In a democracy, disagreement is normal—but distortion of facts and personal attacks under the guise of political commentary must not go unchallenged. I am compelled to respond to recent remarks made by Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso at his residence on Miller Road—not out of malice, but out of duty. My purpose is to correct misleading narratives, reaffirm our stance, and, most importantly, clarify whom we stand with.

Let this be clear: The decision by myself and other respected leaders—Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, Hon. Idrees Dankawu, Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu, Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, Hon. Badamasi Ayuba Dambatta, Hon. Nura Muhammad Dankadai, and Rt. Hon. Alassan Abubakar Kibiya—to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was neither hasty nor self-serving. It was a deliberate choice, rooted in the realities on the ground and our commitment to the people we represent.

We are not political ornaments who thrive on social media hype or cult followings. We are grassroots politicians who earned our mandates through years of community service, direct engagement, and trust. The support we received in Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, and across Kano South during the 2023 elections was not a gift from any individual. It was a vote of confidence in our personal track records—not blind allegiance to a political logo or a one-man brand.

Senator Kwankwaso’s description of our defection as “a political sin” is not only laughable but deeply ironic. This is a man who moved from the PDP to the APC in 2015, returned to the PDP in 2018, and later joined the NNPP in 2022. If political movement is a sin, then Kwankwaso himself has much to confess. The difference is that we moved for progress—not mere political survival.

What is truly disappointing, however, is the tone of his remarks—laced with veiled threats, dismissive language, and a refusal to acknowledge the shifting political tide in Kano. That is not leadership; it is political entitlement. The era of one man dictating the future of many is over.

Let us also recall: This same Senator Kwankwaso, while criticizing others for aligning with the APC, was seen just last year seeking political favors in France—not for the people of Kano, but for his own political survival. Actions speak louder than words, and the people are watching.

Since joining the APC, we have delivered projects to our constituencies, spanning critical sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure. These are tangible results—not empty slogans. We measure progress by what the people experience, not by the volume of rhetoric from a podium.

We urge our supporters to remain calm and focused. Politics must not be reduced to a battle of egos or blind loyalty to personalities. It must remain a vehicle for development, justice, and a better life for all.

We stand firmly with the people of Kano State. We stand for their future.

Signed
Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Air Force
Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency, Kano State
10th May 2025

By Abba Anwar

Amalgamated associations under the banner of Coalition of Kano Indigenes in North East, with Dr Adamu Ahmad, as a Convener, passed a vote of confidence and commit their appreciation to the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for responsive and responsible representation of his people.

In a Communique issued after their Maiduguri stakeholders meeting at the weekend, signed by Dr Ahmad, they revealed that, with the creation of North West Development Commission, among other developmental strides by the Senator, “With a unified voice, we state that Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin is doing well. As we are observing his efforts in the media. As some of us were in Kano for on the spot assessment. We have the numbers. We have the strategy. The time is now!

Adding that, “This strategic decision reflects our collective confidence in the leadership, vision, and integrity of Senator Barau Jibrin, whose unwavering dedication and practical developmental strides continue to inspire hope across the Northwest and beyond.”

The forum according to the Communique, “… comprises of professionals, elders, youth, women, traders, drivers, artisans, academics, students bodies and grassroots mobilizers. In light of the emerging political realities and the need for visionary leadership in Kano State.”

According to the Communique, the group is going round all the states that made up, North East, to have direct communication with their members, who cut across the entire region. As Maiduguri was the third state in the category they touched.

Their unflinching support for Barau movement, among other representatives holding positions in Abuja, “… is driven by his track record as manifested in his hard work, commitment to good governance, genuine stride and advocacy for the Northwest Development Commission, his brain child, launching impactful initiatives like the Barau Maliya Agriculture Development Programme and championing inclusive policies that uplift all social groups.”

They said they believe in a progressive Kano and a stronger North West under visionary leadership.

“We need very strong leader with a political will, to build a united, empowered, and politically conscious coalition of Kano indigenes that promotes inclusive governance, development, and sustainable progress through visionary leadership. We see all these qualities in Senator Barau,” they insisted.

Part of their mission on DSP, is to mobilize and galvanize support across all sections of Kano indigenes residing in the North East, for him.

Dr Ahmed further revealed that, via the Communique, that they have reached an advance stage, with some strategic plans in the pipeline that are aimed to foster political education and grassroots mobilization across communities. To also bridge the gap between leadership and the people by supporting responsive governance.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
10th May, 2025

By Abba Anwar

Singling the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON out, to his most revered and respectful position, within the circle of Kano North APC political juggernauts, what readily comes to mind is the role of the three most committed and strongest politicians among all the vibrant political parties. These are Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, H.E. Murtala Sule Garo and Hon Abubakar Kabir (Abba Bichi), member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives.

I coined the three mentioned personalities, to become Fateful Triangle. Whose working together means a lot in saving the face of APC in Kano. Kano North is, without any doubt, the stronghold of Kano APC. Believe it or not, Jibrin, Garo and Bichi, are the engine room of the party in both the Zone and Kano at large.

This piece intends not to display Ganduje’s capacity and capability in this row. Being the National Chairman and his influence in making the party more vibrant and stronger, in the national scheme of things, are enough for discussion. He is indeed a father for all.

Coming back to Kano North and the three most important personalities within the zone, one can say, without fear of mincing words, that, the survival of APC in Kano, is more or less, determined by the internal workings of these gentlemen. Among other factors.

Protocol wise, DSP Barau is in the forefront, being the Deputy Senate President. His immense contributions for both human and regional development, says a lot in his capacity as one of the strongest pillars of APC in Kano and beyond.

He introduced many projects across his constituency and the state at large. In the areas of education, agriculture and general development of the state and North West region.

Barau singlehandedly brought the idea of North West Development Commission, to the Senate plenary session. He sponsored the Bill, nurtured it, labored it with the help of his colleagues and gave birth to the Commission recently.

As he takes the lead in suffocating political opponents, DSP, believes in genuine empowerment and life overhauling strategy across all political divides in his zone and the state.

Garo’s influence does not stop at Kano North zone alone. It goes down to all parts of the state. Still not being appointed in any position, but his magnanimous link and generous touch to all and sundry across the state places him far above many so-called politicians within the APC and beyond. If not more relevant and useful than almost all those who got federal government appointments under the influence of Baba Ganduje.

This is a person who has the list and contacts of true party members and leaders from chapters to Wards to Local Governments up to state levels. Across all the chapters up to state, he has existing loyalists, who he can mention off hand.

When it comes to political strategy, Garo ba kanwar lasa ba ne – can’t be taken for granted – public knowledge. He can organize and he can disorganize. Being one of the leading young (young by age) politicians in Kano, he commands respect among Kano youth. Take it or leave it.

Garo’s presence alone scares political opponents. This is a leader who believes in genuine human development. That is why people are still asking questions as to why Garo has not been fixed. He is indeed a pillar in Kano APC! No doubt about this. Period!

For Hon Bichi, his constituency, Bichi federal constituency, regard him as their Chairman, as their member State Assembly, as their member House of Representatives, as their Governor and as their President. No matter what they want, Bichi provides it. Always on top of his people’s predicament and worries.

Projects everywhere in Bichi, employment in every family, without any exception in Bichi, scholarships opportunities, empowerment interventions, promotion of peaceful coexistence among all families, name them. Hon Bichi alone, even without campaign can deliver Bichi against all odds come 2027. In fact even Kwankwasiyya followers believe that Hon Bichi is their Kwankwaso, not Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Amazing!!!

The most interesting part of Bichi is his effort in aiding our Members of the National Assembly, from Kano, in getting, perfecting and appropriating their individual constituency projects. Without recourse to party differences. He does similar thing to Kano people holding positions in some federal government agencies. True patriotism.

Had it been in the past, we had 5 legislators like Bichi in Kano Central – MATSALAR KANO APC – the story could have been different by now. Without any fear of contradiction, Hon Bichi is more useful and more reliable than all our Kano Central Members of House of Representatives, who reigned between 2019 to 2023. Had it been they followed Bichi’s footsteps, with only 50 percent, the defeat and humiliation APC got in Kano Central wouldn’t be possible. Something similar for Kano South.

Only Kano North, is my focus in this write-up. The stronghold of Kano APC. The zone of few genuine pillars of the party, Jibrin, Garo and Bichi. I still believe that these gentlemen are flagship of the party. And without them coming together and working together, the party’s expected chances could still be in limbo.

Unlike other zones, Kano Central and Kano South, Kano North is pretty lucky to have less concentration of pretenders. This is just it! Part of the reasons why the party is doing well there during election periods.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
Monday, 5th May, 2027