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Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria: A Journey of Progress and Challenges

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3 years ago

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Auwal Yunusa

Introduction:

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a country that has experienced both the trials of military dictatorship and the triumphs of democracy. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has undergone a significant transformation in its political landscape, marked by transitions between military rule and civilian governance. Today, democracy stands as a cornerstone of Nigerian society, empowering its citizens and promising a brighter future. However, the nation’s democratic journey has not been without obstacles and challenges.

The Struggle for Democracy:

For many years, Nigeria grappled with military coups, oppressive regimes, and the stifling of civil liberties. The Nigerian people yearned for freedom, equal representation, and the opportunity to shape their own destiny. The turning point came in 1999 when Nigeria made a historic transition from military rule to democracy. This marked a crucial milestone as Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated as the country’s first civilian president in over 15 years. The birth of the Fourth Republic signified a new era of hope, accountability, and democratic governance.

Progress and Achievements:

Since the advent of democracy, Nigeria has made commendable progress in various aspects of governance. Key achievements include the consolidation of democratic institutions, the promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms, and the fostering of a vibrant civil society. The country has witnessed successful presidential and parliamentary elections, showcasing a growing culture of electoral transparency and participation. Furthermore, Nigeria has seen a vibrant media landscape that enables citizens to express their opinions freely and hold those in power accountable.

Challenges and Room for Improvement:

While Nigeria has made significant strides in its democratic journey, there are pressing challenges that must be addressed to ensure a stronger and more inclusive democracy. Corruption remains a persistent issue, impeding progress and eroding public trust. Economic inequality, ethno-religious tensions, and security threats also pose significant challenges to the country’s democratic fabric. Additionally, the need for electoral reforms, the promotion of gender equality, and the enhancement of youth participation in governance are areas that demand attention.

Promoting Democratic Values:

To strengthen democracy in Nigeria, it is imperative to focus on a few key areas. First and foremost, the government must prioritize good governance, transparency, and accountability at all levels. Political leaders must lead by example and ensure that institutions are strengthened to effectively combat corruption and promote the rule of law. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages the active participation of citizens, especially marginalized groups, will lead to more representative decision-making processes.

Education and civic engagement play pivotal roles in shaping the future of democracy in Nigeria. By investing in quality education and civic programs, the government can empower citizens with knowledge of their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms of democratic participation. Embracing technology and leveraging social media platforms can also foster greater citizen engagement and participation in governance.
Democracy in Nigeria has come a long way since the dark days of military rule. It has provided a platform for the Nigerian people to express their voices, choose their leaders, and participate in the decision-making processes that shape their lives. While challenges persist, the Nigerian government and its citizens must work together to build on the progress achieved, address the existing shortcomings, and strengthen democratic institutions.

Democracy is a continuous journey, one that requires the commitment and active participation of all stakeholders. By nurturing a culture of transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law, Nigeria can build a stronger and more resilient democracy that serves the aspirations and needs of its diverse population. The challenges may be formidable, but with determination, Nigeria can move closer to its vision of a prosperous, united, and democratic nation.
Civic society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in promoting and strengthening democracy in Nigeria. On Democracy Day, these organizations can undertake several meaningful activities to engage citizens, raise awareness, and advocate for democratic values. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Civic Education Workshops: Organize workshops and seminars aimed at educating citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of democratic participation. These sessions can cover topics such as voter education, the electoral process, human rights, and the role of citizens in holding elected officials accountable.

2. Voter Registration Drives: Conduct voter registration drives to ensure that eligible citizens are registered to vote. This activity is particularly important in reaching out to marginalized communities and encouraging their active participation in the democratic process.

3. Advocacy Campaigns: Launch advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about critical democratic issues and advocate for reforms. These campaigns can focus on topics such as electoral reforms, anti-corruption measures, gender equality, youth inclusion, and the protection of civil liberties.

4. Public Discussions and Debates: Organize public discussions and debates on democracy-related topics, inviting experts, policymakers, and citizens to participate. These platforms provide an opportunity for informed dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the exploration of solutions to challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy.

5. Community Outreach Programs: Engage with local communities through outreach programs that aim to educate and empower citizens. This can involve grassroots activities such as town hall meetings, community dialogues, and door-to-door campaigns to encourage active civic participation and discuss community-specific concerns.

6. Media Engagement: Utilize various media platforms to disseminate information, promote democratic values, and amplify the voices of citizens. This can include publishing articles, organizing radio or television talk shows, and leveraging social media campaigns to reach a broader audience.

7. Monitoring and Observation: Deploy trained volunteers to monitor elections and observe the electoral process to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. This helps to promote free and fair elections and contributes to building public trust in the democratic system.

8. Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborate with other civic society organizations, NGOs, and government institutions to maximize impact and leverage collective resources. By working together, these organizations can share knowledge, pool expertise, and strengthen their advocacy efforts.

9. Celebratory Events: Organize events and activities that celebrate Democracy Day, highlighting the achievements and milestones of Nigeria’s democratic journey. These events can include cultural performances, exhibitions, art displays, and public gatherings that foster a sense of unity, pride, and civic engagement.

10. Policy Recommendations: Conduct research and develop policy recommendations on democratic reforms that address the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. Advocate for these recommendations to be considered and implemented by relevant authorities, ensuring that they reflect the aspirations and concerns of Nigerian citize
However Citizens of Nigeria have a vital role to play in strengthening democracy. Here are some ways in which they can actively contribute:

1. Exercise the Right to Vote: Participate in elections by registering to vote and casting their ballots. Voting is a fundamental democratic right and a powerful way for citizens to express their preferences and shape the future of their country.

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2. Engage in Civic Education: Take the initiative to educate themselves about democratic processes, institutions, and issues. This includes understanding the electoral system, political parties, and the responsibilities of elected officials. By staying informed, citizens can make more informed choices and actively participate in the democratic process.

3. Hold Elected Officials Accountable: Citizens should monitor the performance of elected officials and hold them accountable for their actions or lack thereof. This can be done through constructive criticism, public feedback, and active engagement with elected representatives. By demanding transparency, responsiveness, and good governance, citizens can help ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

4. Join Civil Society Organizations and NGOs: Citizens can become active members of civil society organizations and NGOs that work towards promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance. By actively participating in these organizations, citizens can contribute their skills, knowledge, and energy towards advocating for positive change.

5. Promote Peaceful Dialogue and Debate: Engage in constructive discussions and debates on democratic issues with fellow citizens, neighbors, and community members. Encourage respectful dialogue, listen to diverse perspectives, and seek common ground to address challenges and find solutions together.

6. Report Corruption and Electoral Malpractices: Citizens should report any instances of corruption or electoral malpractices they witness to the appropriate authorities or anti-corruption agencies. By taking a stand against corruption and promoting electoral integrity, citizens can help build a more transparent and accountable democratic system.

7. Engage in Community Development: Active participation in community development projects and initiatives can contribute to the overall well-being of society. Citizens can collaborate with others to address local issues, promote social cohesion, and foster inclusive development.

8. Respect for Rule of Law: Uphold the principles of the rule of law and respect for institutions. Citizens should abide by laws, regulations, and court decisions, as well as support the independence of the judiciary. This promotes stability, fairness, and justice within the democratic framework.

9. Encourage Youth Involvement: Recognize the importance of youth participation in democracy and encourage young people to engage actively in political processes. Support initiatives that promote youth leadership, political education, and the inclusion of young voices in decision-making.

10. Peaceful Protests and Advocacy: Exercise the right to peaceful protest and advocacy to raise awareness about issues of concern and advocate for positive change. Citizens can come together to organize peaceful demonstrations, campaigns, or public awareness events that highlight democratic values and call for reforms.
Government officials, both elected and appointed, have a crucial role to play in upholding and promoting democracy. Here are some ways in which they can contribute to strengthening democracy in Nigeria:

1. Commitment to Good Governance: Government officials should prioritize good governance, transparency, and accountability in their roles. They should lead by example and demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to serving the best interests of the Nigerian people.

2. Uphold the Rule of Law: Officials should respect and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally and that justice is administered fairly. They should work towards strengthening the independence and efficiency of the judiciary and supporting reforms that enhance access to justice for all Nigerians.

3. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Government officials should embrace and promote inclusivity, recognizing and respecting the diversity of the Nigerian population. They should ensure that all citizens, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background, have equal opportunities to participate in the democratic process and benefit from government policies and programs.

4. Foster Civic Participation: Officials should create an enabling environment for civic participation and engage with citizens regularly. This includes organizing town hall meetings, public consultations, and platforms for dialogue to gather feedback, listen to concerns, and address the needs and aspirations of the people they serve.

5. Ensure Free and Fair Elections: Elected officials, particularly those in charge of electoral processes, should ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent. They should support electoral reforms, strengthen electoral institutions, and create a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. This includes safeguarding voter rights, preventing voter suppression, and addressing any electoral malpractices promptly and impartially.

6. Fight Corruption: Government officials should actively combat corruption at all levels. They should implement effective anti-corruption measures, strengthen anti-corruption agencies, and promote transparency and accountability in public administration. By leading by example and fostering a culture of integrity, officials can help restore public trust and confidence in government institutions.

7. Empower Civil Society Organizations: Government officials should recognize and support the vital role played by civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs in promoting democracy. They should create an enabling environment for these organizations to operate freely, collaborate with them on key issues, and consider their input in policy-making processes.

8. Enhance Service Delivery: Officials should strive to improve service delivery and ensure that government programs and policies effectively meet the needs of the people. This includes prioritizing essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. Regular assessment and evaluation of government initiatives can help identify areas for improvement and ensure efficient resource allocation.

9. Continuous Learning and Capacity Building: Government officials should invest in their own personal and professional development. They should seek opportunities for continuous learning, stay updated on democratic principles and best practices, and enhance their skills to better serve the Nigerian people.

10. Collaboration and Dialogue: Officials should foster collaboration and dialogue with all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society, and other branches of government. By promoting a spirit of cooperation and inclusivity, officials can work together towards shared goals and address challenges more effectively.

In conclusion, the strength and vitality of democracy in Nigeria depend on the collective efforts of various stakeholders. Civic society organizations, non-governmental organizations, citizens, and government officials all have essential roles to play in promoting and strengthening democracy.

Civic society organizations and NGOs are instrumental in raising awareness, advocating for democratic values, and holding those in power accountable. Their activities, ranging from civic education and voter registration drives to advocacy campaigns and community outreach, empower citizens and foster an engaged and informed citizenry.

Citizens themselves are the heart of democracy. By exercising their right to vote, engaging in civic education, holding elected officials accountable, and actively participating in community development, citizens can shape the democratic landscape and ensure their voices are heard.

Government officials, whether elected or appointed, bear the responsibility of upholding democratic principles and serving the best interests of the people. By prioritizing good governance, upholding the rule of law, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and fostering civic participation, government officials can build a more transparent, accountable, and responsive democratic system.

In the collective efforts of these various stakeholders lies the true strength of Nigerian democracy. By working together, they can address challenges such as corruption, electoral malpractices, economic inequality, and social tensions. Through collaboration, dialogue, and a commitment to democratic values, Nigeria can continue its journey towards a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous democratic nation.

Democracy is not a static concept but a continuous process of growth, adaptation, and improvement. It requires the sustained engagement and commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that democratic ideals are upheld, institutions are strengthened, and the voices of all Nigerians are heard and valued.

As Nigeria moves forward, let us remember that the success of democracy rests in our collective hands. By embracing our roles as active citizens, supportive institutions, and responsible leaders, we can contribute to the building of a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous democratic Nigeria. Together, we can create a nation where democratic values thrive, freedoms are protected, and every citizen has the opportunity to participate and prosper.

Auwal Yunusa
Technical officer
celohaNigeria

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Kano Deputy Governorship, My Reiterated Position : My Challenge Against Riffraff

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5 days ago

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April 17, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

It very clear to my readers, that I kept quite at the initial stage of the heated debate hovering around our political development in Kano. When Deputy Governor His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, resigned from his position few days back.

I kept quite not because I had nothing to contribute to the debate. I was only observing genuine and fake commentators. Those who talk directly from their clean hearts. And those who say one thing before point A and change tone under the same issue before point B.

Before reiterating my position, which was already in the public domain, “Why Hues, Cries Against Garo,” authored April 5th, 2026, let me say this, with all sincerity of purpose, while referring my readers back to what I wrote before now. All the write-ups are still available and can be searched.

What is that I want to say? I am an ardent advocate for unity and cooperation among leaders and followers of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state. On this particular issue of unity, I am more concerned with Kano than Nigeria as a whole.

Secondly I don’t hide my political feelings all along. My defence are my write-ups. For the simple reason that, I write frequently for His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, CFR, that doesn’t mean I cannot write something and praise His Excellency, Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, under APC, in 2023 election, Murtala Sule Garo.

It is double standard if I cannot tell Barau how I respect Garo. And vice versa. Nowhere in the past, when I support any form of divisions among our political leaders. I always called for unity, internal cohesion and coming together for a united front and purpose.

Yes I write more and more for Barau than Garo, but that does not mean I cannot express my political feelings or reasoning, that may not likely be palatable for Barau.

On 5th October, 2024, please go and search, I wrote “Barau’s Political Gamble : Ignoring His Supporters for Kwankwasiyya and NNPP Defectors.” In it I said, “Senator Barau, despite his admirable record of representation and infrastructure projects, seems distracted by these unnecessary political maneuvers. The time spent wooing disloyal members of rival parties would be better utilized in strengthening his political base. He should focus on empowering those who have supported him from the start, especially the youth and grassroots leaders who have been instrumental in his rise.”

As I said the above for Barau, I said this for Garo, in my write – up captioned, “Garo’s Bitter Truth and Kano’s Development,” dated January 5th, 2025, “For the first time, yes first time, in this republic, I mean since the restoration of our democracy from 1999 to date, I came across a prominent politician in Kano, blaming our leading politicians in the state, particularly past governors, over non-challant attitudes towards teaming up for the sake of state development.”

Not only Garo, with all my good write – ups for Barau, I still found it desirable to wrote something and commend Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi, member representing Bichi federal constituency, at the House of Representatives. Bichi too, is seen by many as a die-hard political opponent for Barau. Go and search my piece titled, “Fateful Triangle : Kano APC’s Stronghold, Kano North,” dated 5th May, 2025.

I don’t hide my political leaning to anybody. Let people know that, with all modesty, I am just above collecting resources from so so person and write bad thing against another person in this race for Deputy Governorship in Kano. I cannot collect any inducement from opponents to write bad about Hon Kabiru Alasan Rurum, or Hon Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi or HE Garo or Right Honourable Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon Falgore.

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I cannot do that. And at the same time, I cannot write any bad thing and give to other opponents to write someone’s name. I don’t do that! Man, I am above that! When I believe in something, I dont hide.

LET ME PUT MY CHALLENGE FORWARD, WHOEVER KNOWS THAT SO SO PERSON GAVE ME SOMETHING AND I WROTE A SINGLE LINE EVEN, OR A PARAGRAPH, OR A COMPLETE ARTICLE AND GAVE IT TO ANOTHER PERSON’S OPPONENT TO PUT A PEN NAME, NOT MY NAME, AND USE IT AGAINST SOMEONE, WHOEVER KNOWS THIS AND KEEPS QUITE MAY ALLAH CURSE HIS LIFE COMPLETELY. LET HIM COME FORWARD WITH HIS EVIDENCE PLEASE AND MAKE IT PUBLIC. AND IF I DID THAT AND NOW SAID I DIDN’T DO, MAY ALLAH, OUR CREATOR, CURSE MY LIFE COMPLETELY TOO!!! AND WHOEVER GAVE ME A PENNY TO DO THAT AND KEEPS QUITE, MAY ALLAH CURSE HIM TOO!!!

Whenever I write something, I own it, no matter what. Let me give an example here, yes I worked under His Excellency, former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, as his Chief Press Secretary, for six good years, but few months back during Tsanyawa /Kunchi and Bagwai/Shanono by-elections, after the declaration of the results by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), what I saw was nothing to write home about. Not impressive at all.

I immediately picked my pen and wrote an article, captioned, “Kano By-election : The Beginning of an End Era,” dated 17th August, 2025, in it, I called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that he should review his political appointees who came from there, Kano North and immediately remove those who cannot perform as his good Ambassadors. I gave an example with the son of my boss, Engineer Abba Ganduje. I didn’t use any other name. I wrote it, I owned it and it was published and widely circulated. Please go and check.

The piece partly says, “To Allah Who Created me from nothing, if sadism, treachery and unnecessary political confrontation continue to take lead in our political relationship, especially among our leaders, APC is going nowhere in Kano. Even if it is leading Africa not Nigeria. Kano is known for its radical political engagement. I suggest President Tinubu should, I can’t say must – being a President – hastily look inward in Kano’s appointments and make necessary modifications.

For example, looking at the Kano North, where APC lost in this by-election, what is the use and relevance of appointments like that of Eng Umar Abdullahi Umar (Abba Ganduje) among other irrelevant appointments? What is the wisdom behind dropping people like Murtala Garo from the zone? What is the wisdom behind the unnecessary face-off between our elected people from the zone? What for?!”

When I wrote another article, where I blamed APC leadership in Kano for distraction and destruction, who gave me penny? And whose name was there as the author? The piece is titled, “Kano APC in Discombobulation : As Ploys Against DSP Barau Thickens,” dated December 15th, 2025. So I am beyond that, with all sense of modesty.

My position for Deputy Governorship, as I said very clearly in my recent write-up, captioned, “Why Hues, Cries Against Garo,” dated April, 5th, 2026, is Garo. I spoke out my reasons for his choice. My reader can kindly go and search.

In it I said, “And the way I see it, Garo is not desperate about it. He isn’t so desperate to become a Deputy Governor. My view, I stand to be corrected. As it is now, former Governors and former Deputy Governors, are still benefiting from him, from many standpoints.

Garo, unlike former Deputy Governor and Gubernatorial candidate under the platform of APC in 2023 election, His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who after he lost 2023 election was appointed, Chairman Governing Board, Bayero University, Kano and Chairman Board of Directors of Mortgage Bank, exited from APC recently to African Democratic Congress (ADC), in search of more political breathing space, Garo remains in the party without any appointment, whatsoever.

All along, nowhere was it reported that Garo was castigating the party at either state or national level. Now a vacancy arises, and the space is naturally available without any effort from anybody. Who then is in the best position to be compensated? If not Garo, who?”

When the write – up was published, Barau didn’t rise an eyebrow about it. In fact I sent him the links of all the online platforms that published the piece. The same way as, whenever I wrote something about Barau, Garo was one of the first people I send my write-ups to. Even for once, Garo never complained about it. And he didn’t change mood when we meet. I still believe misunderstanding between Barau and Garo or between Barau and Abban Bichi or between Garo and former State Party Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, or between any other leader or their followers, is not necessary please. All the leaders need each other. They believe it or not.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday 17th April, 2026

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A Glimpse into the Politics of Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, Marafan Sokoto

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5 days ago

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April 17, 2026

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By Ahmad Musa Jega

 

In his political history, he stands out as one of the prominent politicians from Northwestern Nigeria who has never changed his political party. No matter the challenges or hardships, he has never betrayed his party through conspiracies or divisions.

Everyone knows the difficulties and challenges he endured between 2019 and 2022. There is hardly any political challenge in the world that Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) has not faced. One could even say that only his life was spared, yet despite all this, he never abandoned his party, the APC.

– ANPP Zamfara State Secretary, 2003–2004
– ANPP Zamfara State Chairman, 2004–2006
– Member, House of Representatives (Anka–Talata Mafara Federal Constituency), 2007–2011
– ANPP Acting National Treasurer
– Governor of Zamfara State, 2011–2019
– Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, 2014–2019
– Distinguished Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, 2023–present

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Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto) is the only politician in the Northwest who has kept politics within its boundaries, friendships within their boundaries, and has never allowed party differences to affect his friendships.

Examples:
1. Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), his mentor and a leader in Northern politics.
2. Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, his friend and confidant, despite the political weight of Sokoto State, he has never allowed politics to break their bond.

Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto), no matter how great his political ambitions, never allows them to cause anyone to lose their position or status just to satisfy his own needs.

Examples:
1. In 2023, when he and Minister Hon. (Dr.) Bello Muhammad Matawalle were in APC, there was a proposal to dissolve the Zamfara State Executive Council and redistribute positions. He opposed it, insisting everyone should keep their seats until after the 2023 elections.
2. In 2023, there was a proposal to restructure APC leadership in Zamfara State. He refused, saying everyone should retain their positions, while he and Minister Matawalle would maintain their own structures.
3. In 2023, during the sharing of political candidacies in his constituency (Talata Mafara 1), even though he had more qualified candidates, he allowed Hon. Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko (aligned with Minister Matawalle) to retain his seat. After winning, Basko defected to PDP, yet Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto) did not retaliate.

Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto), if he knows you through a friend or close associate, but later you return without that connection, he will not deal with you until you reconnect through the same channel.

In conclusion, in Nigerian politics, Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) does not betray, does not slander, does not conspire against anyone, and does not sow division.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to continue guiding (Marafan Sokoto) on the right path, grant him health, wealth, and honor, and bless Zamfara State and the entire Northern Nigeria with peace, for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

 

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Tarauni 2027 : How Hon Hafizu Kawu Stabilizes Political Competition

Published

7 days ago

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April 16, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

While some cowards, political appointees in federal government’s positions, refused to resign from their offices, in anticipation of their political careers against 2027 general elections, former member of the House of Representatives, from Tarauni federal constituency, Hon Hafizu Kawu (OON), (mni), did not resign for two or three fundamental reasons. He has never been a coward before now.

First and foremost, he refused to resign, because, his resignation would hit hard at Kano state. In his current position, he is representing North-West geopolitical zone. National Commissioner (Technical), at National Pension Commission (PENCOM). So when he resigns, Kano state would definitely be at the receiving end. Because there is no assurance that the position would be maintained in Kano. His love for his state supercedes other personal interests.

After his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, effective August 7, 2025, confirmation by the Senate and inauguration as part of the PENCOM Board, by the Secretary to the Federal Government, he promised to work tirelessly, to advance PENCOM’s objectives, strengthen pension administration, and safeguard the welfare of retirees across Nigeria.

As the position of Kawu was seen by many as portrayal of a good Ambassador from Kano, it is also understood as part of President Tinubu’s strategy to reposition key federal agencies for improved efficiency, making youth at the centrestage. With the confidence reposed in Kawu by Tinubu, his presence there, at the Commission, is highly needed and desirable. Not only by Kano people, but by all North-West people. Across our seven states.

No strange to federal positions and appointments, Kawu was Member, House of Representatives for Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano (2019–2023), on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). He served as Special Assistant to former Vice President, Prof, Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, (2015–2019). For national recognition and honour, he is the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), conferred in 2022. Kawu is Member, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (mni), Kuru, Near Jos. A university graduate, with many certifications.

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The second reason why he didn’t resign is, yes he has all it takes to contest for the position, but his special interest in the party unity, genuine membership cohesion and leadership honest consolidation, partly inform his decision not to contest. As some may argue that, his popularity, grip to the grassroot and political strength, are placed above other aspirants. With all the qualities, with all his pedigree and with the development he brought to his constituency, when he was a member, he quietly removed himself from the potential contestants.

Honourable Kawu’s strength and influence among the electorate, make him a focused political icon and juggernaut in Tarauni. As people look up to him, seeking for political direction come 2027. Though he is not contesting, he still has the power to do and undo in his primary constituency, at least. Or rather at best.

Apart from the incumbent member, the major contender for this position, is Hon Aminu Bala Ja’oji. Who recently resigned as Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Citizenship and Leadership. While he too, is another political king in his own right, his major obstacle is, the refusal of some notable politicians from Tarauni to support his ambition.

I was able to eavesdrop that, Ja’oji’s major political opponents are ganging up against him. As there was insinuation, which is yet to be ascertain that, he would get an automatic ticket. Automatic ticket could be possible and accepted in some federal constituencies in Kano, but in Tarauni, it could be vanity upon vanity.

With the undisputed influence and strength of Kawu in Tarauni politics, a possibility of dark horse is not penciled down. I learned that, some have started coming up with new strategies, new possibilities, new engagements, new interested minds and new normal. Whether true or false, Kawu may not support the candidature of Ja’oji.

Regardless of the arrangement, Kawu’s non-participation in the process as a contestant, will prove further, to all, who between him, Ja’oji and the incumbent [I don’t know if he is in APC or not] commands more respect from the party leadership and followership. If Tarauni is having parallel leadership structures, then the tug-of-war will be more interesting to watch from a distance.

For healthier, clearer and more interesting political competition, for the 2027 Tarauni election, some may suggest that Kawu should not aid Ja’oji get the ticket. And Ja’oji shouldn’t aid Kawu’s preferred aspirant, to get the ticket, during the nomination process. But when any of them gets it, then political alignment and realignment is quite normal and proper. The choice is theirs!

While in some federal constituencies, automatic ticket means peace, harmony, genuine consensus and sign of victory, in Tarauni federal constituency, automatic ticket means disaster, danger and self-defeat. Examples of where automatic ticket means peace, harmony and strategy, are Dala, Tudunwada/Doguwa, Bichi, Municipal, federal constituencies among others.

This piece is not interested in discussing Senatorial of Gubernatorial positions. Or State House of Assembly positions. The context is limited only to federal constituencies; House of Representatives.

Anwar writes from Kano
Thursday, 16th April, 2026

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