News March 31, 2026 Fresh exit hits Tinubu’s cabinet as another minister steps down

In line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on appointees wishing to contest in the 2027 general elections, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, resigned to pursue a political career in Kebbi State.

Confirming his resignation to journalists on Monday, Sununu said he stepped down in line with the country’s rules for political office seekers.

The former federal lawmaker and a medical practitioner who represented Shanga, Yauri, and Ngaski Federal Constituency, is reportedly planning to contest for the Kebbi South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections.

Sununu previously served as Minister of State for Education before being redeployed to the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

Yusuf Tanko Sununu is the second minister to resign to pursue his political career, after Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar from Bauchi, who announced his resignation on Monday afternoon to pursue his governorship ambition.

Meanwhile, today is the deadline President Bola Tinubu issued cabinet members and appointees of the government seeking elective offices to resign; expectations mount over who will step down to pursue elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive mandating political appointees to resign at the latest by that date has triggered intense speculation within government circles and across the political landscape.

News Politics March 31, 2026 Battle for 2027: Kwankwaso rallies supporters, signals fierce contest ahead

The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election,  Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has directed his Kwankwasiyya movement supporters to be battle-ready for the worst-case scenario in next year’s general elections.

Kwankwaso gave the directive on Monday while receiving the membership card of his new political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at his Miller Road residence.

He also directed his diehard loyalists to perfect their registration with the opposition party ahead of time and be prepared for any eventuality in the worst-case scenario.

The former Senator representing Kano Central, who dumped his former political party, the NNPP, at the weekend, urged Kwankwasiyya loyalists to do whatever it takes to defend their votes in the next election and confront any element of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso, who spoke in Hausa, directed his followers to prepare for all possible scenarios in defence of their votes at polling units and remain firm across polling units until their votes are counted.

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who instructed members to embark on aggressive membership registration, also urged them to reactivate their voter card registration to send the ruling APC packing in Kano and Nigeria.

Kwankwaso, who was received by the National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, a former President of the Senate, alongside other prominent figures, vowed to reclaim lost political structures in Kano through all lawful means, including strong political mobilization and engagement.

READ ALSO : BREAKING: Kwankwaso dumps NNPP, officially joins ADC

“Let me, on behalf of my hundreds of followers, my family, the Kano family, and the entire people of this state and all our supporters across the country, welcome our august visitors. We appreciate Almighty Allah for making this historic day possible because, when we were committed, we decided collectively to join the ADC.

“I am so happy today that I have collected my membership card for ADC. And by taking this card, I am advising all of you to go back and immediately register. I am aware that many of you, during the celebration, have decided to start registration, which is commendable. Those who have not registered should go and do so.

“And let me also remind you that by April 1, in the next couple of days, INEC will begin voter registration. You must ensure you register—not only with the party but also with INEC to complete the process. You must prepare for any eventuality to defend your votes,” Kwankwaso said.

Senator Kwankwaso, who had previously frowned at calls urging him to join the ADC—describing the party as being filled with his political adversaries, including Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal—was, however, seen warmly interacting, smiling, and celebrating with many of the same figures, now his political allies.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, welcomed Kwankwaso and his millions of supporters into the party, describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.

Mark noted that Kwankwaso’s defection was not merely a political statement but a deliberate response to the growing calls by opposition leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to unite and form a common front to safeguard the country’s democracy.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Nasiru Gawuna quits APC

While accusing the ruling APC of posing a threat to multiparty democracy, Mark expressed concern that Nigeria is witnessing a gradual concentration of power that could edge the nation toward a one-party state.

“There is no doubt that the ruling party, the APC, represents a serious threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria today. At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening its democracy, we are witnessing a dangerous drift toward weakening the opposition. Your joining the ADC represents our collective resolve to align with the people.

“The ruling party is determined to leave the people with no choice. Nigerians must have a choice. Nigerians must have the right to choose. In a democracy, participation is everything, and anything done to restrict participation is a direct attack on democracy and must be resisted through all lawful means.

“What we are witnessing today is one of those lawful means. It is our way of saying no to totalitarian tendencies in Nigeria. It is a way of saying, let the people decide. By coming together, we are sending a clear message that the future of Nigeria cannot be built through domination; it must be built through participation. Leadership cannot be sustained by control; it must be earned through trust.

“The African Democratic Congress now stands as the rallying point of a new national movement, a movement of inclusion, competence, integrity, and progress. A movement not powered by coercion, but by ordinary Nigerians determined to reclaim their country,” Mark declared.

The occasion was attended by several prominent political figures, including former governors such as Rauf Aregbesola and Emeka Ihedioha; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, among others.

News Politics March 31, 2026 BREAKING: Nasiru Gawuna quits APC

Nasiru Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, has resigned from the party.

In a letter dated March 29, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Gawuna Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, he described his exit as a “voluntary and personal” decision.

“I hereby formally resign my membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective March 29, 2026,” the letter stated.

Gawuna also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities he had during his time as a member.

He did not reveal his next political move, but his resignation comes at a time of shifting alliances in Kano State as political actors reposition ahead of future elections.

Sources close to him indicated that he is expected to meet with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on Monday night at his residence on Miller Road.

Daily Nigerian

News March 31, 2026 WAEC releases 2026 WASSCE timetable

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the official timetable for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates.

According to the final international timetable published on WAEC’s official X handle on Monday, the examination will commence on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and end on Friday, June 19, 2026.

The council said the examination will begin with Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical) Planning Session and Home Management 3 (Practical) Planning Session.

WASSCE serves as a critical qualification that secondary school students must pass to gain admission into university and other tertiary institutions.

The exam covers core subjects such as English Language and Mathematics, as well as a wide range of elective papers in sciences, arts, humanities, and vocational/technical areas.

It takes place across WAEC’s member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

News March 31, 2026 Tinubu appoints Chairman for Corporate Affairs Commission, names 7 as NPC Commissioners

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Senator Ibrahim Ida as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC and nominated seven individuals to fill vacant Federal Commissioner positions at the National Population Commission, NPC.

Dr Ida holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan (1983) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Abuja (2003).

According to a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, prior to his election to the Senate in 2017, where he represented Katsina Central, he served as Commissioner of Finance in Katsina State and later as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

The President also nominated Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti), Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara), and Usman Abubakar Tuggar (Bauchi) as Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission.

Others are Dr Isiaka Alada Yahaya (Kwara), Professor Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina), Suleiman Umar (Jigawa), and Honourable Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo (Sokoto).

The nominations, which complement previously sworn-in commissioners, are subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

In a related development, President Tinubu confirmed the appointment of Bala Mohammed Bello as Special Adviser on Political Economy.

Bello, an indigene of Kebbi State, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He previously served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and as Executive Director (Corporate Services) at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank between 2017 and 2022.

The President also appointed Dr Yusuf Mohammed from Kano State as Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in the capacity of the appointees to deliver on their mandates and advance his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

News March 31, 2026 Shettima visits El-Rufai, offer condolences

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Monday visited Nasir El-Rufai’s Abuja residence to sympathise with the former governor and his family over the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

The vice president’s visit was disclosed in a post issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkowcha, on his official X handle.

The late matriarch died in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday after a brief illness due to old age.

The post read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the Abuja residence of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to personally offer his condolences following the passing of the former governor’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. Hajiya Umma passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday after a brief illness at an advanced age.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima described the deceased as a woman of great virtue and a pillar of strength to her family.

He offered prayers for the repose of her soul and asked God to grant the El-Rufai family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Hajiya Umma’s burial rites were conducted on Sunday at the National Mosque, and her body was laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.

News Politics March 31, 2026 BREAKING: Kwankwaso dumps NNPP, officially joins ADC

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Kwankwaso announced his resignation from the NNPP on Sunday, citing the need for political realignment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kwankwaso said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party with immediate effect.”

The former governor described his exit as a difficult decision, noting his longstanding involvement with the party.

“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.

Kwankwaso thanked the party leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other organs of the party, for their support during his time in the party.

He also acknowledged members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and supporters for their commitment.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.

More to come…