Kano Politics: How Barau Jibrin’s Moves May Backfire By Adnan Mukhtar
Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, appeared poised to shape the discourse on Nigerian political strategy. However, his recent ill-advised moves and ineffective decisions risk undermining the influence he should possess as the country’s third-highest-ranking official.
Barau Jibrin, affectionately known as Maliya, has long been a significant figure in Kano politics. His ascent began in 1999 when he became a member of the House of Representatives, notably chairing the powerful Appropriation Committee. However, after losing the election in 2003, his political influence waned until Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso revitalized his career by appointing him as Commissioner for Science and Technology—a surprisingly strategic move for a man whose political presence had dimmed. Barau succeeded Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa, who had been promoted to the position of APC National Treasurer during the party’s inaugural convention.
Barau’s political fortunes changed dramatically when he secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Kano North after Kwankwaso parted ways with Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor and Minister. The pivot came when Kwankwaso directed Ganduje to return to Kano from Lagos, rallying support for Barau in the senatorial primaries and ultimately leading to Gwarzo’s defeat. This maneuver was rooted in Gwarzo’s opposition to Kwankwaso’s presidential aspirations at the party convention, where he sided with Bola Tinubu, the former leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Thus, Barau Jibrin emerged as a senatorial candidate, paving his way to the Deputy Presidency of the Senate. However, in politics, loyalty is fleeting; there are no permanent friends or enemies, only enduring interests. This was starkly illustrated in the rift between Barau and Kwankwaso. After Barau’s ascent, he severed ties with his political benefactor, aligning himself with Abdullahi Ganduje amidst their notorious feud. In a departure from the Hausa saying, “Ana Barin Halak Dan Kunya,” which underscores the need for respect and loyalty, Barau openly supported Ganduje in the Senate—even as Kwankwaso remained a member. This move starkly highlights the transitory nature of political alliances.
Barau’s relentless pursuit of personal interest, even at the expense of the collective good, has become a signature trait. His involvement in the removal of Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister is a case in point; reports suggest that Barau lobbied consistently at the presidential villa to orchestrate Gwarzo’s ousting, despite Gwarzo holding no animosity towards him.
Recent actions by Barau Jibrin seem aimed at cementing his status as the most influential APC member from Kano State. Observers suggest his next target may be Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the current National Chairman of the APC— the very man he once aligned himself with against Kwankwaso. His ambition appears centered on consolidating power and dominance within the party, even at the expense of others from Kano State.
With 2.5 years remaining until the 2027 elections, Barau has already embarked on a campaign of opportunistic politics, welcoming defectors to the APC. Yet, it appears his focus is less about serving his constituents and more about fueling his ambition to become governor. Governing a cosmopolitan state like Kano requires strategic diplomacy, not igniting unnecessary conflicts and making enemies.
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Ironically, this influx of defectors has turned Barau into an “ATM machine.” They visit him in Abuja, claiming to have left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) one day, only to pledge allegiance to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Kano Government House the next. This opportunism raises questions about the sincerity of these defections and Barau’s true intentions.
TikToker Umma Wiyya’s recent speech shed light on the motives behind her brief defection from the NNPP to Barau and back within just a week. She indicated that she and others joined Barau solely to grab a piece of the “national cake” before returning to their original loyalties. This flip-flopping not only highlights the insincerity of these defectors but also reveals their self-serving motivations.
When supporters of the governing Kano NNPP observed the defectors gathering at Barau’s residence, they mockingly chanted “A wanki gara” in Hausa, suggesting that Barau is perceived as a passive politician—too easily manipulated, allowing individuals like Umma Wiyya to exploit his generosity.
Umma Wiyya’s example underscores the superficial nature of Barau’s political alliances in Kano, where self-interest often trumps genuine commitment.
In light of Barau’s recent maneuvers, it seems that Kano APC members have now united against him, stemming from his treatment of former Minister Abdullahi Gwarzo. Gwarzo is respected in Kano North for his accessibility and unwavering support for constituents during both good and difficult times. For anyone with gubernatorial aspirations, like Barau, fostering unity among party members is paramount; creating rifts ultimately jeopardizes political ambitions.
As a neutral political commentator and analyst, I observe that this backlash against Barau will likely hinder his gubernatorial or overall political aspirations. History has shown that internal conflicts can have severe ramifications, as demonstrated in the 2023 Kano State gubernatorial election. Barau’s actions may ultimately jeopardize his chances for success—a forewarning worth heeding.
Furthermore, Barau Jibrin’s attempt to outmaneuver the National Chairman—an experienced former governor—represents a high-risk and ill-advised strategy. The chairman inherently serves as the party leader, making Jibrin’s strategy a potential recipe for disaster.
Additionally, conspiring against key stakeholders in Kano North, including former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Gwarzo and Murtala Sule Garo, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, undermines Barau’s gubernatorial aspirations. This tactic may damage his prospects, as unity among party members is essential for political survival.
Ultimately, Jibrin’s actions may indicate a power struggle, leading to further discord within the party. Given that loyalty and alliances are crucial in politics, his approach could cost him the essential support he needs to ascend to the Kano Government House.
The ambition of Senator Barau appears dead on arrival. With Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a former governor from Kano North, having served eight years, it is now Kano Central’s turn to lead. Awarding the APC ticket to another candidate from Kano North would disregard the established rotational pattern—an undesirable outcome.
Will Kano South stakeholders remain passive? It’s worth noting that the last time a candidate from Kano South led as governor was in 1993—31 years ago.
It’s not too late for Barau to recalibrate his political strategy to align with the ambitions of his supporters. He should focus on cultivating alliances instead of creating unnecessary enemies within the party.
As Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Senator representing Kano North since 2015, Barau’s actions carry significant weight. He must recognize that politics is not merely about financial gain and accessibility; it requires fostering genuine connections and actively listening to the needs of the people.
Adnan Mukhtar is a university lecturer and political commentator based in Abuja.
