By Abba Anwar

One name that rings bell and attracts all manner of attentions is Honourable Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The gentleman whose love for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is undeniably visible across all Northern states and even beyond. His elevation from Senior Special Assistant to Special Adviser was a good stamp from the Presidency.

As the 2027 general election draws closer and the race for relevance intensifies within the ruling APC, one name keeps surfacing and resurfacing in quiet rooms where party unity is negotiated and in loud ones where it is celebrated; comes the name Masari.

As Special Adviser very close the President he has not chosen the path of noise or rivalry, with other party heavyweights or appointees. Instead, he has positioned himself as a stabilizing force, a bridge between the Presidency and the party base, and between the North and the center. In a political season often defined by competition for slots and spotlight, his reputation for humility, fairness in appointments, and commitment to party hegemony has made him one of APC’s most valuable assets.

In what usually becomes nation’s political practice under the guise of politics of camps and blocs, Masari is described by party insiders as someone who does not engage in rivalry with other Northern appointees. He has become a rallying point because he prioritizes APC first, region second. For sure he doesn’t ask where you are from before he asks how the party can win.

His special care, concern and love for Kano state are some of the things why he becomes endeared to Kano people. The appointment of Hon Yahuza Ado Inuwa, as the Chairman Standard’s Council, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) was birthed, facilitated and secured by Hon Masari and the appointment of Eng Abdullahi Garba Ramat, to the position of Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), though short-lived, was a singular effort of this gentleman, Masari.

Apart from many more employment opportunities he secured for Kano people at the federal ministries and agencies. He contributed immensely in many other political appointments of Kano citizens in President Tinubu administration.

The same thing, he has special interest and love for Kano’s political development. During 2019 gubernatorial election when the then Governor of Kano state Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was running for the second term and Eng Abba Kabir Yusuf (current governor of Kano), was running on the platform of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the atmosphere was in cul-de-sac, he performed wonders for APC and Ganduje.

When both parties were in absolute fear, uncertainty and frustration, Hon Masari played a significant role in APC’s victory. From the electioneering campaign to the declaration of inconclusive result. Up to the Gama tug-of-war, in Nassarawa local government area. He came to the rescue of Ganduje that time. As Tinubu, APC National Leader then, supervised the project. Tinubu and Masari, not even federal government under late President Muhammadu Buhari, saved APC, Ganduje and Kano people from the clutches of PDP.

So to me, whatever good thing Ganduje did to Tinubu and/or Masari, is just a returning match. No more no less. And politics is an envelope of returning matches. At whatever level you can think of.

To also tell you that the Special Adviser, Political, to President Tinubu cares much about healthy political development in Kano, he played an important and unmatched role, in making sure that His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo becomes the Deputy Governor of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Even if I said singlehandedly, is not a derailed exercise. I was privy to many efforts then.

The same Masari moved in quickly when some forces wanted Ganduje, to be bundle out of the APC’s National Headquarters, as National Chairman of the party. It Masari who instantly intervened and saved the situation from total collapse. He did that to save Ganduje, Kano state image in the national scheme of things and to consolidate the strength of the party in Northern Nigeria. We all saw how Ganduje resigned unscathed.

I once called him the Distributor of Opportunity. It is obvious to say that his strength is in opening doors at the federal level for capable hands, not just from Katsina state, but across the North and beyond. This has earned him goodwill and cemented the perception that the Tinubu administration is rewarding loyalty and competence, not just geography.

In his home state Katsina, he was instrumental to the appointment of the following people, in different federal agencies. These are the Executive Director, National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Barr. Samaila Abdu, Board Chairman, Badagry College, Lagos, Kabiru Musa Kafur, Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Abba, Executive Director, Monitoring and Implementation, Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammed Yari and Hon. Dr. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri as the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, among others.

He facilitated for the employment of hundreds of Katsina people and other Northern states. Without any consideration of where one comes from. It is undoubtedly clear to note that, quintessential individuals like Masari are great assets to the President and the ruling APC, as we are inching towards general election of 2027.

Without any doubt or rethink, this man is an embodiment of victory, political sophistication, foresight, deeply rooted influence among his people, needed experience, domineering political architecture and relevance.

Another good thing about this gentleman is his simplicity in dealing with all other political appointees, who come from the North. He is different, as he has no political rival under whose rivalry the party and the President suffer technically. He has good understanding with all the Ministers from the North, all appointees of federal government agencies and departments and all party leaders from his geo-political zone, North West and beyond, among others.

He is in good term with Distinguished members of the National Assembly, especially the leadership of the two Chambers, these are His Excellency Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, CFR, Phd and Right Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas.

All Governors from his zone and even beyond have good working relationship with this gentleman. No wonder whenever he organizes Empowerment Programmes in Katsina state, you see Governors trooping to bless the gatherings. Clear indication of harmonious relationship.

So what a perfect Special Adviser, Political and Other Matters to the President? Lest I forget, the spend stupendous amount of money in empowering his people. To them, their Tinubu is Masari. Without fear of mincing words, I can say with people like Masari in the North, 2027 will be an easy ride for Mr President.

He definitely matters for 2027 general elections. Not only Presidential election. His contribution to the welfare of youth and women in his domain means a lot in aiding the ruling APC. With a youthful voting population and high expectations, APC needs figures who can hold the party together without inflaming divisions. Masari’s role in consultation, conflict management, and mobilization makes him central to the party’s electoral machinery.

Another good thing about him is what prompted me to call him The Humble Operator. Yes despite holding a strategic position close to the President, Masari maintains a low-profile, service-driven approach. In politics where ego often fractures parties, his humility is being read as strength.

The ocean of difference that stands between him and other political leaders from this part of the country, is his no-nonsense response to political rumor mongers, who always plant seed of acrimony among party members, leaders and elders. Whoever takes rumor to him is at his (rumor monger) own peril. His straightforwardness is encouraging and always timely. Masari Gabas ne!

What further differentiates him with other political big shots from North, is his non-rivalry posture. While it is common to see political office holders, elected or appointed, souped in sour relationship between themselves, in Masari the situation is not that bad and terrifying.

He is in good term with all our Ministers from the North, all leaders of the National Assembly who come from the North, ranging from Right Honourable Speaker, Abbas, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin and all Chairmen of Senate Committees and House Committees, who hailed from the North.

When you want to see his red eye, sabotage Tinubu’s government. This has been his character since the coming of Tinubu as President.

Let me note and conclude that as APC heads into another defining election, the party may need fewer loud voices and more steady hands. In Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, it appears to have found both.

HAPPY MAULUD TO ALL MY READERS!

Anwar writes from Kano
Tuesday, 25th August, 2026

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Singapore has announced a new financial support package that will provide each eligible Singaporean child with nearly S$70,000 (about ₦94 million) in government benefits from birth until age 17.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the S$62,000 SG Child Support Package during his National Day Rally speech on August 23, saying the government wants to make a fundamental change in how families are supported rather than simply making small adjustments to existing schemes.

The package includes a S$10,000 cash Baby Gift, S$32,000 in Child Credits, a S$5,000 Child Development Account (CDA) grant, up to S$5,000 in government CDA co-matching and a S$10,000 top-up to the child’s Post-Secondary Education Account.

When combined with existing benefits, including a S$5,000 MediSave Grant for Newborns and annual Edusave contributions, total government support will reach about S$70,000 per child. This is higher than the current S$27,500 to S$56,500 parents receive, depending on the child’s birth order.

Wong said the government would simplify the system because many parents find the existing schemes difficult to understand. He said every child would receive the same level of support, with assistance provided not only at birth but throughout the years as children grow.

The S$10,000 Baby Gift will be paid in two instalments during the first year after birth, while the S$32,000 Child Credits will provide S$2,000 annually from age one until the child turns 16. The government will also give a further S$10,000 top-up to the child’s education account when the child turns 17.

The new package is expected to benefit more than 610,000 children across 380,000 households. The measures are part of Singapore’s wider efforts to encourage more people to have children amid a declining birth rate.

Wong said the government was putting significant resources into the plans because supporting families and Singaporeans through every stage of life remains a national priority.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Plateau-based Islamic cleric, Yahaya Jingir, intensified his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket after receiving donations of N600 million from Ibrahim Masari, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni.

A viral video of Mr Masari, an ally and SA on political affairs to Mr Tinubu, announcing the donation of ₦600 million by him and Mr Buni to Mr Jingir-led religious university project emerged on the internet on Monday.

“I, too, have given ₦300 million, and my brother, the Governor of Yobe State, has also given ₦300 million, bringing the total to ₦600 million. Give us the account details so we can transfer the money right now,” Mr Masari said.

In response to Mr Masari’s donation at the event, the cleric doubled down on campaign for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“So, we are very grateful, and may Allah reward you. Let me stop here,” Mr Jingir said, asking the crowd, “is the name of the university the private purse of Alhaji Sani Yahaya Jingir?”

“I want education to be established so that both Muslims and Christians can be successful,” he added.

Chanting “Muslim-Muslim” in support of the same-faith ticket to close his remarks, Mr Jingir said, “May Allah bring peace to Nigeria and peace to the Muslim world. And for those who are saying we are cheating in the name of Islam, may Allah open their eyes and guide them to Islam.”

Though the cleric claimed the donations were not to him but for a university project, it has sparked reactions on social media.

“If you are following Yahaya Jingir to shout Muslim-Muslim ticket look at this video! N600 million,” Imran Wakili, an X user said. “And you still think removal of subsidy is for you and me!”

Another X user, @MBMoralpolice said, “The man is after his bank balances to say so seems fair but when one is announcing a 300M Naira donation to your purse somehow and you are eager to take the microphone away ahead of further donations announcement, I better ask?! How Much Are You Really Worth.”

@Aliyyyou said, “Religious leaders have really got it wrong in this country. No respect, dignity or honor. Just power, money and fake faith. No difference from the politicians.”

About two weeks ago, Mr Jingir had announced support for Mr Tinubu’s same faith ticket as Nigerians head for presidential election in 2027, sparking backlash.

“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam. I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again,” Mr Jingir said.

Charging Muslims to vote for Mr Tinubu’s re-election based on the same-faith ticket to prove that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria, Mr Jingir said, “So, here I am calling on you; please, everyone should get their votes ready. Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.”