The Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has issued a press statement challenging recent remarks by elder statesman Engr. Buba Galadima, who suggested that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf cannot secure a second term without the political support of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In the statement dated January 25, 2026, Waiya described Galadima’s assertion as “analytically weak, misleading and dismissive of Kano State’s deeply rooted political culture.” He emphasized that while Kwankwaso remains a respected political heavyweight, Kano’s democratic tradition is not permanently contingent on the influence of a single individual.

According to Waiya, “There is no dispute that Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a strategic mobiliser and one of the most consequential figures in Kano’s modern political history. His influence is real and well earned. However, to suggest that Kano’s political future is permanently contingent on the shadow of a single individual is to misread both history and democratic behaviour of the people in the State.”

Waiya further expressed surprise that such a claim came from Galadima, noting that the elder statesman had previously benefited from Governor Yusuf’s inclusive leadership. “In the hope of institutional improvement, the Governor appointed him Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic, notwithstanding the fact that he is not an indigene of Kano State. Regrettably, the tenure yielded little or no measurable impact,” Waiya stated.

The Commissioner stressed that leadership is validated by tangible outcomes rather than commentary. “As the timeless proverb reminds us, the tree is known by its fruit,” he remarked, underscoring the need for performance-based legitimacy in Kano politics.

Highlighting Kano’s unique political culture, Waiya argued that power in the state ultimately rests with the electorate. “Kano operates on its own historical rhythm, civic memory, and political consciousness. Here, power does not permanently reside with godfathers; it rests with the electorates, whose loyalty has always been conditional on performance, character, trust and reliability,” he explained.

Waiya cited historical precedents to support his position, pointing to the emergence of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau as governor in 2003 without godfather backing. “His re-election validated a simple Kano principle: legitimacy is always derived from the people,” Waiya said.

He also referenced Kwankwaso’s own political return in 2011, noting that it was based on his record rather than anointment. “His past performance functioned as political capital. That experience alone should caution against overstating the durability of godfather politics in Kano,” Waiya asserted.

On Governor Yusuf’s mandate, Waiya emphasized that it was earned through popular legitimacy. “He was elected by the people of Kano, across party lines and political interests, defended his mandate through institutional processes, and assumed power with popular legitimacy,” Waiya explained. He added that Yusuf has since transitioned from protégé to principled leader, prioritizing education, institutional reforms, and social equity.

Responding to claims that Yusuf is “standing on borrowed feet,” Waiya countered that governance in Kano is consolidated through delivery. “Political authority in Kano is consolidated over time through delivery, not inherited indefinitely through association,” he said.

While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s enduring influence, Waiya stressed that mentorship does not equate to permanent dependence. “Influence is not ownership, and mentorship is not permanent dependence. Kano’s political tradition has always allowed for maturation and continuity beyond individuals,” he noted.

Expressing confidence in Yusuf’s future, Waiya declared: “I firmly believe that not only will Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf secure a second term, he will govern more effectively in a subsequent tenure, because governance, like leadership itself, matures with experience.”

He warned that those predicting Yusuf’s collapse without a godfather underestimate Kano’s political memory. “As history has repeatedly shown from Governor Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso himself, Kano ultimately rewards performance, not proximity to power,” Waiya said.

The Commissioner also addressed internal challenges within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), noting that persistent conflicts and legal disputes have created divisions. “The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” Waiya explained.

He concluded by stressing that Yusuf’s decisions are taken in good faith, with a commitment to peace and progress. Quoting the Qur’an, Waiya reminded citizens: “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Mawla (Protector). And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” He also cited a Hadith emphasizing reliance on divine decree, stating that “the pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”

“This,” Waiya concluded, “remains the enduring grammar of Kano politics.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 Local Government Chairmen.

He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.

A non-governmental organization, Non-Formal Development for Education and Health Initiative (NODEHI), has embarked on a sensitization program to educate persons with disabilities in Kano State about the Disability Law passed by the State Assembly. The initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among the physically challenged and push for the speedy establishment of a disability commission to ensure full implementation of the law.

Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Adviser to NODEHI, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among persons with disabilities about their rights under the law. He noted that many physically challenged individuals were not even aware of the provisions of the legislation.

“We gathered the physically challenged persons to enlighten them on the Disability Law and the steps required for its implementation. If strictly enforced, the law will help reduce street hawking among persons with disabilities. While the law has been partially implemented, the commission that should oversee its enforcement is yet to be established. We hope our recommendations will guide the government towards proper implementation,” Dr. Halilu stated.

Participants at the event expressed both optimism and concern. Abdurazak Ado Zango, one of the attendees, acknowledged government efforts but lamented the lack of proper monitoring. He stressed the need for inclusive education and guidance, particularly in confronting challenges faced by disabled students in examinations conducted by JAMB and WAEC.

“Government is trying its best, but unfortunately, progress is not being tracked. We should be pacesetters in educating the physically challenged. Funds meant for disability support must be accessible and not diverted. Each ministry should have a desk officer to represent persons with disabilities,” Zango said.

Adding her voice, Ambassador Rabia Yusuf Gezawa, Executive Director of the Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Center, described the sensitization as crucial for stakeholders. She highlighted the slow pace of implementation since the law was passed during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and reintroduced under the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The bill has been moving very slowly. Although Governor Yusuf is familiar with the law, more needs to be done. Each ministry, department, and agency should appoint directors to ensure compliance. There should also be customized instruments and interpreters to make the law accessible to all,” Gezawa explained.

Stakeholders called for the immediate establishment of the Disability Commission, which they believe will serve as a central body to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance, and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into government programs.

The program appealed to the Kano State Government to prioritize disability inclusion, allocate more budgetary resources, and guarantee that persons with disabilities are represented across ministries and agencies.