By Garba Yusuf Abubakar
When my son-in-law, Usman Balarabe, called to inform me of my appointment as Chief Spokesperson for the presidential and gubernatorial campaign in Kano State, I was somewhat surprised, perhaps because of my limited experience in such a responsibility.
Nevertheless, I fully understood the magnitude of the task ahead. My primary assignment was to help convince the electorate why Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates deserve the people’s mandate in the 2027 general elections.
That is certainly no small task, particularly in a politically sophisticated and socially complex state like Kano, where the electorate is highly conscious of political developments, public policies, governance and the performance of those entrusted with leadership.
Kano has a rich political history and a population whose expectations of leadership are both high and diverse.
Winning the confidence of its people requires more than slogans, campaign promises or political rhetoric. It demands credible information, convincing arguments, demonstrable achievements and a clear vision for the future.
As a progressive and enlightened society, the people of Kano deserve leaders who are committed to sustainable development. In my assessment, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has recorded progress across several sectors, including education, healthcare, human capital development, water resources, urban planning, social reorientation and public security.
The administration’s projects and programmes across these critical sectors, in my view, provide important points for communicating its record to the electorate.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s simplicity, accessibility, compassion and empathy are qualities I believe have helped shape his relationship with the people.
He has also demonstrated an interest in promoting unity and stability within the state.
In a predominantly Muslim society like Kano, the Governor demonstrates respect for Islamic values while maintaining an inclusive environment for residents of different backgrounds and beliefs.
His administration’s support for mass weddings involving widows, divorcees and young couples has also been presented as part of its efforts to support vulnerable members of society and promote social stability.
On security, the administration’s efforts to address social vices, including drug abuse, phone snatching and thuggery, remain significant issues in assessing its performance.
The establishment of the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and the deployment of anti-phone-snatching marshals are among the measures the government has adopted to address these challenges.
In addition, recruitment initiatives targeting women and young people, alongside empowerment programmes, entrepreneurship support and vocational training, are intended to improve livelihoods and encourage productive engagement among residents.
I believe the people of Kano have had the opportunity to assess Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership and the direction of his administration.
Given their political awareness and understanding of the state’s political landscape, I am optimistic that the Governor’s record will be an important consideration in the 2027 elections.
As the Chief Spokesperson of the campaign team in Kano State, I consider my responsibility relatively straightforward because the Governor has, in my view, made my job easier through his performance, programmes and the confidence he has inspired among sections of the population.
My task is to communicate the administration’s record, highlight its achievements and present its vision for the future of Kano State to the electorate.
I am also grateful to His Excellency for strengthening the campaign’s communication team by appointing other experienced, articulate and outspoken individuals to work alongside me.
These distinguished colleagues include Hon. Sunusi Majidadi Kiru, Hon. Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso, Hon. Bashir Sanata and Hajiya Aisha Sharrif.
With such a team working together, I am confident that we can communicate the administration’s achievements effectively, respond to misinformation with credible information and take the campaign’s message to communities across Kano State, insha Allah.
I remain optimistic about the political journey ahead and believe that a well-organised campaign, supported by clear communication and engagement with the electorate, will be essential to our success.
Insha Allah, victory will be ours once again.
Falle biyu ce!
Garba Yusuf Abubakar is the Chief Campaign Spokesperson for the Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Team in Kano State.