My recent article titled “Ibrahim Little: The Man Fit for the Job” has opened the eyes of many young men and women, particularly those in the Gen Z category, to the personality and potential of Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin. He is a man of calibre and a true embodiment of competence for the enormous responsibility of leading Kano, the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria.

The quest for a credible alternative in Kano’s political space began last year when my political mentor and principal declared his intention to contest for the governorship. The name Ibrahim Ali Amin Little has, however, been a household name in Kano politics since the year 2000.

He is involved in politics not for material gain, but out of a genuine passion for investing in the lives of the people. As a businessman with a proven track record, he brings a different perspective to governance. Since 1999, most of Kano’s governors have emerged from the civil service sphere. Despite Kano’s status as a commercial centre, the state has witnessed a form of economic stagnation, largely due to insufficient emphasis on business-driven policies and economic innovation.

When I speak of an “alternative,” I refer to an independent-minded individual who is well-versed in administration and economic management.

Kano cannot be entrusted to someone who lacks a deep understanding of its economic realities. Since 1999, governance in the state has largely revolved around a single model road construction and the awarding of contracts, often without corresponding long-term economic impact.

True governance goes beyond infrastructure. It involves prioritising education by employing competent teachers, strengthening the healthcare sector especially primary healthcare centres with adequate and qualified medical personnel, and creating sustainable systems that improve the quality of life for citizens. These are the real indicators of governance. The question, however, remains: where does Kano stand in all of this?

Unfortunately, very few aspirants are addressing these critical issues except Ibrahim Little. As one of his closest aides, I can confidently say that his priorities are clear and people-oriented. His daily engagements revolve around questions such as: How can we identify and nurture talent? How can Kano become a true industrial hub? How can we establish an independent power supply for the state? And how can we revitalise and boost agricultural productivity?

These are not just talking points for him, they are guiding principles. His interest lies in the development of Kano, not in personal gain or the accumulation of state resources.

At this critical moment, Ibrahim Ali Amin Little stands as the alternative Kano needs.

Adnan Mukhtar
Is a Doctoral Candidate at Northwest University, Kano

Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, a prominent politician and grassroots mobiliser in Kano State, says it is healthy political evolution that politicians are being granted pardon in Nigeria.

Garo, who fielded questions from newsmen in Kano, also noted that repentant and forgiven politicians are allowed to actively participate in politics to add valour and strengthen democracy.

He was reacting to allegations over his involvement in financial sleaze while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Kano during the administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Garo acknowledged desperate attempts by his adversaries to malign him and whittle down his growing political profile.

Garo, popularly known as MSG, was a Deputy Governorship candidate during the 2023 general election and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He claimed that local councils in the state witnessed phenomenal development when he served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

However, Sule Garo explained that the allegations of diversion of public funds for personal use have collapsed in the eyes of the Constitution and extant laws of Nigeria.

The existing constitutional provisions and laws averred that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Therefore, my media trial ran afoul of the law. Moreso, the allegations were not preferred against him but a group of suspects.

“Besides, the Kano State Government, being the complainant, has not shown interest in prosecuting me.

Another charge brought against me was dismissed by the court even as the state government decided to forgive me,” Garo claimed.

He cited for instance that Hon. Faruk Lawan and Alhaji Aminu Dabo, former Managing Director of NPA, were pardoned by the system and are actively participating in politics.

The politician therefore appealed to the good people of Kano State and other interested parties to disregard any malicious allegation against him because of his innocence before the law court and forgiveness by the state government.

Kano is the political hotbed of Northern Nigeria where politics is usually played with vigour, passion, speed and drama, and where you find no dull moments.

In Kano, political activities pick up immediately after an election, and continue to flourish till the next election.

Among such major political developments are the defections cum realignments of three gladiators – leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who recently defected from the NNPP to the ADC, and another former Deputy Governor of the state,Dr.Nasiru Gawuna, who left the APC and moved to the ADC. These movements are described as the latest political tsunami sweeping across the ancient commercial state.

Most outstanding of such political events is the recent resignation of the Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, following an impeachment notice served on him by the State House of Assembly.

Comrade Gwarzo’s resignation instantly gave birth to a flurry of schemings, intrigues and jostling for the vacant position across the entire political spectrum.

Among the notables reportedly jostling for the number two position is Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the Ganduje administration, former Chairman of Kabo Local Government, and the running mate of the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections.

Others are Ismail Jibril Falgore, the incumbent Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and Salihu Sagir Takai, a former Commissioner in the then Ibrahim Shekarau administration.

Political analysts and many stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) believe that Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is the most qualified and suitable among the three contenders in view of his impeccable records both as a former Commissioner for Local Government, Local Government Chairman, as well as his grassroots political standing.

They also posit that Garo’s position as the running mate of the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections further gives him an edge over the other contenders, as his selection to fair in the joint ticket testified to his wide acceptance and his electoral value.

The analysts further submit that Hon. Garo as the next Deputy Governor of Kano State will add value to the APC administration in the state in view of his vast experience in politics and public service.

According to them, Garo will also bring to the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration and the APC a solid and well-oiled political structure that would boost their electoral fortunes in the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, sources close to the APC hierarchy have revealed that Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is the favoured candidate for the Deputy Governorship position, and that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may tip him to fill the vacant position.

According to multiple sources, Governor Yusuf may have chosen Garo for the post, “and God willing Garo will soon be the next Deputy Governor of Kano State”.

The sources said the choice of Garo is in the spirit of inclusiveness, consensus and political sagacity to move the state forward.