Yabagi Yusuf Sani
Yabagi Yusuf Sani, popularly known as YYSani or Jakardan Nupe (meaning Ambassador of Nupe), is a Nigerian politician and energy expert. Born on 1 July 1957, he is the current National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and was a presidential candidate in the 2019 Nigerian general election.
Background and Education
Sani was born in Bida, Nigeria. His father held the traditional title of Ciroman Samarin Nupe.
- Early education: East School, Bida (1961)
- Technical College, Kontagora (1970)
- Harvard University and Institute of Technology, New York (Graduated 1976)
- Columbia University, New York – B.Sc. in Management Engineering (1978)
- Participated in Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Career
- Began as Administrative Officer – Depot Chief at PPMC Depot, Kano (1980) under NNPC.
- Entered politics in 1991.
- Founding member and Board of Trustees member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
- 1993: North Central presidential coordinator for Alhaji Bashir Tofa.
- 1999: Gubernatorial candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) in Niger State.
- Former Financial Secretary of the Nigeria Liberal Convention (NLC/NRC).
- 2019: Presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
- 2021: Elected National Chairman of IPAC, succeeding Dr. Leonard Nzenwa.
- 2022: Declared ADP presidential standard-bearer for the 2023 elections by consensus at the party’s Special National Convention.
Controversies
Sani was reportedly suspended by Mr. James Okoroma, the ADP national committee party secretary. However, Sani disputed the suspension, maintaining that the secretary lacked the authority to suspend the national chairman.
Awards
- Honored with a Humanitarian Award by the United Nations.
- Collaborated with Conservative Party (UK) leaders in New York City.
References
To be added or cited as needed.