Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said his ambition to secure re-election in 2027 is not a do-or-die affair, stressing that political power belongs to God, who gives and takes authority according to His will.
Yusuf spoke on Friday during the swearing-in of Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and Balarabe Sa’idu Gani as commissioners for Information and Internal Affairs, and Solid Minerals, respectively.
He urged politicians who regard elections as a life-or-death struggle to reconsider their approach, saying his administration believes in divine destiny.
“Anyone who thinks our politics is a do-or-die affair should think again. We believe in destiny, whether good or bad. We believe Allah is the One who gives and the One who withholds,” he said.
Reflecting on previous elections, the governor recalled that his political camp accepted its setbacks in 2019, believing that the time for their victory had not yet come.
He also said they viewed their eventual victory in the 2023 governorship election, despite the legal challenges that culminated in a Supreme Court battle, as an act of divine will.
“2027 belongs to Allah and is in His hands. Is there anyone who can give besides Him? Since everything is in His hands, whatever He does is right,” Yusuf said.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the governor charged the new Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, to strengthen the state’s media machinery and improve public communication of government policies, programmes and achievements.
He urged him to enhance coordination across the government’s social media platforms and work with the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, particularly among young people.
Yusuf also directed the commissioner to strengthen collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies to ensure consistent communication of government activities.
For the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the governor tasked Balarabe Sa’idu Gani with tackling illegal mining through effective monitoring, enforcement of regulations and cooperation with security agencies.
He further urged the commissioner to work with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other stakeholders to attract credible investors, increase revenue and create employment opportunities.
Yusuf also disclosed that his administration had established a multimillion-naira Quick Response Patrol Office equipped with a 24-hour call and command centre, a real-time intelligence desk and specialised laboratories for drug testing and investigations.
According to him, the facility will allow residents to anonymously submit videos, photographs and voice recordings to support intelligence gathering.
The governor urged both commissioners to carry out their duties with dedication, professionalism, humility and accountability, describing public office as a sacred trust.
