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A Remarkable Homecoming: Kano Unites in Support of Abba Kabiru Yusuf, Signaling a Strong Endorsement for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027

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By: Nasiru Yusuf Gwadabe

Saturday, 4th April 2026 will not fade easily from the living memory of Kano. It is a date that has already secured its place in the history of the ancient city, not through official proclamation, but through the overwhelming expression of its people. From the very moment the aircraft conveying Abba Kabir Yusuf touched down at about noon, Kano transformed into a living theatre of emotion, loyalty, and political meaning. What began as a homecoming soon evolved into something far deeper, a dual expression of confidence in state leadership and a rising chorus of national political alignment.

What followed defied imagination. The governor could barely step forward without being surrounded by a surging crowd, eager not just to see him, but to connect with him. From approximately 12 noon until about 9 o’clock, movement itself became an extraordinary challenge. It was not resistance that slowed the governor’s convoy, but an outpouring of affection so powerful that it turned a simple journey into a historic procession.

The journey from the airport to the Government House, which ordinarily takes not more than fifteen minutes, stretched into nearly ten hours. What should have been a routine drive became a prolonged passage through a sea of humanity. The motorcade moved slowly, almost ceremonially, as if guided by the collective will of the people rather than the force of engines.

At every junction, the story repeated itself. The convoy would halt, not out of necessity, but out of insistence. Citizens stepped forward to offer prayers, raising their hands and voices in supplication for the governor’s success. These were not symbolic gestures. They were deeply felt expressions of hope, trust, and shared destiny. In those pauses, the line between the leader and the people seemed to disappear, replaced by a bond rooted in mutual belief.

Kano is not a city that offers such devotion lightly. It is politically aware,
historically grounded, and known for its ability to assess leadership with clarity. Yet on this day, its verdict was unmistakable. The scale of the reception, the patience of the crowd, and the emotional intensity of the moment all pointed to one undeniable truth. Abba Kabir Yusuf is not merely occupying an office. He is occupying the hearts of his people.

To describe him as a homeboy is to capture the essence of this connection. He is seen not as a distant authority, but as one who understands the rhythm of the streets, the struggles of ordinary citizens, and the aspirations that define Kano’s future. This familiarity has translated into trust, and that trust has now found its most visible expression in the streets.

Yet beyond the celebration of a leader’s return, a second narrative steadily took shape, one that aligned Kano’s political voice with the national leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What unfolded was not only a reaffirmation of faith in the governor, but also a growing endorsement of the President, expressed through chants, symbols, and the unmistakable enthusiasm of the crowd.

What unfolded on that Saturday goes beyond spectacle. It carries deep political significance. In a system where legitimacy is often contested, moments like these serve as powerful indicators of public confidence. The crowd was not assembled. It emerged. It was not directed. It was inspired. And in its sheer magnitude, it delivered a message louder than any campaign could convey.

That message is clear. Kano believes in Abba Kabir Yusuf. Kano stands with him. At the same time, Kano is increasingly aligning with the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, projecting a unified political direction that stretches from the state to the centre.

The long hours from noon to night were not a burden to the people. They were an offering. Every minute spent waiting, every step taken alongside the convoy, every prayer raised was a contribution to a shared narrative. It was a way of saying that leadership, when it is genuine, does not stand apart from the people. It walks among them.

While addressing the mammoth gathering that thronged the streets, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming show of love and solidarity, describing it as a clear endorsement of his administration’s direction and achievements. He noted that such a reception was not only humbling but also a powerful motivation to intensify efforts toward delivering more developmental projects across all sectors of the state.

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He assured the people that their confidence would not be taken for granted, emphasizing that the administration remains committed to consolidating its gains and expanding its impact beyond 2027. In what appeared to be a pointed message to political opponents, the governor remarked that the unprecedented turnout had already sent a strong signal about the future, particularly to those suggesting that his tenure would be limited to a single term. According to him, the people of Kano have, through their actions, demonstrated where their loyalty lies.

“Today’s outing is no doubt an indication of your unalloyed support and endorsement for our administration to continue with the laudable initiatives that will make Kano greater,” he declared, while challenging any political contender to mobilize a similar organic gathering. The statement carried a clear undertone, positioning the event not just as a welcome ceremony, but as an early barometer of political strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

Importantly, the governor used the moment to reaffirm Kano State’s alignment with the Federal Government under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that sustained collaboration with the centre remains vital for attracting federal interventions and accelerating development across the state.

In a more direct political appeal, he called on the people of Kano to translate their visible enthusiasm into electoral action by supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. He stressed that continuity at the federal level would not only consolidate ongoing reforms but also guarantee greater opportunities and development for Kano State.

The response from the crowd reinforced this call. From the airport through the major streets, chants in support of the President grew louder, blending seamlessly with those of the governor. Supporters waved party symbols and openly affirmed their readiness to stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, turning the reception into a powerful demonstration of dual loyalty and shared political purpose.

For many observers, this was more than a moment of celebration. It was a declaration of alignment. The people of Kano, through their sheer numbers and visible enthusiasm, projected confidence not only in their governor but also in the leadership at the centre. The endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not staged. It emerged organically, carried on the voices of thousands who see continuity as a pathway to progress.

This groundswell of support speaks to a broader political reality. Kano remains one of the most influential political blocs in the country, and its direction often shapes national outcomes. By rallying behind both Abba Kabir Yusuf and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people have signaled a convergence of interests that could prove decisive in the coming electoral cycle.

The electrifying reception, marked by chants, music, and a sea of party symbols, brought movement across key roads to a standstill as residents came out in solidarity. The massive turnout underscores the governor’s growing political influence and the deepening connection between his administration and the people. It also reflected the role of grassroots mobilization across all levels, drawing participation from party executives, political office holders, traders, youth groups, and entertainers. The crowd took nearly eight hours to escort the governor from the airport to the Government House, a journey that ordinarily lasts just fifteen minutes.

The reception stands as one of the largest in Kano’s recent political history, second only to the massive turnout recorded on 12th January 2024 following the Supreme Court judgment. In both instances, the people’s response has served as a clear signal of political direction and public sentiment.

As the governor finally made his way through the vast crowd late in the evening, the significance of the moment remained unmistakable. This was more than a return from official engagements. It was a reaffirmation of trust, a visible endorsement of leadership, and a powerful reminder of the bond between Kano and its governor.

Saturday, 4th April 2026 will be remembered not just for the crowd, but for what the crowd represented. It will be remembered as the day Kano stood still, not in silence, but in solidarity. A day when the streets spoke, when the people declared their confidence, and when a leader’s journey home became a collective experience.

And as the echoes of that historic welcome continue to ripple across the political landscape, one conclusion rises above all others. This was not merely a reception. It was a statement of strength, a public reaffirmation of mandate, and a quiet but powerful signal of what lies ahead. In the language of politics, moments like these are not accidental.

They are indicators of momentum, of acceptance, and of a growing consensus. If the future is shaped by the will of the people, then Kano has already begun to write its next chapter, one that places Abba Kabir Yusuf firmly at its center, while echoing a resounding and unmistakable endorsement of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the path forward to 2027.

Nasiru Yusuf Gwadabe, a Veteran Journalist, retired Editor with CTV writes from Kano

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

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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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A Glimpse into the Politics of Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, Marafan Sokoto

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April 17, 2026

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By Ahmad Musa Jega

 

In his political history, he stands out as one of the prominent politicians from Northwestern Nigeria who has never changed his political party. No matter the challenges or hardships, he has never betrayed his party through conspiracies or divisions.

Everyone knows the difficulties and challenges he endured between 2019 and 2022. There is hardly any political challenge in the world that Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) has not faced. One could even say that only his life was spared, yet despite all this, he never abandoned his party, the APC.

– ANPP Zamfara State Secretary, 2003–2004
– ANPP Zamfara State Chairman, 2004–2006
– Member, House of Representatives (Anka–Talata Mafara Federal Constituency), 2007–2011
– ANPP Acting National Treasurer
– Governor of Zamfara State, 2011–2019
– Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, 2014–2019
– Distinguished Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, 2023–present

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Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto) is the only politician in the Northwest who has kept politics within its boundaries, friendships within their boundaries, and has never allowed party differences to affect his friendships.

Examples:
1. Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), his mentor and a leader in Northern politics.
2. Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, his friend and confidant, despite the political weight of Sokoto State, he has never allowed politics to break their bond.

Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto), no matter how great his political ambitions, never allows them to cause anyone to lose their position or status just to satisfy his own needs.

Examples:
1. In 2023, when he and Minister Hon. (Dr.) Bello Muhammad Matawalle were in APC, there was a proposal to dissolve the Zamfara State Executive Council and redistribute positions. He opposed it, insisting everyone should keep their seats until after the 2023 elections.
2. In 2023, there was a proposal to restructure APC leadership in Zamfara State. He refused, saying everyone should retain their positions, while he and Minister Matawalle would maintain their own structures.
3. In 2023, during the sharing of political candidacies in his constituency (Talata Mafara 1), even though he had more qualified candidates, he allowed Hon. Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko (aligned with Minister Matawalle) to retain his seat. After winning, Basko defected to PDP, yet Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto) did not retaliate.

Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto), if he knows you through a friend or close associate, but later you return without that connection, he will not deal with you until you reconnect through the same channel.

In conclusion, in Nigerian politics, Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) does not betray, does not slander, does not conspire against anyone, and does not sow division.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to continue guiding (Marafan Sokoto) on the right path, grant him health, wealth, and honor, and bless Zamfara State and the entire Northern Nigeria with peace, for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

 

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Tarauni 2027 : How Hon Hafizu Kawu Stabilizes Political Competition

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April 16, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

While some cowards, political appointees in federal government’s positions, refused to resign from their offices, in anticipation of their political careers against 2027 general elections, former member of the House of Representatives, from Tarauni federal constituency, Hon Hafizu Kawu (OON), (mni), did not resign for two or three fundamental reasons. He has never been a coward before now.

First and foremost, he refused to resign, because, his resignation would hit hard at Kano state. In his current position, he is representing North-West geopolitical zone. National Commissioner (Technical), at National Pension Commission (PENCOM). So when he resigns, Kano state would definitely be at the receiving end. Because there is no assurance that the position would be maintained in Kano. His love for his state supercedes other personal interests.

After his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, effective August 7, 2025, confirmation by the Senate and inauguration as part of the PENCOM Board, by the Secretary to the Federal Government, he promised to work tirelessly, to advance PENCOM’s objectives, strengthen pension administration, and safeguard the welfare of retirees across Nigeria.

As the position of Kawu was seen by many as portrayal of a good Ambassador from Kano, it is also understood as part of President Tinubu’s strategy to reposition key federal agencies for improved efficiency, making youth at the centrestage. With the confidence reposed in Kawu by Tinubu, his presence there, at the Commission, is highly needed and desirable. Not only by Kano people, but by all North-West people. Across our seven states.

No strange to federal positions and appointments, Kawu was Member, House of Representatives for Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano (2019–2023), on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). He served as Special Assistant to former Vice President, Prof, Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, (2015–2019). For national recognition and honour, he is the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), conferred in 2022. Kawu is Member, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (mni), Kuru, Near Jos. A university graduate, with many certifications.

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The second reason why he didn’t resign is, yes he has all it takes to contest for the position, but his special interest in the party unity, genuine membership cohesion and leadership honest consolidation, partly inform his decision not to contest. As some may argue that, his popularity, grip to the grassroot and political strength, are placed above other aspirants. With all the qualities, with all his pedigree and with the development he brought to his constituency, when he was a member, he quietly removed himself from the potential contestants.

Honourable Kawu’s strength and influence among the electorate, make him a focused political icon and juggernaut in Tarauni. As people look up to him, seeking for political direction come 2027. Though he is not contesting, he still has the power to do and undo in his primary constituency, at least. Or rather at best.

Apart from the incumbent member, the major contender for this position, is Hon Aminu Bala Ja’oji. Who recently resigned as Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Citizenship and Leadership. While he too, is another political king in his own right, his major obstacle is, the refusal of some notable politicians from Tarauni to support his ambition.

I was able to eavesdrop that, Ja’oji’s major political opponents are ganging up against him. As there was insinuation, which is yet to be ascertain that, he would get an automatic ticket. Automatic ticket could be possible and accepted in some federal constituencies in Kano, but in Tarauni, it could be vanity upon vanity.

With the undisputed influence and strength of Kawu in Tarauni politics, a possibility of dark horse is not penciled down. I learned that, some have started coming up with new strategies, new possibilities, new engagements, new interested minds and new normal. Whether true or false, Kawu may not support the candidature of Ja’oji.

Regardless of the arrangement, Kawu’s non-participation in the process as a contestant, will prove further, to all, who between him, Ja’oji and the incumbent [I don’t know if he is in APC or not] commands more respect from the party leadership and followership. If Tarauni is having parallel leadership structures, then the tug-of-war will be more interesting to watch from a distance.

For healthier, clearer and more interesting political competition, for the 2027 Tarauni election, some may suggest that Kawu should not aid Ja’oji get the ticket. And Ja’oji shouldn’t aid Kawu’s preferred aspirant, to get the ticket, during the nomination process. But when any of them gets it, then political alignment and realignment is quite normal and proper. The choice is theirs!

While in some federal constituencies, automatic ticket means peace, harmony, genuine consensus and sign of victory, in Tarauni federal constituency, automatic ticket means disaster, danger and self-defeat. Examples of where automatic ticket means peace, harmony and strategy, are Dala, Tudunwada/Doguwa, Bichi, Municipal, federal constituencies among others.

This piece is not interested in discussing Senatorial of Gubernatorial positions. Or State House of Assembly positions. The context is limited only to federal constituencies; House of Representatives.

Anwar writes from Kano
Thursday, 16th April, 2026

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