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

As a concerned member and citizen of Yobe state, I owe it a duty upon myself to make this submission. We have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in the state in terms of leadership and as such we have every reason to thank God. No doubt 2027 is an opportunity for us to search and compel people with Yobe interest at heart, people whose main concern is the plight of the common citizen of Yobe state, people who are willing to make several sacrifices in ensuring Yobe state flourished as a state.

I know, I have no right to compel or impose a candidate on the people of Yobe state, but I believe I have the right to suggest and support any candidate whose intent and track records have shown that he is for the development of Yobe state. I belong to a progressive youth’s group in Yobe state and recently, I have been hearing a lot of good news about a particular individual and this made me ask, who is this individual that sounds too good to be real?

I was told that he is none other than Hon. Jibir Maigari, the Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

I became interested in knowing more on this personality and I discovered that he was a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs during the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he was also a Federal Commissioner who had earned himself the name “Baba Mai Gonar Offer” for his notable efforts in securing federal job placements for the youths in Yobe state.

It took me months and some days investigating the good records of this honorable personality; I became convinced that he is the right person to keep Yobe state on the right track.

However, I would like to state here that, he should be aware that in the politics of Yobe State today, politicians of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have been categorized into two: the new APC and the old APC.

Balancing between the two will be a Herculean task, but which must be accomplished if any meaningful progress is to take place in the long run. Moreover, it is very vital to note that Governor Mai Mala Buni played a pivotal role in his emergence as Federal Commissioner and in the progress made toward enhancing opportunities for the people of Yobe.

Personally, I have done my work in interrogating the eligibility of Maigari, and I am convinced that if we join hands together and wok towards the victory of APC in 2027, Yobe state will surely become the talk of North East

Hashim Ibrahim Gashua wrote from Yobe state.

By Abba Anwar

As breakthroughs are unfolding in Kano politics, specifically within All Progressives Congress (APC), before one can correctly assess and conclude the fate of the party (APC) in 2027, there are factors that must be taken into consideration.

The factors, according to my understanding of the situation are as follows:

1. National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje factor,
2. Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin factor,
3. Deputy Governorship Candidate, 2023, Murtala Sule Garo factor,
4. Gawuna – Garo factor,
5. State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas factor,
6. Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa factor,
7. Kano Emirship Tussle factor,
8. Garo – Baffa Dan Agundi factor,
9. Expectation of support from the above factor

There could be other factors in some people’s eyes. But to me, I only look at those factors that can change the political direction of either the party or the state or both. The space is still open for further discussion.

Under the National Chairman of the party Dr Ganduje, CON, the major threat that could face APC in Kano, is when Ganduje is deliberately being “humiliated” by the very party, he aided to victory in the 2023 Presidential election. Ganduje was one of the earliest callers who supported the candidature of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then an aspirant.

Before you knew it Ganduje was able to influenced many Northern governors at the time, to came out boldly and declared that North would support only Southern candidate. That was how Tinubu made it.

Whenever some elements within the party plotted for Ganduje’s fall, that will for sure cause many damages to the party in Kano and indeed other parts of Northern Nigeria. No doubt about this! First and foremost, that could easily be translated to mean, loyalty is no longer a pride in political parlance. Just to highlight a few points on Ganduje. He is an experienced politician who knows his onions. Ask his political opponents.

For Barau, if it is true that, he is eyeing the position of Vice President, come 2027, yes the intention is bold and emphatic. But he has to have his plan on how to tread safely, with the current Vice President on board. And he has to know how to handle some notable Northerners who have either directly or symbolically indicate their interest to run for Presidency in 2031 or so.

But if his intention is still on governorship position, Garo and the former Deputy Governor of Kano State and former Minister of State, Housing, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, are still more relevant and powerful than him from the Zone, Kano North. Part of his minuses as observed by many is, his inability to surround himself with politicians of substance and relevance.

While his one touch political strategy, is also seen as another political blunder. That those he accepted or welcomed into APC from other political parties, only get his ears during the jamboree when being celebrated as new entrants. But after that, all new comers are on their own (laughter).

Unlike Garo, Barau can hardly mention five standard politicians from across all the 44 local governments in the state. Politicians that are reliable. But in the case of Garo, many believe that, he knows, very closely, political actors down to polling units.

Many believe that, if Barau gets any ticket in the state elective positions, especially if he didn’t work for it, internal Intrigues among other things would spell doom for him. In this situation therefore, political alignments and realignments could be a safety valve for him and his ambition.

Another dust for Barau, from the standpoint I’m looking at it, is, if it is true he is at loggerhead with Ganduje, I won’t say Rest In Peace (RIP), but I would rather advice him to have a rethink.

So also concerning federal government appointments, if it is true that he has a hand in dropping AT Gwarzo, among other intrigues, so I will wait for 2027 to come. If it happens that I will be alive.

The greatest of it all, is, if it is true that he has a hand in delaying Garo’s appointment all these while, I assume that he will not be the driver of Kano’s political ambulance. Where all the injured, the severely sick and pregnants of uncertainty remain with the driver for an appointed time and destinations.

For Garo, many believe with full conviction, that, his political strength, relevance, result – oriented political practice, down – to-earth political strategy, magnanimous postulation coupled with his generosity, elevate him to be one of the few existing forces to be reckoned with in Kano politics.

Within a twinkle of an eye, Garo can give you practical names of people that can work for the party across all the 44 local governments and 448 Wards of the state.

He, as at the time I was writing this paragraph, still enjoys the support and commitment of many former local governments Chairmen, since during Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s second tenure in office. Down to Ganduje’s eight years in office.

Garo enjoys similar support and commitment from many party leaders at local governments and wards levels. From caucuses of the party at all levels. Also from many former members of the Kano State Assembly. How he managed to get that, I really don’t have the slightest idea. But he is such a strong pillar within the rank and file of the party.

Whether it is true or not, that, he also enjoys the support of the former First Lady Prof Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, an impression that makes Gawuna to be treading cautiously, Garo believes, internal democracy is best option for imposition.

Garo’s political sins? According to some opinions, he too much loves the party and he is too loyal to Ganduje, to a fault. But that did not stop him from calling the attention of the former governor to join hands together, with other former governors and political leaders to develop the state. While setting aside their personal interest and differences.

The fourth factor is Gawuna-Garo. It is crafted this way for the simple reason that, some are of the opinion that, Gawuna needs Garo, more than the way Garo needs Gawuna. In terms of political spread across the 44 local governments, both party leaders and followers, believe that Garo was more spread tactfully and earlier than Gawuna, before 2023 general election.

Arguing that Garo was Chairman Kabo local government as Gawuna was also Chairman Nassarawa local government, but Garo was State Chapter Chairman for Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Commissioner for local governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, which gave him age over Gawuna, in terms of political spread and connections to grassroot.

Some people are of the opinion that, Gawuna – Garo ticket can still hold water in 2027. Others argued in the contrary. Challenging that, it could be better for the ticket to be contested for, among all aspiring elements.

Gawuna – Garo ticket according to protagonists, may not need fresh engagement. Because, the ticket has become a household name in Kano politics. Believe it or not, if by chance Gawuna – Garo ticket is maintained in 2027, victory is not automatic. Apart from correcting the past anomalies, those who do not mean well for the party, either overtly or covertly, must be exposed and dealt with politically. If genuine victory will be the goal.

Abdullahi Abbas, as an institution, as some argued, and as a factor, is not a ready-made threat to the party at all. I don’t care whether Abbas continues to be the Chairman forever, but what I am concerned with, is, how the party can regain consciousness with genuine commitment, abandoning self – first approach to issues and engaging honest individuals. I believe there is honesty in politics. Depending on which side of the prism one is looking at.

Yes Abbas is a factor in the party, because many believe he is the perfect match for the opposition in Kano. He masters the language they understand. As far as I’m concern, Abbas or Dan Azumi Gwarzo or Mutari Ishaq Yakasai or Tumfafi or any other person can become a Chairman of the party.

But I suggest that, consolidation of the party’s strength, spread and unrelenting tempo should be left with some hardworking individuals like Garo, Baffa Dan Agundi and Alhassan Ado Doguwa, among few others. Coincidentally they come from our three Senatorial Zones. As party leaders will be occupied with managing the party, Garo-Agundi-Doguwa will be saving the party from external aggression. Without any fear of mincing words, they are very strong, hard working and absolutely fearless!

Doguwa as a factor, it is acknowledged by many that he is a dogged fighter, an astonishing moulder, engaging capacity builder, an accomplished politician of great substance and intellectually sound. He is the only, yes the only, member of House of Representatives who was elected under APC from Kano South. Kwankwasiyya Tsunami was unable to get rid of him in 2023 elections.

He too, masters the language understood by the opposition in the state. Apart from being fearless, in the scheme of things, Doguwa, believes in good representation of his people. One of the outspoken legislators in the Green Chamber, Abuja. Very articulate and down – to-earth.

His ferocious political engagement means a lot in dealing with the opposition voices from Kano South. If APC can be bold and serious enough to bring on board somebody like Doguwa from Kano South, the party, APC, will be dancing to victory, come 2027, in the state. He is a force to be reckoned with in Kano politics. Take it or leave it.

Kano Emirship Tussle as one of the factors, for APC to make or mar in 2027, I have only one statement here. All those that are thinking of making this lingering crisis a corridor for APC’s victory in 2027, are only telling us that they are lazy and cannot fight for the party’s victory. They are only suggesting that, they cannot work very hard for victory. They are only searching for shortcut to political victory. This stance is defeatist!

As for Garo – Dan Agundi factor, I mentioned the union above. Linking them with Doguwa to form tripartite engagement. While party leaders are busy managing party affairs, Garo – Dan Agundi – Doguwa, should be given a particular role to play in managing the youth aspect of the party, particularly against external aggression. This special assignment needs genuine people, with genuine purpose and genuine goal.

Those waiting for support from above during 2027 election, without working for victory, are only deceiving themselves. That is why it is high time for rejig, reengineering, refocus, realignment, reinvesting of ideas and running away from poverty of ideas.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com