Gov Yusuf can win re-election without godfathers – Kano govt declares

The Kano state government has declared that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf can secure a second term without the backing of political godfathers.

Ibrahim Waiya, commissioner for information and internal affairs, stated this in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

Waiya was reacting to claims attributed to Buba Galadima suggesting that Yusuf cannot win re-election without the support of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He described the claim as misleading and a misreading of Kano’s political history.

While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s stature as a major political figure in Kano and Nigeria, Waiya said no individual permanently owns the political destiny of the state.

He said: “Kano operates on its own historical rhythm, civic memory and political consciousness. Power in the state ultimately rests with the electorate, whose loyalty has always been conditional on performance, character, trust and credibility.”

Waiya expressed surprise that the remarks were attributed to Galadima, noting that he benefitted from Yusuf’s inclusive leadership.

He said Galadima was appointed chairman of the governing council of Kano state polytechnic despite not being an indigene of the state.

According to the commissioner, the appointment was made in good faith and based on expectations of experience and value addition.

Waiya said no notable reforms or developmental initiatives were recorded during Galadima’s tenure.

He said leadership should be assessed by tangible outcomes rather than public commentary, adding that Kano voters have historically resisted permanent political ownership and godfatherism.

He recalled the emergence of Ibrahim Shekarau as governor in 2003 without godfather backing.

Waiya said Shekarau’s rise and re-election were driven by moral credibility and popular appeal.

He also referenced Kwankwaso’s political comeback in 2011, attributing it to performance rather than political anointment.

“Performance, not proximity to power, remains the enduring principle of Kano politics. To frame the governor as standing on borrowed feet ignores the reality that governance is iterative,” Waiya said.

“Political authority in Kano is consolidated through delivery, not inherited indefinitely through association,” he added.

Waiya expressed confidence that Governor Yusuf would not only secure a second term but would also govern more effectively with experience.

He said recent political decisions by the governor were influenced by internal crises within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

“These decisions were taken in good faith, without ill will, and with a firm commitment to peace, unity and the progress of Kano state,” he said.