BARAU: A Power Broker In Kano
By Dahiru Hassan Kera
Down memory lane, Kano state has been viewed by many political pundits as a bastion and fortress of northern politics right from the days of the late Malam Aminu Kano, the proponent of the Nigerian socialist party, Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), to what gave birth to the present political generation, the state plays a vital role in determining the Northern political standpoints.
It also had the highest number of registered voters throughout the zone and second in the country with Lagos being the highest. So, being keen on Kano politics as a journalist and also a politician is crucial.
It was interesting how Kwankwaso’s favoured candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf overwhelmingly defeated the then-deputy Governor, Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, and the majority of the National and state Assembly seats were won by the NNPP candidate. However, many factors played a role, which is not the crux of this piece.
The brewing storm of the 2027 election isn’t sometimes too early to discuss, although the election is a bit far. Significantly, seeing how the present administration in the state faired within its first year, the consequences of its harsh policies of revocation and demolition of people’s properties in what seems to be a political vendetta will determine voters’ decisions in the upcoming election.
The rate at which the Kwankwasiyya progenies are throwing their red caps at the behest of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin of the All Progressives Congress (APC,) who was one of such political colossus that defied the NNPP’s sweeping tide in the last election, has more to it than meet the eye.
Sen. Barau, the current Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District, is a towering figure in Nigerian politics, particularly within Kano State and the broader North West geopolitical zone. Over the years, he has steadily ascended the ranks of the political hierarchy, carving out a reputation as a pragmatic leader, legislative heavyweight, and an advocate for development.
As Kano State’s political dynamics continue to shift, Barau’s influence has grown substantially, positioning him as a critical player in the state’s future. Undoubtedly, one of his standout achievements is his instrumental role in pushing for the establishment of the North West Development Commission (NWDC). This legislative initiative reflects his deep commitment to addressing the developmental challenges facing the North West region, which even now grapples with issues such as poverty, insecurity, and infrastructural deficits.
The NWDC is positioned to tackle these challenges by fostering socioeconomic growth, creating jobs and promoting education across the seven states of the zone.
Barau was relentless in his advocacy for the commission. Nothing demonstrates his far-sightedness and desire to bring transformative change to the region more than the drive to work with other legislators to make the NWDC dream a reality. With similar regional intervention bills pouring into the National Assembly at the same time, the express passage of the NWDC Bill emphasises Senator Barau’s capacity to navigate the often complex and highly competitive legislative terrain to successfully turn an ambitious vision into a concrete reality.
With the commission now set to play a pivotal role in developing the North West, Barau Jibrin’s name will forever be associated with this landmark achievement as the bill’s sponsor.
As Kano continues to be a key battleground in Nigerian politics, Barau Jibrin has emerged as a central figure in the APC’s bid to reclaim the state from the grip of the NNPP and its influential leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Over the past months, Barau has been at the forefront of a major political realignment, successfully wooing several key NNPP figures to defect to the APC, signaling a shift in Kano’s political landscape.
Among those who have joined the APC under Barau’s leadership are high-profile political figures, including Hajiya Aisha Ahmed Kaita, the NNPP North West Zonal Women Leader, and Yahuza Getso, a prominent member of the NNPP’s national caucus. Others who have defected include Alhaji Rabiu Alhassan Durum and Alhaji Sani Abdulkadir Dambo, a top aide of Governor Abba Kabir who recently resigned to join forces with APC.
Without making it too obvious, these defections accentuate Barau’s growing influence and his ability to attract seasoned politicians to his cause, boosting the APC’s prospects in Kano State ahead of future elections.
The political momentum generated by these defections and the preference to identify with the senator has sent a clear message: Barau Jibrin is not only a formidable political strategist but also a unifying figure capable of rallying diverse factions within the state’s political spectrum.
Analysts are already beginning to identify these efforts as potent weapons for weakening the stronghold of Kwankwaso and the NNPP, giving the APC a renewed sense of optimism in Kano’s political future.
Beside his political side resides a deep commitment to empowering the next generation through education and technology. One of his signature initiatives is the provision of foreign postgraduate scholarships to 70 students from Kano State. These scholarships, which focus on cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Forensics, and Machine Learning, are a testament to Barau’s recognition of the importance of technology in the future development of Kano and Nigeria at large.
Barau’s investment in education in this advanced area reflects his position in Kano State as a leader in technological innovation, ensuring that the region is not left behind in the global race for technological dominance. The beneficiaries of these scholarships will bring back their expertise to the state and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
With many political stalwarts rallying around the deputy senate president, the political realignments in Kano are beginning to spark widespread conversation among the people, with many recognising Senator Barau as an emerging political force.
His ability to bridge divides and bring former adversaries into the fold is a rare skill in today’s polarised political climate.
If anything, the recent defection of Hajiya Aisha Ahmed Kaita, a former staunch supporter of Kwankwaso, shows the growing influence of Barau as a unifying force within Kano politics.
Kaita’s decision to join the APC and her supporters across Kano’s 44 local government areas have been labelled a significant coup for Barau and APC against Kwankwaso and NNPP. Her defection goes beyond boosting APC’s chances of reclaiming Kan. It also signals the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s political history, where Barau is set to play a leading role.
To those who care, listen, and let them note that Senator Barau is growing into the political rallying point of Kano politics without even knowing it. His journey from a legislator to a political heavyweight is cementing his place as a man of vision. His determination and leadership are birthing a new political order in Kano State, indeed, Northwest Nigeria.
I dare say this is the best time to decide for those still on the fence. Continue to watch in the hope of playing both sides or take these bold steps with Senator Barau. The choice is theirs!
Because as Kano continues to evolve, Barau Jibrin’s influence is set to keep growing, making him a figure to watch in no distant future.
As we know, Kano holds a significant stake in Nigeria’s politics. And who better for President Tinubu to align with ahead of 2027 than a man as Senator Barau, who has already shown that he can blend legislative achievement with grassroots political strategy, positioning him as a formidable leader capable of shaping the future of Kano State and the wider North West region and the nation at large?
Kera writes from Abuja.
