By Abba Anwar

As some may smell it as vanity upon vanity, to the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, the recent endorsement pronouncement by some critical stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, in favour of the Senator, is at best, political alignment and realignment.

Though less than half of the former Chairmen of the 44 local governments, distanced themselves with the endorsement of Barau for Kano guber position, come 2027, by the former LGs bosses, the firm stay of about 30 of them around the DSP is regarded by many as Divine intervention for his political survival and emancipation from the clutches of political suffocation, hatred, chain and pain.

Whether the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction or in anti-clock wise, DSP’s political chemistry is taking all shenanigans back to drawing board. Is like the recent events are suffocating the already established system or culture. A culture that Senator Barau had never been part of its originators or scripters ab initio.

The naturalistic exhibition of some strange political behaviors around the Senator and his not very clear-to many- political strategy, jettison the familiar script to screen political calculation to open and non-gravity space. Which turns and makes the atmosphere to be fierce, crawling, thorny, awkward and embarrassingly confusing.

Apart from some information that I eavesdrop, the public outings of some APC stakeholders from Kano, who make DSP’s office a pilgrimage point, is already turning the atmosphere to move from analog to digital display of new born loyalty and reassurance. As 2027 election period is inching on high speed, new fences are created and some hitherto distanced fences started gluing for another round of marriage of convenience.

As Senator Barau is recently taking the show, more and more elements are racing to be identified with his political empire. Some openly, as encouraged by nation’s rules and regulations via freedom of choice and association, others chose to play ostrich.

Just like in the case of former Commissioners who served under the former Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, who paid an earlier solidarity visit to the Senator, only two or less, came out to dissociate themselves from what transpired during the visit. That is out of over twenty of them. As Barau’s relevance, strength, strategy and octopus-like penetration into so many serious minds and structures, are waxing stronger, the man still maintains his long-held humility in struggle and political behavior.

During those visits, faces of some legislators, serving and former, were sighted. At a point, in one of the solidarity visits, the presence of such legislators was acknowledged and applauded by the man of the match.

Pushing down or rather up, to party leadership, as Divinely guided and designed, the Deputy Senate President, freshly received the delegation of the Kano North Senatorial District Caucus of the APC, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Inuwa Dan Shayi Rimin Gado. Without any acrobatic expression, they were categorical that they paid him a solidarity visit to officially endorse him for Kano guber race, for 2027.

As they unarguably affirmed and reaffirmed their loyalty and unwavering support, they stepped further to announce that they decided to declare him as the sole gubernatorial candidate of APC for the 2027 general elections.

After acknowledging his serious interventions in the state, in many facets of human endeavor, they believe, he is a messiah, whose contributions to the development of the state, are unprecedented in the state political history. Applauding that, Kano’s political economy will be catapulted into modern day governance, when he gets elected come 2027.

The leader of the Caucus group said to the Senator, that, “You have performed well in terms of attracting developmental projects to our state and region. As such, you are the right person for Kano.”

In the absence of using the word contagious, let me use this expression, the solidarity visits by the former LGs Chairmen and Commissioners has a ripple-effect on how others are rushing to be identified with him. The leader of this Caucus group Dan Shayi, made a particular reference with those solidarity visits.

The way I observe recent scenarios is, another set of the party leadership have reached advanced stage in preparation for their solidarity visit to DSP Barau. Something similar with Ganduje during the reign of Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, when he was about to complete his second tenure in office. I can vividly remember, when the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano Branch, under the then ALGON Chairman, Murtala Sule Garo, pressurized Kwankwaso to fill Ganduje as the sole candidate for the gubernatorial seat. At last Kwankwaso was forced to succumb to pressure. ALGON’s pressure and other factors gave Ganduje the ticket in 2015.

Yes Kwankwaso and some other powerful hands, both visible and invisible, around him, did not have Ganduje as their choice, but as Allah destined, He, Allah, Said “Ganduje Be,” and he (Ganduje), became.

The same Allah is very much around with all His Supreme Attributes. I’m sure this understanding of Divine and human arithmetic is what is prompting many to come forward. It is true that Barau cannot get into the hearts of all APC people and all electorate in Kano, this fate is what will make such people floating in the ever-anticipated political ocean. Some may chose to build a castle in the air. The possibility of impossibility. As what Walter Rodney may call, “development of underdevelopment.”

I also made an attempt to x-ray another round of solidarity visit to the DSP by the leadership and members of the Tinubu/Barau Kano State Consolidated Forum, led by Hon. Lawal Musa Gwarzo.

The visit, the way I saw it, looks very natural. That the group decided to fall-in and follow suit. As the Senator has, in recent time, been very busy receiving support and solidarity from organised political and non-political clusters. In fact, some visits remain closed from public watch. Deciding that, those involved in such visits are only working round the clock to garner more support and loyalty for the Senator.

The Tinubu/Barau Forum has state spread, as acknowledged and appreciated by the DSP on his Facebook page, that, “During the visit, members of the group reaffirmed their total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my political aspirations. With massive grassroots structures spanning wards, local governments, and the state level, the forum’s membership comprises youths, elders, farmers, teachers, former chairmen, political appointees, and other key stakeholders.”

Some of the consistent remarks, to his visitors remain.”I commend the leadership of this movement for their dedication and consistency. In politics, relationships go beyond party lines—true loyalty, sincerity and shared vision are what truly matter.”

My one and only advice to the Deputy Senate President, is, Your Excellency Sir, humility at victory is one of the necessary prerequisites for great men. History is full of this reality.

Sir, remain humble, simple, responsible, remarkable, tolerant and expectorant.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 6th December, 2025

By Abba Anwar

Recent events concerning endorsement of the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, by the former Chairmen of local governments in Kano state, for the position of a governor, is not only attractive, the endorsement is a picture depicting what to come and what not to come.

Though some Chairmen came out immediately, to dissociate selves from the endorsement story, I still believe that, those who were with the DSP at the endorsement table, have every tight to make their own political choices. Yes political choice is a right ascribe to all citizens by laws, rules and regulations governing political behaviors of the citizenry.

Take it or leave it, such endorsements, including the one from the part of the former Commissioners, who served under the former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, were not in place by nature or accident. Yes some of the Commissioners came out to dismiss, the endorsement, as did by some former Chairmen.

The thing is, Barau, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Murtala Sule Garo, among others, have every right to contest for any position, come 2027 political rainy season. Even those who may have interest and waiting for the time and situation, to become deciding factors (raba gardama), they too, have an equal right to contest alongside Barau, Gawuna and Garo.

The debate about will it be Barau or Gawuna or Garo or any other person, is dependent upon examined chances, opportunities and rightful political behavior of the major actors. While a SWOT analysis can provide clearer platform for good assessment, individual belief in the real project, can also strengthen the entire process.

By SWOT analysis I mean, both the leadership and followership within the realm of All Progressives Congress (APC) and other non-APC people, including mere voters, those who only appear to cast vote during elections, but do not belong to any political party, demand to gauge and weigh individual preference concerning Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), then the real picture of who is likely to win or lose and election will emerge.

For example, one cannot still take away credits like attachment to grassroot, link with all segments of the party, deeply entrenched state visibility, frankness in all matters, display of clear direction to all people he relates with, real and genuine Tawakkul (giving everything to Allah), kalamu waheed (keeping his words), if you like and remembering his people under sun under rain, from Garo.

For Barau, you cannot take away from him qualities like, deep knowledge of national politics, more knowledgeable about worldview, carrying many things on his head, to the point that many see him as an always – busy-leader, who quickly forgets those around him, because he plans for their better tomorrow, very productive representative whose primary constituency is always in his chest and an a dear leader with an infrastructural-mind. You see structures everywhere courtesy him.

As for Gawuna, my reader and I, cannot take away from him qualities like, very charismatic, gorgeous, whose political gorgeousness takes him closer to people, particularly urban dwellers, receptive and accomodative appearance, from the first look at him, smily face, signifying open mind and simple.

My assessment of these gentlemen is how people see them. While I will not say a word on their shortcomings, because some could be subjective positions from people’s view, mine is just to give advice to the party, both leaders and followers and the endorsement process.

Lest I forget, left to me, Barau will be more productive when fixed in higher position there. Is just a matter of lobbying. If at all, we have good lobbyists from Kano, now. Any position above his current position. Or similar, with more impact. Mention any position that comes to your mind. This is my understanding of his self development. But one shouldn’t be shielded from his political choice. Yes agreed, he can be fix in all positions.

From the look of things, Gawuna – Garo ticket may not hold millions of litters of water. Hence, not a switchover of the duo’s ticket, but a provision of level playing ground, where each one of them has equal right and opportunity to contest for the gubernatorial seat. Whoever emerges at the intra – party election, can get the full support of the other. This, to me, is doable. Still Gawuna and Garo should have access and right to their freewill.

At the same time, those who appear to be cowards, politically, like Inuwa Waya, should be re-invited to rejoin the party and the race. At least for the life saving intervention of their political survival and strategy. Even if Waya is patiently waiting for any opportunity for returning match against those who alleged to have deceived him in the past, I think he should be patient enough to slug it out from within. He alone, for his political survival, is entitled to his democratic choice.

Kano’s gubernatorial race come 2027, may not witness anything close to an upcoming of a dark horse or dark horses in the race. Unless if a dark horse is abruptly coming from the other side of the table. I may be right or wrong. I also stand to be corrected.

For all aspirants, kindly remind yourselves the simple, bitter and indisputable truth that, resources alone are not always determining factor for political victory. What depicts this polical historicity are the cases of the period of the first civilian governor of old Kano state, Muhammad Abubakar Rimi. Followed by Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s period.

Though during Rimi one could argue that, there was refined political ideology, as a driving force for democratic culture, democracy and political behavior for all the then political parties. But during Shakarau, political ideology was utterly absent compared to Rimi’s time. But there was a movement, called Guguwar Buhari or at best Buhariyya movement. In all the two scenarios nowhere, resources alone gave victory.

Politics goes with time, happenings, breaking situations, political development, existing structures, level of engagement and genuine realities at play. So 2027 will definitely not come with fresh polical ideology and Guguwar Buhari. But, and but, there could be a more fresher development that can take the centrestage.

Endorsement, endorsement and endorsement. I have no problem with any form of endorsement. But proponents of endorsement should be wise enough to play their cards in a way that they will not be swindled. I mean endorsement to any individual must be vigilant, strategic and cautious.

Come to think of these scenarios. Barau- Baffa Dan Agundi ticket, Garo-Zaura ticket, Gawuna-Garo ticket. A food for thought to all.

While Kano is bigger than imposition of candidates, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a new entrant into political struggle and fight for sustainable democracy, if Kano APC will not and is not ready to work together, it is very simple for Tinubu to uproot them from the stage and replace them with any choice he deems fit.

My take. Where Garo can make a no-nonsense Governor, where discipline reigns, Gawuna can make a modern Governor, where charisma reigns and Barau can make a clever Governor whose attachment to all can be not strong and temporary, with sound knowledge of national politics.

Anwar writes from Kano
Thursday, 4th December, 2027

By Aminu Dahiru

Ever since the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost the 2023 governorship election in Kano State, a highly contested race, which ended in the court, I have been expecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a space within his cabinet or somewhere else to accommodate the APC deputy governorship candidate of the party in the state in the 2023 election in Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo.

My readers may ask why I am bringing up the issue of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo now and of what significance is this call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political future.

I have observed and analyzed the president’s political journey, what some call the political sagacity of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and have come to the conclusion that Tinubu takes grassroots mobilization or movements and their movers seriously. This is one reason which makes the president a political wizard of our time. And by every standard, Murtala Sule Garo is out to add a touch of vitality to the “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which has its roots so deep in service to Nigeria.

Being the most populous state and potentially the biggest democracy in Nigeria, Kano remains a strong voting bloc capable of shaping elections. Therefore, identifying and drawing near those who can detect Kano’s political pulse should be one of the president’s prime concerns.

The political enigma, the youth triumphantly call “Commander”, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is a formidable political figure in Kano State and beyond. He commands hundreds of youth organizations.

For years, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo has been in the possession of the string; he moves youth movements in the state at one go. However, this is not for nothing. Garo labored for it and conquered the hearts of youths. Youth and women empowerment, job creation, and commitment to social development top agendas in Alhaji Murtala Sule’s political dictionary.

Thick Political Muscles …

Arguably, aside from the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is the most prominent and active political figure in the APC in Kano State. The teaming youth and women he commands are evidence of this. From Garo in Kabo Local Government to Gabasawa LG, Dambata to Gaya LG, Commander’s political structure runs across the forty-four local government areas of Kano state; and this political motorcade slews through villages, towns and cities. Youths flow in on a daily basis.

For example, the one-million-man campaign march for Tinubu Ganduje led in Kano State prior to the 2023 presidential election, along with many more political mobilizations, owes its success to Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo’s effective mobilization skills. The commander is to Ganduje what “Man Friday” to Robinson Crusoe. Trust, loyalty and capacity bind the two political leaders.

Garo is Green…

The Tinubu administration needs to pay more attention to and invest more on nurturing youth – youth inclusion. Undoubtedly, the government has appointed youths into key positions. As President Tinubu envisaged it, still youth inclusion is the future of politics in Nigeria and Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo symbolizes healing, health, youth and political fertility. He is someone to whom hundreds of thousands of youths look up to.

A source of delight to Kano APC members…

In government and out of government this political figure has given a political lifeline to APC members in Kano State. For example, during Ramadan and Sallah festivities, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo donated millions of naira to families, party elders and the APC social media team members. He has clung to this habit of fertilizing the party ever since.

It was to calm the nerves of the Commander’s teeming supporters that Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on a podium, told the APC supporters in the state that Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo’s appointment is underway. This did not only put a smile on the faces of the audience, but also rekindled hope.

Youth have been yearning to see loyal party members and capacitated political leaders like Commander appointed into key positions; to them this, equates life and/or an ever-lasting commitment to their well-being.

Garo and Detractors
There are strong allegations that some individuals in key positions are working tirelessly to block Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo from receiving a federal government appointment. They fear that Commander’s rising popularity is eclipsing their perceived failure. But this approach is shortsighted and dangerous.

The APC in Kano state urgently needs Garo’s expertise and widespread appeal to unseat the ruling NNPP in 2027.

To date, despite his being out of government for a while, Garo is the most acceptable APC member in Kano state, owing to his generosity.

Kano 2023 governorship election

Despite the apparent challenges which hindered the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano from retaining the governorship seat, the party’s candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, still managed to secure 890,705 votes, representing approximately 45.03% of the total votes, as against Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who polled 019,602, approximately 51.55%.

Traditionally the people of Kano state tend to grow disenchanted with any government or a political party after every eight years, often opting for change But Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo’s exceptional organisational capacity to mobilization skills played a crucial role in preventing the party from suffering a complete loss.

There were perceptions that the Buhari-led Federal Government was determined to politically humiliate former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thereby complicating the APC position in the state. We all know what happened in court.

Garo and Kano by-elections

Renowned politicians and political pundits have pointed out that the APC’s loss in Bagwai/Shanono state assembly by election and as well as its narrow escape from defeat in Ghari/Tsanyawa state assembly by-election can largely be attributed to the sidelining of Commander. The margin of 10,851 votes in Bagwai/Shanono was a clear sign of the party’s weakened grassroots presence. In Ghari/Tsanyawa it was alleged that over voting saved the APC from loss.

Many believe that the absence of a trusted grassroots mobilizer like Commander significantly impacted the APC’s performance in the elections. His deep connection with voters would have made a big difference and possibly led the party to victory.

Despite these encumbrances, based on the foregoing, I respectfully urge someone within the corridors of power to convey this crucial message to President Tinubu. The prolonged delay in the appointment of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo should amicably and decisively be addressed.

Commander is a political asset akin to tonnes of fertilizer that has kept political fields in Kano State fertile and vibrant.

Your Excellency, granting a political appointment to this widely respected political figure will be a significant boost to the APC’s chances of reclaiming in 2027.

Aminu Dahiru wrote from Gwale, Kano