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ICPC Probes Kosofe LG Chairman, Moyosore Ogunlewe For Alleged Diversion Of Funds To Acquire N800million Property

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1 year ago

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has begun investigation into an alleged multi-billion fraud petition against officials of the Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State, SaharaReporters has gathered.

Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo, the Special Adviser, Boundary Matters in the council had petitioned the anti-graft agency. 

SaharaReporters earlier reported how Oyebanjo was arrested by policemen from Zone 2 in Lagos over the petition.

He had narrated how the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe bought a property worth N800 million allegedly with funds diverted from council treasury.

In the petition obtained by SaharaReporters, Oyebanji also accused Ogunlewe of buying a Black Toyota Camry with registration number, KJA 709 JD worth millions of Naira to one Ibraheem Adisa Mustapha “so that he won’t contest against his (Ogunlewe) second term bid.”

“It is against this premise that I have been encouraged to present this petition to intimate you on the reckless looting of the treasury of kosofe local government by the present administration, led by Hon. Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe and his local government functionaries,” part of the petition read.

“It is not out of place to mention that the local government is not finding it easy financially as a result of the reckless way the resources of the local government were handled by the present administration. The cost of projects, were over-priced, the Exco minutes doctored and manipulated. 

“Purchase and Procurement not properly followed. No Exco member, knows anything about the financial programs of the council, and many more. I will also want this Honourable Institution, to ask the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Barrister. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, to explain how he has been spending both Federal Allaocation and the Internally Generated Revenue of the Local Government since he assumed office as the Chairman.

“In recent days, due to intimidation,coercion, force, threats, suspension and total sack by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Barrister, Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, some of the Excomembers yielded to him and decided to play along with him. For these reasons, I have attached all WhatsApp chats and voice notes from the platform I created on my phone, for the Supervisors and Special Advisers. There you will hear and read the comments of each and everyone of us. In case any one of them wants to deny due to financial inducements or bowing to threats. 

“Everything is in a flashdrive here attached. For your speedy operation and investigation, I have added their full details and phone contacts to this petition. Also attached, is the signature we all signed to this petition, before they broke apart. No Executive member of the local government, knows anything about all the EXTRACTS and payments made in these documents

“I will also want to inform this Honourable Institution that the Civil Servants, that gets this documents to me was arrested by the Executive Chairman of the Council and handed over to the Police authority in Area “H” Ojota/Ogudu, directly opposite the local government Secretariat. He was detained on the 8th, June, (Saturday) till 10th June (Monday), 2024. He was beaten and seriously tortured, that he had to confess to the Police before the Chairman, some documents which he had given to me.

“Ever since this incident happened, the Chairman,told the Civil Servant in the Police Stattion that he was going to kill the two of us. I had to take cover and ran to my inlaw in Delta State. I left Lagos on the 10th, June 2024, when some Police officers from Area ‘H’ in Ogudu, came to look for me at home. Several threats made to me on phone from unknown and unidentified callers. Strange faces seen in the mosque where I usually pray my daily prayers. I came back to Lagos on the 5th of July 2024.

“Some of the documents, especially the EXTRACTS, were quickly doctored and written again. All the EXTRACTS, presently here, and the approval they claimed was made by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, was all lies. There was never a time, when projects were ever discussed in the Exco meeting. There was never a time where the Chairman, ever made mentioned of the Allocation or the Internal Generated Revenue.

“No Exco Member knows the financial situation of the local government. To make the work of this highly respected Institution quicker, faster and efficient, I have added here the names of some of the council staff that should be invited for questioning. I have also included the name of the Exco Minutes Recorder, who was used to write a new Exco Minutes after the original minutes from the Exco Sitting. Attached are the signatures of the other Exco Members.”

It read further, “Some of the fictitious contracts awarded without due consultation and the knowledge of the Executive members include the following:

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 16TH, OCTOBER 2023 AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXAPPROVAL MADE BY THE COMMITTEE. Where it was written that the Executive Committee Resolved to spend the sum of Nine Million, Five Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Seven Naira- Two Kobo. (21,839,560:00). Nothing of this was ever discussed in the Exco meeting, talkless of resolving to spend the money.

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 15TH, MARCH, 2024 AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL, KOSOFE. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX That the sum of Eleven Million, Nine Hundred and Ten Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Naira Thirty- Five Kobo (11,910,367:35 only. There was no time anything like was deliberated at the Exco Meeting. Neither is it in our Excominutes.

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 16TH, OCTOBER 2023 AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

The sum of Twenty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Seventy- Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Eight Naira. (26,373, 608:00. This never existed. There was no time the Exco deliberated on this.

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 15TH, MARCH, 2024 AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL, KOSOFE 

. The sum of Twelve Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty- Three Naira Fifty- Six Kobo (12,250, 663:56. This was also never deliberated or discussed in the Exco Meeting. 

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 24TH JANUARY, 2024 AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. The sum of Thirty Million Naira be approved for the Award of Contract for supply of Two (2) Transformers. This was never brought to the knowledge of the Executive Committee. 

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 15TH, MARCH 2024, AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL, KOSOFE 

The sum of Thirty Million Naira (30,000,000) only was approved for the Award of Contract for the supply of Two (2) Transformers to Sosanya Street Ifako.

It was never brought to the knowledge of any Exco Member. 

“EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13TH, FEBRUARY, 2024 AT THE NULGE CONFERENCE HALL KOSOFE 

The sum of Thirty Million (30,000,000: 00) was said to be resolved to be spent on the supply of Two Transformers. It was a total lie. The Executive members were not aware.

“The fictitious school debate in 2023, where the Chairman spent Five Hundred Thousand Naira (500,000). The Quiz Competition where the Chairman said he spent Five Hundred Thousand Naira (500,000). The three day Seminar and workshop where the Chairman also spent Five Hundred Thousand (500,000). All these were not true. He only collected the money without any of the mentioned events. The Chairman claimed to have spent the total sum of Eleven Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand and Five Hundred Naira (11,562, 500). This he said he spent on palliative. The ministry in charge should be invited to confirm. The Chairman, claimed he sponsored the Chairman Football Competition for Fifteen Million Naira (15,000,000), where the winner of the competition was given One Million Naira (1,000,000). He also claimed he organised a 5 Day Workshop on Curbing Covetousness for Twenty Four Million, Seven Hundred Thousand (24.7 Million). This workshop, was a false and lies from the pit of Hell. Nothing of such happened in the council. He spent N8.9 Million Naira to partition the Council Manager’s office. In all these, none of Exco members were aware, neither was it deliberated or discussed at the Exco Meeting. 

“Local Government Guidelines of Lagos State, page 11 section 15.2, states that: Subject to the policies laid down by the local government/ local council development Area, the Executive Committee shall be responsible for: (a) Regulation and control of the finances of the local government/ local council development Area. There was no time the Exco Members was involved or informed of the finances of the local government. 

“Page 12, section 16.0 states that: The forum of the Executive Committee shall be used among other things to regulate expenditure and relate contract award to liquidity reflected through cash flow situation compiled by the Treasurer who must be in attendance to advise in financial regulations. Contracts shall be awarded to competent contractors after all due process for procurement and a certified professional submission of the Local Government Engineer in all areas related engineering works have carried out in accordance with the procurement law. None of this ever happened. 

“(c) All contracts awarded not supported by any Executive Committee Resolution must not be honoured for payment. No contract was brought to the awareness or notice of the Excomembers. Page 12 (f) states that: Communication of the decision of the Executive Council to the concerned agencies, organizations and persons, including the decisions on the award of contract. There was no time we had a decision to award any contract. 

“Page 12 section 17.1 states that: The Local Government/ Local Council Area shall establish a Departmental Standing Committee in each department which shall meet at least twice a month and as exigency demands to recommend departmental projects for Executive Committee consideration and approval. We don’t have a Departmental Standing Committee in the local government, talkless of consideration and approval. 

“Page 14 (viii): No funds shall be released except through payment vouchers certified by the Internal Auditor and Extract from the Executive Council decisions. This also was not in place.

“Page 9 section (4) states that: The Supervisors/ Special Advisers shall be closely involved in the management of their respective Departments/ Units and shall- 

“Page 10 (i) Serve as the political heads of their respective Departments/ Units. Page 10(iv) states that: The Supervisors and Special Advisers, shall assist the Chairman to Supervise the execution of Local Government/ Local Council Development Area within their respective Departments and Units.

“Page 12 (f) States that: it is the statutory duty of all officers of the Local Government to raise audit alarm in this regard. That is, if the stipulated rules and regulations are not strictly adhered and followed by any Executive Chairman. 

“19.2 Subsection (viii) No funds shall be released except through payment vouchers certified by the Internal Auditor and Extract from the Executive Council decisions. This has never happened before. 

“(V) All payments made due to exigencies in between conveyance of Committee meeting, must be brought for consideration and approval of the Committee by the Treasurer. This has never happened for once under the watch of Honourable Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government.

“The sum of Twenty Six Million Five Hundred and Eighty- Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Ninety- Six Naira (26, 589, 596.00). He should be asked when this was discussed or deliberated in the Exco meeting. He said he used this to supply Security Equipment.

“The sum of Twenty- Three Million One Hundred and Twenty- One Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty Eight Naira (N23, 121, 388.00) only. This was never brought to the awareness or knowledge of the Executive members for deliberation.

“The football competition he organised for Fifteen Million, Twenty Eight Thousand Nine Hundred and One Naira. The winner of the competition, collected one Million Naira. Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand collected by the second team and Five Hundred Thousand Naira collected by the team that came third. The field was given for free, he should be asked how the remaining money was spent. No Exco member knows or heard about the competition until few days to the competition, talkless of deliberation and approval of the Committee. 

“He bought a Toyota Camry black colour to IBRAHEEM ADISA MUSTAPHA, from the council funds. He did this, so that he won’t contest against his second term bid. The registration number is KJA 709 JD. He has a property bought with over N800,000,000.00.”

(C) Sahara Reporters 

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Politics

Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics

Published

4 weeks ago

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April 3, 2026

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The political atmosphere of Nigeria’s North-West was fundamentally altered on a sweltering afternoon in 2026 after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former Governor of Kano State and Former Minister for Defence who is also the “Grand Commander” of the Red-Cap revolution, finalized a move that many viewed as the ultimate masterstroke of his political career. By transitioning from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso did more than change platforms; he effectively reset the coordinates of the nation’s largest voting bloc.

Senator Kwankwaso’s pedigree is defined by a singular devotion to human capital development and an almost mythical grassroots loyalty preceded him. He turned a local movement, the Kwankwasiyya, into a disciplined, ideological army that transcends traditional party structures. His entry into the ADC instantly transformed a secondary party into a formidable fortress, signaling to the ruling elite that the North-West is no longer a monolith under their control.

The gravity of this shift is most profound in Kano, the heartbeat of Northern commerce. For years, the state was a polarized battlefield between the Kwankwasiyya and established conservative wings. However, the entry of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna into the same ADC orbit has created a “Kano Super-Alliance” that was previously unthinkable. Kwankwaso, the visionary architect who sent thousands of Kano’s children to global universities, now finds his populist ideology merging with Gawuna’s administrative steadiness and deep-rooted institutional connections.

This synergy is a seismic departure from the politics of “zero-sum” rivalry; it is a calculated fusion of mass appeal and the strategic machinery required to protect and deliver votes.
This move reshuffles the entire North-West deck. As Kwankwaso plants the ADC flag across the region, he is attracting a wave of heavyweights from Kaduna to Sokoto who feel marginalized by the status quo. His political pedigree allows him to speak with a regional authority that others lack, positioning himself as a protector during a time of economic uncertainty. By bringing Gawuna into this fold, the dynamics of Kano politics have shifted from a war of attrition to a coalition of necessity. This alliance creates a “Third Way” that bypasses the failures of the old guard, promising a return to the rapid growth that defined the Kwankwaso years, but with a broader, more inclusive base that could dictate the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027.

Kwankwaso’s career has always been defined by a uniquely personal brand of power. From 1999 to 2015, he served two terms as Governor of Kano State, in addition to roles as Minister of Defence and Senator. While many were surprised by his recent maneuvers; especially following closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu, he chose the emerging ADC over the ruling APC.

In the high-stakes theater of Nigerian politics, few events have jolted the region quite like the defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from the APC to the ADC on March 31, 2026. Coming just twenty-four hours after Kwankwaso’s move, Gawuna’s transition fundamentally has also altered the political calculus in Kano. What makes this moment remarkable is the sheer drama of the reversal. Gawuna’s political journey has been a steady, calculated ascent through Kano’s establishment. He first shot to prominence as Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, earning a reputation for hands-on management in a state where farming is the economic backbone. He eventually rose to Deputy Governor, serving for nearly six years and gaining invaluable executive experience. Beyond partisan politics, Gawuna distinguished himself as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University and, most recently, as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He resigned from the FMBN on March 27, 2026, citing compliance with presidential directives regarding political appointees.

A look back at the 2023 gubernatorial election reveals just how significant Gawuna is. Running under the APC, he polled over 890,000 votes against the formidable Kwankwasiyya machine. This proved that he is one of the few politicians in Kano who can genuinely compete with Kwankwaso’s electoral machinery. His strength is threefold: he appeals to the youth, the religious establishment (Ulama), and the business community; he has the capacity to split the APC vote; and he has demonstrated he can deliver votes independently of a larger party wave. To understand the magnitude of this defection, one must appreciate the complete inversion of alliances since 2023. Back then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ran on the NNPP ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, while Gawuna carried the APC banner with Ganduje’s support. By 2027, the roles will likely reverse: Governor Yusuf is positioned to run under the APC with Ganduje’s blessing, while Gawuna is poised to run under the ADC with Kwankwaso’s endorsement.

From the perspective of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Gawuna’s arrival is a “return” rather than a “recruitment,” as he was part of the movement’s pioneer cohort. This narrative neutralizes accusations of opportunism. For his part, Gawuna framed his move in terms of service and divine guidance, with sources indicating he felt marginalized within the APC after his 2023 defeat.

The reaction from within the APC has been one of worry and regret. President Tinubu, recognizing the stakes, reportedly directed party leaders to prevent Gawuna’s move, even offering him an automatic Senatorial ticket for 2027. The failure of this pressure campaign, Gawuna reportedly placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” and traveled abroad to avoid lobbyists represents a significant defeat for the presidency’s political management. This crisis prompted emergency meetings between President Tinubu, Dr. Ganduje, and Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa to reorganize their strategy.

The long-term implication is the potential break of the APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC is now positioning itself as a genuine “third force” in the North-West. The defection of high-profile figures like Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Senator Aishatu “Binani” Ahmed, and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami suggests a coordinated realignment. This competition could force more substantive policy debates and reduce the “zero-sum” intensity of regional elections.

The projected 2027 gubernatorial rematch between Gawuna (ADC) and Governor Yusuf (APC) will be a battle between two men with established records. Voters will have a genuine choice between performance and platform rather than just shifting loyalties. As Gawuna put it: “Allah gives power to whom He wants and when He wants.” While the 2027 elections will reveal where that power flows, it is already clear that the political landscape of the North-West will never look the same again.

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VP Shettima, 10 Governors, Former Governors Roll Out Drums as Zamfara’s Governor Lawal Joins APC

Published

1 month ago

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March 25, 2026

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The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, alongside ten state governors including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum formally welcomed Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The grand reception, which took place on Tuesday at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, drew a large crowd of supporters, as well as members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the governor’s cabinet.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Vice President arrived at the newly constructed Gusau International Airport before proceeding to the event.

The statement listed the governors in attendance as: Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo), who also serves as the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum.

Also present were the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; along with several ministers, party chieftains, and other top dignitaries.

In his address, Vice President Shettima expressed confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges are approaching resolution, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making sustained efforts to guarantee lasting peace across the country.

“We pray for more unity and progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because our leader is working very hard to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria,” Shettima said.

He further stated that the security situation in Zamfara and other affected states would be significantly addressed, adding that Governor Lawal’s decision to join the APC would enhance the coordinated response required to achieve that goal.

The Vice President also asserted that opposition parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would struggle to maintain a foothold in Zamfara, as key political figures in the state are now aligned under the APC umbrella. He commended the people of Zamfara for their support of both the governor and the party.

Speaking on behalf of the APC governors, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, described Lawal’s defection as a win-win development for Zamfara.

“The APC is a moving train, and we are delighted that Zamfara has now joined that train,” Uzodinma said. “All APC governors will support Governor Lawal to deliver even more for the people of this state.”

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal assured party leaders and supporters of his commitment to fairness, justice, and diligent service to the people of Zamfara State.

The event also witnessed the presence of three former governors of Zamfara State Abdulaziz Yari, Bello Matawalle, and Mahmuda Shinkafi who all expressed their full support and pledged to work collaboratively with Governor Lawal.

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Politics

Zamfara 2026: Governor Dauda Lawal Defects from PDP to APC Amid Ongoing Party Crisis

Published

2 months ago

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March 9, 2026

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In a significant political shift, Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This transition, which was formalized during a high-stakes meeting held at the Government House in Gusau, comes after weeks of intense deliberations and reflects the growing frustrations with the internal strife within the PDP.

In an official statement released from the Government House, the Governor through the statement cited persistent “internal crises, leadership disagreements, and unresolved structural challenges” within the PDP as key factors influencing his decision. He described the party’s current state as one of paralysis claiming it hampers effective governance and directly undermines the delivery of essential services to the people of Zamfara.

Governor Lawal indicated that his decision was not made lightly; it followed extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including political leaders, local elders, and constituents from all fourteen local government areas. The feedback gathered during these discussions overwhelmingly pointed to the disruptive nature of the ongoing intra-party conflicts, which many feared were detracting from the urgent work of achieving democratic dividends for the citizens.

The climactic meeting that cemented this historic decision was overseen by the Deputy Governor and included senior government officials alongside key political stakeholders at the Government House. This gathering achieved a unanimous consensus to pivot en masse towards the APC, which they believe will facilitate improved collaboration with the Federal Government and expedite necessary development efforts within the state.

In his remarks following the announcement, Governor Lawal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members and supporters of the PDP for their contributions and commitment over the years. However, he emphasized that his foremost responsibility as Governor lies in ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development for the people of Zamfara. The Governor passionately articulated that the current political landscape, marked by unresolved disputes within his former party, compelled him to take decisive action for the greater good.

By aligning with the APC, Lawal reaffirmed his dedication to fostering unity among the state’s diverse communities, enhancing security measures, and ensuring that Zamfara State fully capitalizes on the opportunities afforded by stronger ties with the Federal Government. He articulated a vision to dismantle the barriers that have historically separated Gusau from Abuja, thus accelerating the flow of resources and support crucial for tackling the pressing security and economic challenges facing the state.

In light of this transition, the Governor has urged all citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to maintain an atmosphere of calm, peace, and solidarity. He is optimistic that this new political chapter will yield greater unity, stability, and a renewed focus on developmental goals for Zamfara State.

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