By Abba Anwar
It was evidently clear that, yesterday’s grand political gathering to formally welcome the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, into the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that took place at Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, as was blessed by His Excellency, the Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, was a yardstick to measure, who is more prepared for 2027, between the Governor and APC stalwarts in the state.
With the first look of the historic gathering, one could understand that, most of those who handled the responsibility of organizing supporters from the side of the Governor, are either reluctant, weak or inexperienced.
I expected to see the movement of red caps all over. As the trademark of the Governor and his people. Which literally means, Governor and his people, who just joined APC, are firmly on ground. But the direct opposite was the case. What filled the air were T-shirts and Face Caps of APC juggernauts all over. Right from the Airport surrounding, to the streets where Vice President and other top guys passed, on their way to the stadium.
I want believe that, Governor Yusuf knows exactly where he came from and is very conversant with what his former political godfather, is capable of doing. If to say the event to receive the Governor, was singlehandedly left in the hands of the Governor and his team, ALONE, it wouldn’t be that successful.
This tells us the unwavering capacity of APC heavyweights at the event. Wherever you look, what you would see was supporters chanting slogans of their political directions. And more than 80 percent of those supporters, came from the APC big hands.
Many people started asking questions, as to where were the local government Chairmen? What of the Commissioners and Advisers of the Governor? Where were closest individuals to the Governor? What of Governor’s well wishers and enthusiasts?
It appeared like there was no good mobilisation from the part of the local government Chairmen. Who by design, commission or omission, are the ones who should play most of the role in organizing grassroot supporters from their respective local governments.
Allah Ya jikan Murtala Sule Garo, ba dan ya mutum ba. Though he is alive, May Allah forgive Garo and bless him. When he was Kano State Chairman of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) or when he was the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs or when he was the State Organizing Secretary of the then ruling party, the atmosphere was brighter, cleaner and more promising.
The grand gathering speaks volumes about the capacity of four to five strong men I spotted in pre, during and post event period. All of them, adherent of APC. What I mean by that? I mean those APC people, Governor Yusuf met in the party, in the current political development.
These are His Excellency, the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, CON, His Excellency former Deputy Gubernatorial candidate for APC, in 2023 election, Murtala Sule Garo, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, House of Representatives, Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Director General, National Productivity Centre, Hon Baffa Babba Dan Agundi and House of Representatives Member representing Tudunwada/Doguwa federal constituency, Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa.
These people I mentioned, did their best at the event, to portray to Nigeria, Nigerians and the remnants from where Governor Yusuf left, that, APC is still alive and vibrant in Kano. And a clear message was sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that, the former Governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CFR, does not relent. I only mentioned what happened principally and there are more to my observation from other people. Genuine and pretenders.
The role played by the five heavyweights I mentioned above, says a lot about who and who Governor Yusuf needs to work with in closer terms and relationship. All of them did their possible best, showcased political strategy, sophistication and engage the Governor in what can be termed as, the time to do it, is now. Either to make or mar. So the victory and its processes are largely in the hand of the Governor. When I say victory, I’m looking at 2027, largely.
Coming down the ladder, where I met Barau, Garo, Abba Bichi, Doguwa and Dan Agundi, the former chairman of Municipal local government, Hon Fa’izu Alfindiki and the current Commissioner for Information, Hon Abdullahi Waiya, did the needful. They did well in their own way. I salute the courage, commitment and unwavering loyalty being displayed. In pre, during and post event period. I eavesdropped their good work as good team players.
Down the ladder also, I saw the commitment, unwavering loyalty and support of Comrade Magaji Kabiru Gulu, from Rimingado and that boy Aminu Dahiru from Gwale local government. When it comes to organization, I’m sure they performed differently also.
I suggest, His Excellency, Yusuf, should cross examine most of his local governments’ bosses. It was crystal clear that their organization was very poor, inexperienced, shallow, loosely engaging and panic – laddened. While the Governor should sit-up and face the challenges head-on, working closely with APC hands is absolutely necessary.
Anwar writes from Kano
