Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
There is a popular Hausa saying, “Siyasaar Kano Sai Kano,” which reflects the state’s unique and dynamic political landscape. In a recent political development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State announced the formation of a volunteer committee tasked with monitoring the affairs of the opposition-led New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The committee, approved by the state APC leadership, was unveiled by the party chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas. According to him, the committee comprises seasoned politicians, technocrats, former commissioners, retired civil servants, and other knowledgeable individuals. The introduction of this shadow government-style oversight is unprecedented in Nigerian politics, making Kano a focal point for political discussions once again.
Kano has remained at the forefront of political debates and rivalries, especially following the NNPP’s victory in the 2023 general elections, the party’s only gubernatorial win nationwide led by former Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. The APC’s latest move has sparked widespread debate among politicians, analysts, and residents alike.
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The controversy escalated late last week after a news conference held by the volunteer committee, led by former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Alhaji. The committee announced plans to deploy members across various ministries, parastatals, and agencies to assess government activities and identify areas needing improvement.
However, the NNPP government has strongly opposed this initiative, dismissing it as a direct challenge to the authority of the ruling party. In a statement signed by Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the state government described the APC’s move as “dangerous” and contrary to Nigeria’s democratic governance framework.
Despite the political uproar, some academicians and analysts see no constitutional violation in APC’s decision. Malam Kabiru Sa’id Sufi of the Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies (KASCEPS) noted that forming a volunteer committee does not contravene the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He argued that the committee should be given time to function before any conclusions are drawn regarding its legality.
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Sufi further explained that shadow governments are common in parliamentary systems, particularly in Britain and other nations following the Prime Ministerial model. These systems allow opposition parties to scrutinize government actions and prepare for potential leadership transitions. However, he noted that the Kano APC’s version of a shadow government differs significantly from the established model used in European nations.
As political tensions in Kano continue to rise, the unfolding scenario will likely shape the state’s political dynamics in the coming months.
