these reforms, there is no doubt that the success of the APC in 2027 will depend largely on its ability to checkmate party leaders and loyalists who are planning to sabotage the success of the APC in both governorship and presidential elections.

Steps must be put in place to cross check and monitor such ambitions party leaders who are bent on ensuring that everything must be done in accordance to their interests because they have money in their hands.

Political history has repeatedly shown that opposition parties often benefit not only from their own organization but also from conflicts within ruling parties. In Zamfara State, many party loyalists still reflect on the circumstances surrounding the APC’s loss of the governorship seat in 2023.

Different stakeholders have offered varying interpretations of what went wrong, but one lesson remains clear: disunity carries a heavy political cost.

Recent political developments and speculations have generated concerns among some APC members regarding the activities of certain influential figures within the party. There are growing discussions in political circles suggesting that some individuals may be reconsidering their political alignments ahead of 2027. While such reports remain matters of public debate and should be treated with caution until verified, they have understandably attracted the attention of party faithful.

Of particular concern to many supporters is the possibility that personal grievances, political ambitions, or unresolved disputes could overshadow the collective interests of the party in Zamfara State.

The APC recent launching of Atiku Support and Solidarity Caps by Sen. Yari loyalists and political camp and his remarks that he would not speak until after the elections, has generated concerns and dabates among APC stakeholders and political groups. Investigations into the motives behind the Yari camp recent actions and activities showed that camp was not happy with the freezing of the their Boss accounts on the allegations of financial misconduct and refusal by the President to see him in Paris when he visited the President. Angered by these combined action against their leaders, the inner circle of the political camp decided to shift their allegiance to Atiku Abubakar and some other political parties as they did to the APC in the 2023 governorship election in Zamfara State, leading to the lost of the governorship seat.
An insider who pleaded anonymous said Yari Aircraft manager and handler one Mr Ema was recently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and was ordered to handover all documents relating to the Yari’s Aircrafts. This, according to the inside source has caused more actions that could lead to anti-party activities during the elections.
The most significant action of the Yari camp is the recent design, production and launching of the Atiku Support Caps as shown in the pictures below.
( insert the pictures)
Party Myers leaders at both state and national levels must remain alert to any actions that may undermine party success at the 2027 elections in Zamfara State or weaken support for President Tinubu’s re-election efforts.

Political loyalty is ultimately tested during challenging periods. Genuine party leaders are expected to place the interests of their party, their state, and the nation above personal considerations.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, APC supporters across Zamfara State must prioritize unity, grassroots mobilization, and effective communication of the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

The focus should remain on presenting a compelling vision for the future rather than engaging in destructive internal rivalries.

The road to victory in 2027 will not be determined by individual political calculations but by the collective commitment of party members to a common purpose.

APC stakeholders must therefore work together to prevent divisions, discourage sabotage, and ensure that the party remains strong enough to retain the presidency and reclaim greater political strength in Zamfara State.

History has shown that united parties win elections, while divided parties create opportunities for their opponents.

The choice before APC members is therefore clear: unity, discipline, and loyalty to the party’s shared objectives must prevail over personal interests if success is to be achieved in 2027.

An Analysis of Political Influence, Public Trust, and Grassroots Loyalty in Northern Nigeria

Politics in Northern Nigeria has long been shaped by power, influence, financial strength, and the ability to command large political structures. For decades, many politicians believed that the quickest route to political relevance was through money, patronage, and the distribution of political favours. Yet, as the political climate continues to evolve, a new reality is gradually emerging, one where genuine grassroots connection, accessibility, and public trust are beginning to challenge the dominance of money politics.

The growing political rivalry between Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar and Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle has increasingly become one of the clearest reflections of this changing political reality in Northern Nigeria. Though both men come from the same political environment and possess significant influence across the North, their political approaches represent two sharply contrasting philosophies.

On one side stands Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, a politician widely associated with the traditional structure of money-driven politics. Over the years, Yari has built an extensive political network powered largely by financial influence, strategic patronage, and the ability to maintain loyalty through political investments. His political structure remains formidable, and few would deny his long-standing influence within Zamfara politics and beyond. To his loyalists, Yari represents strength, structure, and political capacity.

However, critics argue that his style reflects the old political order where money is often treated as the primary instrument of political survival. In such a system, influence is sustained not necessarily through emotional connection with the people, but through the ability to maintain political control using financial power and elite networks.

On the other side is Minister Bello Matawalle, whose political strength appears to stem from a different source entirely. Across many parts of Northern Nigeria, Matawalle is increasingly seen by supporters as a leader whose influence is built on accessibility, humility, loyalty, and direct engagement with ordinary people. Unlike the perception of transactional politics often associated with political heavyweights, Matawalle’s growing appeal appears rooted in trust and personal relationships with grassroots supporters.

His supporters consistently argue that Matawalle’s popularity cannot simply be measured by financial expenditure during political contests. Rather, they insist that his acceptance among ordinary Northerners comes from the belief that he understands their realities, listens to their concerns, and maintains close contact with local communities. This perception has steadily strengthened his political identity beyond Zamfara State.

Recent political developments within the APC across Zamfara and parts of the North have further reinforced this perception. In several political contests and party activities, individuals and groups openly aligned with Matawalle have continued to demonstrate surprising political resilience, even in situations where opponents were believed to possess superior financial resources and stronger political machinery.

For many political observers, this trend carries an important message. It suggests that while money remains a major factor in Nigerian politics, it may no longer be sufficient to guarantee unquestioned political dominance. The Northern grassroots, particularly younger political participants and local stakeholders, are increasingly paying attention to credibility, consistency, accessibility, and perceived sincerity.

For Matawalle, this growing acceptance represents more than ordinary political popularity. It reflects the consolidation of a political philosophy centered around trust-building and people-oriented leadership. His supporters now increasingly portray him as a symbol of a new political direction where genuine relationships with the grassroots matter more than temporary political inducements.

As politics across Northern Nigeria continues to evolve, one reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: money may build political structures, but genuine grassroots trust sustains long-term political relevance. The rising political strength of Bello Matawalle therefore represents more than the success of an individual politician. It symbolizes the growing importance of trust, connection, and grassroots loyalty in shaping the future of Northern Nigerian politics.

In the end, the political contrast between Abdul’aziz Yari and Bello Matawalle is not merely about two influential politicians competing for dominance. It is a reflection of two competing political philosophies, one largely associated with financial power and political patronage, and the other increasingly identified with grassroots trust, accessibility, and people-centered leadership. And for many observers across Northern Nigeria today, the politics of trust appears to be gaining stronger ground than the politics of money.

Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu

• Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba
• National President NSNCM
• Director General Initiative for Military Veterans & family support Foundation
• Deputy National Coordinator Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF).
• Director General youth Reformation and Leadership Skills development Foundation
• Chairman former Kaduna state Governorship Candidates forum
• Political Analyst, Civil society Activist
• Public Affairs commentator
• Security Expert.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has aggressively driven Nigeria’s renewable energy transition by scaling domestic solar manufacturing and implementing the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project through the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Mr President Approved a massive financial interventions for off-grid power, at the cost of  ₦220 billion National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative to deploy mini-grid solar power projects across federal universities and hospitals.

This initiative prioritizes reliable, alternative power to cut the high costs of diesel and ease pressure on the national grid, leading to institutional solarization drive by the ECN with its  Renewed Hope Solarisation Project which has accelerated the deployment of hybrid systems across tertiary institutions and hospitals in Nigeria.

The Federal Government’s vision is that no federal institution of higher learning in this country should remain energy-insecure. And that’s why we are on that path to delivering over a 100MW of alternative energy source across 72 Primary Health Care Centers and Tertiary  Institutions.

This has also given rise to Partnerships facilitated by the ECN, securing landmark agreement with China’s LONGi, the world’s largest solar manufacturer to build a  solar panel production facility in Nigeria for all its benefits in terms of  manufacturing locally and export while creating jobs for the Nigerian citizens.

This drive to energize the institutions will continue, state by state, institution by institution, until that vision is realised. The Renewed Hope Solarisation Initiative is not a project,  it is a programme, and the groundbreakings are milestones among many others.

The Phase 1 of the program will deliver a complete system, intelligent energy infrastructure. The solar photovoltaic array will be paired with a battery energy storage system for power continuity beyond daylight hours. It will be installed in decentralised clusters and not a single large installation to improve resilience and ease management.

All clusters will be coordinated through a SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition centre, giving the university real-time visibility of generation, load distribution, and system health. Solar streetlights will be incorporated to secure both the installations and the broader campus environment.

The first-phase beneficiaries include the University of Abuja, the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, the Enugu Research Centre and many others.
Depending on the load assessment and energy needs, the program is scaled into categories.

We are proud to have commenced the installation of 2MW in Aliko dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in September 2025 where a 4MW system is being installed, and few weeks ago, a groundbreaking event at Bayero University Kano for the installation of 1MW.

Each project is a standalone delivery and a building block in a national programme covering hospitals and tertiary institutions in all 36 states and the FCT.

As Nigerians celebrate the 3rd year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we at Energy Commission of Nigeria wish the Jagaban of Africa, his administration, a beautiful 3rd year in office as he continues to take Nigeria to higher heights through the Renewed Hope Agenda.