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Kano APC’s “Fragmentation” 2027 : Gawuna/Garo, Gawuna, Garo, Barau /Kawu, Barau, Kawu, Other Dark Horse(s)

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2 months ago

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By Abba Anwar

This piece reflects on the opinions and arguments surrounding the survival strategy of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state beyond 2027. Many moves, employed strategies, conspiracy theories and political calculations are, but build ups to 2027.

Believe it or not, APC is still a force to be reckoned with in Kano. Whether Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a National Chairman of the party or not, his consolidation of solid foundation when he captained the affairs of the party for Eight consecutive years as a governor, gives the party a life saving effort, which it still enjoys.

Fragmentation is still in view within the purview of party structures as embedded in the hearts of some party members. And potential members joining the party with genuine intention, as time passes by.

As many envisage, APC’s victory in Kano hangs on the neck of who becomes its gubernatorial flagbearer and his running mate, how candidates are filled in other positions come 2027. Among other factors.

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Whether Gawuna /Garo ticket is still relevant or not, only time can tell. Gawuna’s good faith in Allah’s decision during the electioneering campaign up to the election period, in 2023, meant a lot in the victory of the party. That was later scuttled by other conspiracy theories.

His relationship with people when he was Chairman Nasarawa local government reminded many to support his cause. I’m not looking at the local intrigues he faced from his local government.

While Garo’s kind hearted, apart from his trust in Allah’s decision also (as a Muslim, Mu’umin for that matter), his known contributions to human development, who sees man as the centre of development, his sharp political strategy and his style of leadership, when he was Chairman of Kabo local government, among other factors, played important role in the party’s victory, which was later scuttled by other interests in 2023 elections.

For the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who for sometimes now, runs helter-skelter struggling for relevance to, according to many opinions, get gubernatorial ticket come 2027, is being paired with Senator Kawu Sumaila. To have Barau /Kawu ticket. Though Kawu is still within the fold of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

As it is now, is only a projection of what can be brought to the limelight. Kawu is indeed a force to be reckon with, in Kano South. No matter from whichever angle you are looking at the prism, Kawu Ba Kanwar Lasa Ba Ne in Kano South.

That is why some people are of the opinion that, Barau/Kawu ticket can make a difference. According to such opinion, Barau’s position as DSP, and Kawu’s political ingenuity, could make comfortable landing for APC come 2027.

These are only views expressed by people within and outside the rank of the party, APC. As related to Gawuna /Garo ticket and Barau/Kawu ticket. And let’s look at Gawuna, Garo, Barau and Kawu in their individual capacities and capabilities.

Gawuna’s great asset, for example, is his turning of all experiences, setbacks and examined opportunities to Almighty Allah.

I’m not interested in some expressed opinions about his direct relationship with his constituency and the issue of those who surround him, from the beginning to date.

Garo’s political asset is his genuine concern about what affects people with the aim of reinforcing them. He means acceptance when he says “yes.” He is not slippery in his words and actions. He too, as a Muslim, he believes Allah controls everything he faces in life.

I’m not also interested in an opinion expressed by some, that he is no longer accessible. For this I refer my reader to an article written by one Labaran Dantala, recently, captioned, “Garo, Still Available, Accessible.”

For Barau, his great asset goes to what he was able to bring to the state, using his position as Deputy Senate President, for re-approving Federal College of Education (FCE), Kano, to Federal University of Education and the creation of North West Development Commission. He too believes, Allah controls everything.

I do not care to look at his miscalculation of accepting cross-carpeters from, especially, Kwankwasiyya faction of NNPP. Who later go back to their roots. His inability to learn lesson from the then Gawuna’s Tsamar Nama operation. I do not also have any interest in what party people blame him of. That is abandoning party members and concentrating on new comers, who add no value to his political ambition.

Kawu’s greatest asset, is his wealth of experience in Kano South political history and politicking. Aramma Kawu as some address him, knows the Power of Allah in controlling everything in life and beyond.

I do not want make any comment about his ferocious postulations when it comes to politics. But some still see this as another great asset for a politician. His membership of NNPP isn’t my area of interest here. So also his being surrounded by ‘Yan Birni is not in my shopping list.

For APC to bounce back stronger and domineering, it is important to look at some handful few legislators, who, by all estimation, do more than expected.

The first and foremost person in this category is Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi. Chairman House Committee on Appropriation. This is a gentleman who always believes in his constituency first. While doing that, he doesn’t go for other opposition party members. He, instead, takes all along.

Hon Bichi’s strategy of not embracing members of the opposition parties at the detriment of his own party members, earns him greater respect and relevance, more than the Senator representing his area. In clear terms, Hon Bichi is more powerful, in whatever estimation you can see it, than Senator Barau from that end.

Bichi according to the opinions I came across, is not eyeing to become a governor. But his strategy seems to be working far better than Barau who has been eyeing to become a governor.

More Bichis in APC means more chances for the party. Just similar to Garo, Bichi has strong home-based support from his Senatorial district. Garo enjoys such support from across the state. Bichi like Garo has never been a slippery type. He takes and speaks what he can accomplish. Not minding whose ox is gored.

To tame fragmentation at whatever length and by anticipating how hazy the environment could be, some notable youth formed themselves and become a Coalition of Youth within APC. This group did well in reawakening party members on their primary responsibilities.

It is not the interest of this write – up to create confusion where there is none, concerning the primary objective of the Coalition. Mine is just to appreciate the commitment, genuine purpose and open door direction of the Coalition. At the initial stage, I didn’t see them as an amalgamation of value addition elements. But as time passes by, I see hope and strength in them.

Notable among such youth, whose presence serves as beacon of hope are, Adamu Unguwar Gini, Musaddique Wada Waziri, Jijitar, Hon Ja’o’ji, Hon Maiwayo, Danyaro, M. Abdussalam Ishaq (Kumbotso) and even that boy Dini Manchester, among many others, who are numerous to be mentioned here.

I re-assured and re-confirmed to myself that, this engaging Coalition has little or no intention to wreck havoc in the party because of their self – centred interest. Though political activities are always not-interest-free. I doff my hat to them because, nowhere I heard them making disturbing noises as a group so far. Either to the leadership or to the followership. Yes, they have their shortcomings. But for now such does not becloud their immense contributions as re-awakening agents for youth movement.

My view on other dark horse(s) is built upon people’s opinion that, apart from Gawuna /Garo ticket or Gawuna as individual and Garo as individual, Barau/Kawu ticket (if that works), or Barau as an individual or Kawu as an individual, there could emerge a scenario where someone somewhere can just come from the blues and picks the ticket. That, to me, is very unlikely. Though nothing is impossible in politics.

Whether or not APC remains as one indivisible political party come 2027, in Kano, the National Chairman of the party, Dr Ganduje has all it takes to ameliorate, align and realign all existing forces within the party in the state.

As I’m rounding up, I vehemently disagree with handful few opinions, suggesting that, Barau is wasting his time, so long as he thinks he can outshine Baba Ganduje in the scheme of things. If it is true Barau is thinking along that line, I advise him to backslide. Because the situation could be dicey and deceiving.

This piece is not looking at the party leadership, at all levels. From Ward up to state level. Party management is not within the purview of this brief work. This write-up looks at the general opinions of people concerning APC’s victory come 2027 elections. I do not even care to also look at the opposition parties.

Abba Anwar,
Former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State,
2018-2023
Can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

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Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

4 days ago

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December 18, 2024

By

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

 

 

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

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Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

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Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

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December 16, 2024

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Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

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Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

7 days ago

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December 15, 2024

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.

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