Abubakar Shehu Kwaru

There is an adage that behind every successful leader stands a dependable ally—one who offers moral discipline, commitment, ability and an unwavering desire to make meaningful impact. Leadership is rarely a solo endeavour; it thrives on loyalty, sound counsel and shared vision.

It is widely acknowledged that a good leader is one who listens to the views, suggestions and constructive criticism of close associates on matters of socio-economic and political importance. In Kano’s political landscape, one of such tested and proven leaders is Murtala Sule Garo, who has served in various capacities and was presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.

The political milestones recorded by Garo cannot be separated from the dedication, loyalty and strategic support of those around him. Prominent among these trusted allies is Honourable Lamin Sani Kawaji, the current Chairman of the APC Caucus in Nassarawa Local Government Area.

It would not be an exaggeration to describe Honourable Kawaji as one of the key commanders supporting their “grand commander” and youthful political leader, Honourable Garo. For nearly two decades, I have maintained a close and personal relationship with both men, observing firsthand their political evolution and shared journey.

In Honourable Kawaji, I have found an honest and principled leader—hardworking, disciplined, punctual and accountable. He is a man who matches words with action and exemplifies prudence and reliability in public service.

Born and raised in the ancient city of Kano over five decades ago, Kawaji has built an impressive record across various spheres of public life. Despite the inevitable challenges and bottlenecks that accompany political growth, he has remained steadfast—an attribute common to many successful individuals.

Popularly known as “Dan Sani” among admirers, he hails from the respected family of the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Zawiyya of Koki quarters in Kano Municipality. His upbringing laid the foundation for his discipline and commitment to community service.

Honourable Lamin Sani Kawaji was first elected Executive Chairman of Nassarawa Local Government Council in 2013 and was re-elected for a second term in 2016. During his tenure, he initiated policies and programmes that transformed the council, ensuring that residents benefitted from the dividends of democracy.

His administration prioritised improvements in education, healthcare service delivery, infrastructural development, youth and women empowerment, and the creation of a conducive atmosphere for commercial activities. Public service efficiency also received significant attention under his leadership.

Like his political ally and mentor, Honourable Garo, Kawaji also served as the Kano State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), further strengthening his credentials in grassroots governance.

Upon the expiration of his tenure as Executive Chairman, the then Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appointed him Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Following Garo’s nomination as the APC deputy governorship candidate alongside Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna in 2023, Kawaji was appointed Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to replace him in the ministry.

In that capacity, he performed beyond expectations, consolidating reforms and sustaining administrative efficiency.

Political observers will recall that Garo and Kawaji played significant roles in the APC’s 2019 electoral success, which secured a second term for Governor Ganduje and his deputy.

Today, Honourable Kawaji remains a grassroots politician committed to complementing governance efforts in Kano State, including developmental initiatives under the present administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Indeed, the partnership between Honourable Lamin Sani Kawaji and Honourable Murtala Sule Garo demonstrates the enduring value of loyalty, teamwork and shared political vision. With faith, perseverance and strategic collaboration, their journey in public service continues to reflect the timeless maxim: one with God is always in the majority.

Abubakar Shehu Kwaru is a seasoned journalist who writes from Mandawari Quarters in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State.

Lamara Garba

From the moment Vice President Kashim Shettima touched down at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, the ancient city shifted into a different rhythm. The roads leading from the airport were not merely crowded; they were alive. Traders, market women, civil servants, and artisans abandoned their stalls and workplaces for a glimpse of the visiting dignitaries. Young men climbed rooftops and signposts, while elderly men in flowing babbar riga stood shoulder to shoulder with restless students waving party flags.

The chants rolled like thunder along Airport Road, through Fagge quarters, down Murtala Mohammed Way, and into the arteries leading to the city’s historic heart. It was not the choreography of hired enthusiasm; it was organic, loud, and unmistakable.

By the time the convoy approached the iconic Sani Abacha Stadium, the streets had become a river of humanity. The stadium itself seemed too small to contain the emotion that poured into it. In that moment, one truth stood firm: this was no routine political reception. It was a public declaration of belonging — that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf belongs to the people of Kano, and that the people, in turn, belong to him.

The formal reception of Governor Yusuf by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was described as a homecoming. Yet it felt deeper — almost philosophical. At its highest form, politics is about alignment: of interests, of vision, of destiny. On that day, Kano appeared to signal that its destiny must sit at the table where national decisions are shaped.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Shettima addressed the sea of supporters with deliberate clarity. Kano, he noted, is too strategic to stand at the margins of Nigeria’s future. His tone carried both political calculation and historical awareness. Kano has always been more than a state; it is a compass. When Kano moves, Nigeria feels it. When Kano speaks, the federation listens.

His remarks were not mere pleasantries. They underscored the significance of Governor Yusuf’s entry into the APC — not as a simple addition, but as the strengthening of a pillar. Kano’s economic vibrancy and political consciousness, he suggested, are integral to the broader national development agenda.

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, described Yusuf’s defection as a return home. In politics, the language of homecoming is potent; it softens rivalry and reframes past tensions as steps toward reunion. Uzodinma went further, calling Kano the “brain” of Nigerian politics — a metaphor that resonated deeply with the crowd. A brain directs, calculates, and interprets. By that logic, Kano’s alignment with the APC signals direction for the country.

Similarly, the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, portrayed the moment as an infusion of fresh momentum. He spoke of progressive ideals and shared responsibility, emphasising that the governor’s entry would enrich rather than dilute the party’s character.

Standing like an elder statesman observing the unfolding of history, former National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje declared the party in Kano stronger and more united than ever. In Kano’s political theatre, unity is currency. His words suggested that previous fractures had been stitched into a single fabric.

Yet beyond the speeches was the quiet but powerful statement made by the crowd itself. No script can manufacture such enthusiasm. Thousands who lined the streets and filled the stadium were not merely witnessing a political transaction; they were affirming their governor. Their presence was a reminder that leadership, ultimately, is validated by followership.

Governor Yusuf balanced gratitude with principle. He pledged that his new political alignment would not compromise his pursuit of fairness and justice. Defections often invite suspicion, but he framed his decision as pragmatic rather than opportunistic — a strategic move to widen the channels through which Kano’s aspirations could be realised.

There was symbolism, too, in the earlier announcement of federal support for Kano’s recovery from recent challenges. The financial backing from the federal government and the governors’ forum was presented not merely as relief but as evidence of partnership. In politics, resources often follow relationships. By stepping into the APC fold, Kano was not simply changing party colours; it was strengthening its access to the levers of federal influence.

What unfolded at the stadium was layered. On the surface, it was a mega rally filled with music, banners, and applause. Beneath that surface, it was a recalibration of political equations ahead of 2027. Kano’s electoral weight can tilt national outcomes. Any party that secures Kano secures more than votes; it secures narrative dominance in the North.

Philosophically, the event underscored a timeless truth about power: it abhors isolation. In a federal system as complex as Nigeria’s, alignment between state and centre often determines the pace of development. The rally conveyed a shared understanding that Kano’s ambitions are best pursued in concert with the ruling party at the national level.

As the sun dipped over the ancient city and the crowds gradually dispersed, one could sense that something had shifted. Kano had spoken — not in whispers, but in waves. Whether history will judge the decision kindly remains to be seen. But on that Monday in February, the message was unmistakable: the political map of Kano had been redrawn, and the ink was still fresh.

Lamara Garba, a veteran journalist, writes from Kano.

Isyaku Ibrahim

It has become increasingly apparent that whenever the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Muslim community begins to experience severe electricity outages.

Despite repeated assurances by the relevant authorities year after year, the situation continues unabated. The current circumstances clearly demonstrate this troubling pattern, imposing additional hardship on residents at a time when the community is only hours away from commencing the sacred month-long period of worship.

One may recall that during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, a minister once vowed upon assuming office to resolve the persistent electricity challenges to ensure that Muslim faithful could observe Ramadan without power disruptions. Unfortunately, that promise ultimately proved to be a pipe dream.

It is both disappointing and painful that a section of the community appears to bear the brunt of these outages during a spiritually significant period, especially in a secular society where public services are expected to be delivered equitably.

Public utility institutions such as the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) were established to serve the collective interest of all citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic, sectional, or political affiliations. When that core objective is undermined, it creates frustration, erodes trust, and fosters resentment within the broader society.

Ramadan is a period of reflection, sacrifice, and devotion. It is also a time when families require stable electricity for basic needs—especially for preparing meals to break the fast and to sustain worshippers during long days of fasting. The inability to access reliable power during such a critical time deepens hardship and diminishes the comfort of an already demanding spiritual exercise.

As the holy month begins, it is my sincere hope that KEDCO and other relevant authorities will take urgent and practical steps to ensure improved electricity supply. Ramadan should be a time of spiritual upliftment—not avoidable suffering caused by preventable service failures.

Isyaku Ibrahim is a Director in Kano Civil Service.