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From MAKAFI to AWAKAI: The Display of Blind Politics and Political Idolatry

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8 months ago

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By: Ibrahim Ishaq (Ɗan’uwa Rano)

When people embrace labels like ‘blind followers’ or ‘sheepish supporters’, they are not practicing democracy, they are surrendering their humanity. And democracy cannot thrive without independent minds

First of all, I must express my gratitude to my teacher, Dr. Auwalu Anwar. From his article titled *’From Sawaba to Asara’*, I gained deeper knowledge and clearer understanding of who Kwankwaso is and what Kwankwasiyya represents. That lecture opened my eyes and strengthened my resolve to write this short reflection, particularly on how blind and sycophantic politics has taken root among our people, from leaders to followers.

Blind politics is not limited to the reckless words of followers who degrade their own human dignity. It also includes the irresponsible utterances of political leaders directed at their followers – words which sometimes insult human beings whom Allah has honored, corrupt public morality, and promote thuggery and disrespect among the youth.

The word of our Creator provides a key reminder about the honor and dignity of human beings. Allah Himself declared that He has ennobled mankind. In the commentary of scholars, this means that man is not to be humiliated or debased. If we accept this truth, then why should we call ourselves “blind” (MAKAFI) when Allah has not afflicted us with blindness? Why should we label ourselves “sheep” (AWAKAI)? The truth is, this is nothing but a reckless way of expressing loyalty to a leader within a political system, without considering the danger such behavior poses to our very lives.

To be fair and historically accurate, Kwankwaso and his followers were not the first to engage in this destructive culture of blind loyalty. It dates back to the Second Republic, during the administration of the late Abubakar Rimi, the first civilian governor of the old Kano State. In fact, many of the political strategies and public speaking style that Kwankwaso employs today were learned from the late Abubakar Rimi Limamin Canji “Leader of Change.”

At the height of Rimi’s popularity, he also had blind followers – some went so far as to claim that even if Rimi were to jump into fire, they would follow him. This should not surprise anyone, considering the level of popularity Rimi enjoyed, which Kwankwaso has not yet attained. Several scholars and historians confirmed this. Among them is Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama and a former gubernatorial candidate under the ADC, who affirmed this point during an interview I conducted with him on ‘Bakon Mako’. Likewise, Musa Nuhu Yankaba, former publicity secretary of the NNPP in Kano (before the party split), also confirmed this claim after parting ways with Kwankwasiyya. He is now the secretary of the NNPP’s “fresh faction” in Kano.

Even before Rimi, traces of this culture existed – some information even suggest that during the days of Mallam Aminu Kano, known as Tabo and Santsi, there were also leaders whose reckless words were tolerated and who enjoyed blind loyalty from their followers.

Bringing it closer to our own time, we have witnessed political leaders make degrading remarks filled with insults against fellow human beings. For example, recently the Kano APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, became notorious for his slogan “ko da tsiya ko da tsiya-tsiya” (“by force or by whatever means”), in addition to other foul remarks directed at his political opponents. Similarly, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, member representing Doguwa and Tudunwada Federal Constituency, once assembled his followers and asked them: “Who will you vote for in 2023?” When they shouted “APC,” instead of him stopping there, he went further and abusively declared: “If you don’t vote APC, then you will vote for your father!”

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What is most shocking is that none of his associates or followers objected or cautioned him. Instead, they cheered him with excitement. This clearly reflects how blind politics has gained ground among leaders and followers alike.

Even in neighboring states, we see similar patterns. In Jigawa, for instance, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi Ɗanmoɗi has supporters who go to great lengths to portray him as infallible: asserting that everything he does is always correct. They lavish him with praise, often saying, *“Mallam yana kan daidai”* (“The Mallam is always right”).

Yet, as a scholar, Governor Namadi surely knows the truth: no human being is without error. Only Allah Almighty and our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him – are free from mistakes.

So why, if he truly understands this, does he allow his supporters to keep feeding him such flattery? Why does he sometimes show visible pleasure when they claim he is always right? This is the essence of political sycophancy: the supporters know they are speaking falsehoods, the leader knows the lies, yet both tolerate them for the sake of politics.

But where the situation becomes most alarming is within Kwankwasiyya, in Kano. Many of its members have openly accepted labeling themselves not only as blind followers *’MAKAFI’*, but also as sheep *’AWAKAI’*, just to please their leader. The piercing looks Kwankwaso gives when addressing his “blind” and “sheepish” supporters, along with the language he uses, convinces them that he is their only political idol. They are ready to accept anything he does as right.

In my archive, I came across a video where Kwankwaso gathered people and boasted about his contributions to the education of citizens from poor families – who he claimed he turned into “people of worth.” On the basis of this, he openly declared: “Any okada rider (tricycle rider) who does not place my poster at the back of his bike, may God’s curse be upon him.”

Another recent event further confirms what my teacher, Dr. Auwalu Anwar, once said: “Kwankwaso is a political fraudster who manipulates the gullibility of his followers for his own gain.” Recently, at a political gathering of his loyalists, he openly declared: “We have a party, and we are comfortable in it. Anyone who wants to talk to us, our door is open for alliances.”

In reality, this statement does not reflect the language of a nationalist or a visionary leader. At a time when politicians like Atiku Abubakar, with nearly 7 million votes in the last election, and Peter Obi, with over 6 million votes, are willing to sacrifice personal interests to unite for Nigeria’s survival, Kwankwaso, with barely 1 million votes – presents himself as a commander of a great army, insisting that others must come and negotiate with him. This alone shows clearly that he is a self-serving political merchant, arrogant and indifferent to the national interest – traits that God does not love.

In summary, all the misbehavior of Kwankwaso’s supporters, their insults to respectable people, their blind loyalty and their acceptance of being called animals – has never once been rebuked by him. On the contrary, he often appears delighted, as though he enjoys watching them degrade themselves. Yet the greatest danger of this style of politics is that it will eventually backfire, even on Kwankwaso himself. And history is never lenient with anyone.

Blindness of the heart surpasses even the blindness of the eyes. To willingly embrace the idea of being blind or behaving like sheep is to confess to the death of independent thought. Sheep, ‘AWAKAI’ after all, do not question, do not resist, and do not reason – they simply follow. When human beings reduce themselves to this level in the name of loyalty, politics ceases to be politics, it becomes worship.

This culture of blind allegiance is dangerous for democracy. It shields politicians from accountability and silences critical voices, creating an environment where incompetence and corruption thrive unchecked. The more people boast of their blindness and sheepishness, the more they strengthen the chains that bind their own freedom.

What is worse is the pride with which many now accept this degradation. To call oneself a “sheep” in service of a political leader is not humility – it is humiliation. It is a public declaration that one’s reason has been sacrificed on the altar of sycophancy. And a society where sycophancy is celebrated cannot build a future on justice, fairness, or truth.

Let this brief reflection serve as a wake-up call: Until Kano abandons the politics of blind loyalty and sycophancy, its future will remain hostage to the whims of demigods.

May Allah grant us wisdom, courage, and long, beneficial lives.

Ibrahim Ishaq (Ɗan’uwa Rano)
Email: _danuwarano@gmail.com_
Telephone: _+2348056479966_

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From Grassroots To NASS:Hon Haruna Kabiru Wakili Answers Fagge’s 2027 Call

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5 days ago

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April 25, 2026

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The people of Fagge Local Government Area have praised the efforts, patriotism, and support shown by one of the area’s young men across different aspects of life, despite not holding any political office.

Hon. Kabiru Haruna Wakili has become prominent in Fagge for his service to the community. He is a politician who builds youth development from the grassroots by supporting self-reliance skills and access to education.

Because of his drive and passion to keep supporting the people, the community in Fagge is backing his political journey. They believe that if given the opportunity, he will further develop the area.

Wakili is well known in the political struggle. He has stood on his own, once led a political party, and contested for the House of Representatives in the last election.

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Hon. Kabiru Haruna Wakili is now a member of the APC. He has a strong relationship and good rapport with politicians and the wider community in Fagge, right from the grassroots. That is why, as the 2027 elections approach, many believe he deserves their support.

Youths and elders, men and women in Fagge are urging APC delegates in the primaries to field credible people who stand with the community. They have strong confidence in Hon. Wakili for this election season.

The people of Fagge say Hon. Kabiru Haruna Wakili is with them and involved in their affairs. They believe that if he gets the mandate, he will not distance himself from them, unlike some past representatives who often ignored the needs of their constituents.

Following repeated calls from the people of Fagge, Hon. Haruna Kabiru Wakili has responded that, by God’s grace, he will contest for the House of Representatives under the APC.

He appealed to party members, elders, leaders, and executives of the APC in Fagge, both men and women, to give him their cooperation and support to secure victory.

Hon. Wakili also called on party stakeholders to confirm him as the consensus candidate, since it was the people of Fagge who asked him to run.

He added that even if it comes to a primary election, he is confident the people of Fagge will back him to clinch the APC ticket, and in the 2027 general election they will turn out to vote for him.

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How Abdurrahman Mainasara Salga Built ADC Into A Political Force In Dala

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1 week ago

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April 23, 2026

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There are many people with noble intentions who genuinely desire the progress of society. Every day, they strive to serve and support their communities in various aspects of life with their personal resources, without holding any official position or title.

This is driven by patriotism, compassion, and the desire to see people especially the less privileged and upcoming youth — live a life of ease without hardship.

Many people can attest to the kind of community support and development efforts carried out by some individuals.

Ambassador Abdulrahman Mansur Mainasara Salga is one of the well-known figures in Dala Local Government Area and Kano State at large, recognized for his good character, generosity, and commitment to community development.

Because of his generosity and kindness to the people, many have encouraged him to join politics. They believe it would give him more confidence and opportunity to advance his goal of continuing to support the public. This is what motivated him to venture into politics.

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He is a politician who believes in doing what is right. That is why he advocates for everything to be placed on the path of truth and justice. In the 2023 elections, he contested for the Federal House of Representatives seat in Dala Local Government. It is well known how he stood firm in ensuring fairness and justice within the party under which he contested, especially during the primary elections.

Everyone knows that Amb. Abdulrahman Mainasara has been at the forefront of serving the ADC since he joined. He made the party gain acceptance in Dala Local Government Area long before other political heavyweights in Kano joined the party, which has now become the major opposition party in the country.

The people of Dala Local Government are witnesses to how Hon. Abdulrahman Mainasara Salga devoted his time to building the ADC. He ensured it was accepted and established a strong foothold in Dala — a local government that serves as the political hub of Kano State. He served the party, opened offices for it, and mobilized support, in addition to his efforts in addressing community needs.

Indeed, the current political momentum in Dala, especially within the ADC, echoes the efforts of Ambassador Abdulrahman Salga Mainasara. He is seen by people in the area as the backbone of the party’s acceptance, and the most qualified to be put forward for the Federal House of Representatives seat in the local government. He is the only person who stood and nurtured the party to the level it has reached today.

Politicians and political observers have noted how many people are now joining the party. Many of them came in solely with the ambition to contest elections. For this reason, they are calling on party leaders and elders, such as Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other ADC stakeholders, to carefully consider fielding individuals who truly have the people’s development at heart during the primaries.

Consequently, in Dala Local Government, no one is seen by the community as more suitable, deserving, and credible to be fielded as the ADC candidate for the Federal House of Representatives than Ambassador Abdulrahman Mansur Mainasara Salga. He is the man who stood to ensure the party’s growth while also supporting community development. All the people of Dala would trust him in the 2027 elections.

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

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2 weeks 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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