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Opinion: New Kano emirates and 2023 gubernatorial election

Abba Ibrahim Gwale
To the new emirates and their beneficiaries, the creation of the new emirs in Kano by the state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is a good development especially for people who used to find it difficult to reach the main Kano Emirate.
There are both positive and negative sides to the creation of the new emirates in Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye local government areas of the state.
But the way and manner these emirates were created has raised suspicions that our politicians may use the opportunity to create more divisions in the state within the political arena.
There were worries when the creation of new emirates in Kano was first announced, but after some months many people that are now direct beneficiaries of it are celebrating and predicting the outcome of the gubernatorial election in the state considering the number of votes from each local government or senatorial zone.

Kano currently has at least 5,457,747 estimated votes according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
But before 2023 general election the commission will conduct further registration for new voters and existing ones who might have lost their voter cards. That means there would be more voters than we have now.
Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Dala, Nassarawa, Fagge, Gwale, Ungoggo, Kumbotso, Dawakin Kudu and Minjibir local governments are all situated within the domain of the main Kano Emirate under Emir Muhammad Sanusi II. These local governments have more votes than Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye emirates combined.
It could be safely speculated that the local governments in the domain of the main Kano Emirate could be deciding factors in 2023 elections due to their numerical strength, political awareness and sophisticated voter education.
It’s too early to start thinking about who will be the next governor of Kano from the main political parties but there seems to be an urgent need to make calculations on how to fill the void created by the inconsequential new emirates.
The notion of “We vs Them” is already in the people’s mind and any party that presented a candidate from the urban area will get a lot of votes from the people in the city while those from the suburbs will also rain their votes to the person that comes from their own domains.
The “Sarkin Birni and Sarakunan Kauye” names-calling will play a notorious role in many people’s mind while the ongoing political crisis that is brewing between Mr Ganduje and Emir Sanusi may intensify.
There are speculations that people who live in the urban areas, will not vote any candidates that come from rural areas as governor while those that live in the city may also support only candidates from the metropolis.
I am optimistic, but the potential pitfalls of these new emirates are alarming. Elders and opinion leaders have a role to play in shaping people’s minds before and during elections’ processes to inform people on the importance of unity and voting for the right candidate. .
But, still, we see the creation of the new emirates as a huge liability as the state government is spending millions of naira for building palaces, buying new cars for the emirs.
Also many people that are working closely with the emirs are now on government pay roles while the government will also provide money for events especially during sallah celebrations.
Many people have criticized the government for deploying huge resources on the new emirates rather than using it for the well being of the masses.
This is especially true considering that there are several communities across the state that lack school buildings, furniture and learning materials as well as decent hospitals, medical equipment or drugs.
Kano state is still lagging behind in agricultural sector despite the fact that the government claims to invest more on agriculture, health and education.
The government is still insisting that the emirates are here to stay despite the court saga, but the fear is the next governor of the state might not be more concerned about the emirates and may continue to recognize the number one emirates even if he is from the same party with the incumbent unless he has the same grudges with the incumbent which is unlikely.
As a result of these new emirates many local governments could not benefit from infrastructural development, loans for farming, proper consideration and benefit for employment and many policies from government that can directly affect the people.
Curiously, people are asking why Governor Ganduje appears to give more priority to Bichi emirate led by Aminu Ado Bayero despite the fact that among the newly created emirates only Bichi did not have a history of being an emirate.
Is it because Aminu Ado Bayero, the son of the late Alhaji Ado Bayero is the emir of Bichi? Or is it true that the governor wants to dethrone Muhammad Sanusi II so that Aminu can replace him as the Emir of Kano?
Regardless of what will happen in 2023 general elections, the new emirates and in fact the whole emirates saga will play a major role in the state’s politics during campaigns and on elections day, especially the gubernatorial poll.
Gwale can be reached at Abbalggwale18@gmail.com

Headlines
Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf

By Ibrahim Adam
In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.
It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.
That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.

“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”
A Leader Who Showed Up
Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:
“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”
Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.
When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.
“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.
“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”
He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.
In Mina, a Governor Turned Father
Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.
No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.
He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.
“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”
It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.
Three Square Meals and a Human Connection
For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.
• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.
• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.
And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.
This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.
“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.
“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”
The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.
Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts
Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.
“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.
“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”
His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.
A Memory Etched in Spirit
What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.
“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.
The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.
Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals
In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.
It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.
Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.
About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.
And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.
He walked with us. And we will never forget.
Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.

Headlines
Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims

In a moving display of compassion and leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reached across borders to extend a generous hand of support to 3,345 pilgrims from Kano performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
During a surprise visit to the pilgrims’ tent in Mina, one of the holiest sites of the Hajj, the governor personally distributed 250 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim — a heartfelt gesture totaling ₦361,087,500, calculated at an exchange rate of ₦430 per riyal.
The atmosphere in Mina shifted from solemn to joyful as pilgrims received not just money, but a message of solidarity and care from home.
“You are our ambassadors in the holy land,” Governor Yusuf told the pilgrims.

“This small gesture is to show that your state stands with you, prays for you, and appreciates the spiritual sacrifice you are making.”
The governor’s visit, made in the midst of the intense rituals of Hajj, was seen as symbolic — a leader humbling himself among his people in their moment of spiritual devotion.
For many of the pilgrims, the gesture wasn’t just about the money, but about being remembered, honored, and supported far from home.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board oversaw the smooth and transparent distribution of the funds, ensuring that all 3,345 pilgrims received their share.
In a time when many leaders are accused of being distant from the people, Governor Yusuf’s gesture in Mina stands as a powerful symbol of connected leadership, faith in action, and governance with a human face.

Headlines
Emir Sanusi cancels Sallah durbar

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cancelled the planned Sallah durbar activities by the Emirate.

KANO FOCUS reports that Sanusi announced the cancelation while addressing journalists at the Kofar Kudu palace.
According to him, the cancellation followed his meetings with the Kano State Government, which showed him a lot of evidence of nefarious plans to use his movement to create tension in the state.
“After a series of advice, the emirate council has cancelled the Sallah Durbar activities.
“Therefore, we are directing all our district heads, wards and village heads to strictly adhere and stay in their location to avoid any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
It will be recalled that the joint security agencies in Kano had on Tuesday insisted that the ban on all forms of Sallah Durbar activities in the state is still in force.
