By Abba Anwar

Confidence, focus and straightforwardness are some of the major reasons why 2027 political contest in Tarauni is increasingly becoming more interesting and more dicey. Race for the House of Representatives seat especially.

When the former Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Citizenship and Leadership, Hon Nasir Bala Ja’oji, declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat, against the current member, many keen political observers believe that, there are two major contenders now.

Ja’oji, according to many observers, is fast becoming one of the most fearless politicians within Kano metropolis. In the public eye, he was the first appointee to resign from his position, at the federal government level. The gut was seen as an asset, that cannot be purchase by every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Political pundits accept that, with all his unmatched connection, at the top of the ladder, Ja’oji, believes that, searching for political soul mates, on top of his “save our souls” empowerment and interventions are necessary tools for political victory. So he is changing tactics now, and for better.

The thousands of supporters he was able to gather, yesterday Friday, for the declaration of his intention to contest, surprised many as being unprecedented and overwhelming. Though anticipated.

He started from Gadar Lado, on Zaria road, took to the street with procession, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Tarauni local government Secretariat, back to Zaria road to his base Ja’oji quarters. As dozens horse riders, thousands of supporters trekking and bike riders were chanting party slogan.

At the Secretariat he told the party leaders that his ambition “… is not borne out of mere ambition, but from deep sense of responsibility, commitment and consistent engagement with the people and the ideals of our great party.”

Ja’o’ji is someone with outright and unscathing love for APC’s strength and victory for all elections. He stresses this notion, when he said, “Over the past few years, I have remained steadfast in my loyalty and contributions to the growth, unity and electoral successes of our party at various levels.”

For the simple reason that, this rare gem, has so many advantages over his challengers, in the race, he typifies that, his experience serving as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, has further shaped his understanding of governance, nation building and inclusive leadership.

Adding that, “In that capacity, I contributed initiatives aimed at promoting civic responsibility, youth engagement, and leadership development across the country.”

During the declaration event youth and women constituted the larger part of the participants, who made the event more colorful and intimidating. Many of those who attended the event, were of the opinion that, it is now their turn to support Ja’o’ji realize his political dream victoriously.

Ja’oji is indeed second to none, as Tarauni electorate believe that, his long standing initiatives in empowering his people, are indelible in the face of Tarauni political reality. Hundreds of women and youth benefited from his grant schemes, where some hundreds beneficiaries collected One Million Naira (N1m) each to aid their economic engagement in the society. For the overall development of the state, as a whole.

Many hundreds benefited from his scholarship scheme at periodic intervals. Where he sponsored their higher education across tertiary institutions in the state. Apart from yearly assistance rendered to secondary school students for writing their Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. And their second school leaving examinations, NECON and SSCE. Among many other programmes.

His intervention cuts across all segments of people in Tarauni and beyond. Sometimes not minding their political affiliation. That is why people are of the opinion that, Ja’oji could be marketable and sellable easily. As his pedigree informs this reality, for the past few years. Even before he started nurturing a political ambition. Which shows that, Ja’oji has been an ardent supporter for human progress and development. A sole action that endears him to the people. Particularly those at the grassroot. Genuine electorate at all levels.

With all his shortcomings, as a human being, as no human beings, apart from Prophets and Messengers of Allah, are infallible, meaning infallibility of human beings is assured and reassured in this life, Ja’oji has age over other would be contestants. As some political pundits observed.

His long presence in the life of his people, supercedes other contestants, especially those that are new into the system. As speculation suggests that, there are some people who are drafted and some are about to be drafted into the battleground. But electorate promised that their weight is already behind Ja’oji.

As Ja’oji advances with full force with his declaration of interest and as there are reports that, within the circle of those would be contestants’ structures, some misunderstandings started emanating from within, Tarauni is about to breath well with Ja’o’ji as the rallying point.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 25th April, 2026

The Unifier Project expresses strong alignment with the nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor of Kano State, as the development is really strategic and a well thought decision that would certainly support in the ongoing consolidation of governance under the leadership of His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The nomination reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen political cohesion, deepen administrative excellence, and reinforce trust within the structure of political governance in Kano State.

Hon. Murtala Sule Garo represents a symbol of political depth, administrative skills, and grassroots connection, as well as qualities that are essential in supporting effective governance and sustaining public confidence in any political leadership.

We are strongly of the opinion that, the decision aligns with the broader vision of unity and inclusiveness, which the Unifier Project has always continued to advocate across the state. The nomination is surely one that transcends routine political considerations, positioning itself as a step towards enhancing stability and improved service delivery.

The Unifier Project views this development as a reinforcement of democratic values and a reflection of responsive and inclusive leadership that takes into account experience, loyalty, and the need for broad-based acceptance in governance.

A political decision of this nature contributes significantly to strengthening institutional trust and encouraging wider participation in governance processes, especially at the grassroots level.

The Unifier Project therefore expresses its full alignment with the nomination and reaffirms its commitment to promoting unity, political stability, and constructive engagement across all levels of society in Kano State.

The organization therefore calls for a continued support for leadership decision that prioritizes collective progress, institutional balance, and the overall development of the state.

Signed:
Mohd Babagana
Kano State Coordinator,
24th April, 2026

​The political atmosphere reached a fever pitch this week as the House of Assembly conducted the screening of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo for the office of Deputy Governor. While the constitutional requirement of the screening is a formal administrative process, the scene at the Assembly complex told a much deeper story: one of absolute party harmony, grassroots loyalty, and a strategic realignment that has effectively unified the political landscape. The nominee did not arrive as a lone figure; he was ushered into the chamber by a “grand coalition” of stakeholders that spanned the entire spectrum of leadership. The sheer volume and diversity of the entourage served as an unmistakable confirmation of Garo’s total acceptability across all party organs and a testament to the fact that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made a highly credible and strategic decision.
​In a remarkable display of commitment, the majority of these stakeholders traveled all the way from Abuja and other distant parts of the country specifically to witness the exercise. This mass migration of the political elite back to the state capital served as a powerful symbol of Garo’s widespread appeal and the high stakes of his confirmation following the vacancy created on March 27, 2026. Leading the charge were heavyweights of the National Assembly and former executive pillars, including Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi. Senator Kawu Sumaila and Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, representing the legislative backbone of the state, alongside Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, and Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Rt. Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari,Hon. Engr. Sani Bala Tsanyawa,Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo,Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Badau,Hon. Sagir Koki,Hon. Abdullahi Mu’azu Gwarzo.
​The endorsement of the party’s foundation was particularly evident through the presence of the Elders Forum of the old APC. Distinguished leaders such as Former Speaker Hon. Abdulaziz Garba Gafasa, Fomer Speaker Hon. Ya’u Yanshana, Former Deputy Speaker Hon. Aliko Shu’aibu, Former Deputy Speaker Hon. Kabiru Hassan Dashi,Alhaji Bako Laraba, Alhaji Abubakar Mai-Mai Kwanar Dangora, and Alhaji Talle Mai’unguwa, among others, were prominently represented to identify with the nominee. Their presence signaled a vital bridge between the party’s heritage and its future, reinforcing the broad-based consensus behind Garo’s emergence as the preferred choice among the legacy stakeholders.
​However, it was the depth of the wider delegation that truly underscored the nominee’s reach. The entourage featured a rare assembly of institutional memory and grassroots power, including members of the Forum of Former Commissioners (2015–2023). and a vast array of former Special Advisers, SSAs, and Chief Executives of state agencies. This executive weight was matched by the “grassroots commanders”—former Local Government Chairmen and Caucus Committee Chairmen from all 44 LGAs—proving that the nominee’s support resonates in every ward. The legislative solidarity was equally imposing, with former Speakers and Members of the State House of Assembly standing side-by-side with both former and serving members of the Federal House of Representatives.
​This massive turnout also showcased the “soul” of the party, as current and former Party Executives joined the vibrant Women’s Wing to demonstrate that the internal machinery is fully energized. Even the digital and security arms of the movement were represented, with social media influencers documenting the historic moment in real-time and Party Marshalls maintaining the orderly conduct of the massive crowd. By bringing together the “old guard” and the “new wave,” Murtala Garo has positioned himself as a consensus candidate capable of healing rifts and fostering long-term stability.
​Without a doubt, this event stands as the most significant screening exercise in the history of the state. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the State House of Assembly has never witnessed such an unprecedented and massive turnout in support of a single nominee. This record-breaking mobilization transcends mere politics; it is a historic declaration of collective intent. The presence of such an overwhelming and diverse coalition—uniting the wisdom of the old guard with the dynamism of the new generation—serves as the ultimate seal of authenticity for Murtala Sule Garo. It confirms that he is not just a nominee of the executive, but a choice of the people and the party at large.
​As the state prepares for this new chapter, the message is undeniable: with a unified leadership, an energized grassroots, and a consensus that stretches from the local wards to the halls of Abuja, the path forward is one of unprecedented stability and progress. The Governor’s decision has not only filled a vacancy; it has fortified the very foundation of the state’s political future.