Abdullahi Yusuf Ata’s recent statement about his ability to deliver Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 reeks of political overconfidence and an astonishing lack of self-awareness. His claims, particularly about regaining APC’s stronghold in the state, deserve to be scrutinized for their glaring contradictions with his political history and current standing.
First, Ata’s tenure as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly was abruptly cut short by his impeachment, largely based on accusations that he lacked the capability to manage the affairs of the House. The motion to remove him was spearheaded by key political figures from his own party, including Labaran Abdul Madari and Abdullahi Chiromawa, suggesting that even within his political ranks, Ata was seen as ineffective. This was a glaring indication of his inability to lead, which raises immediate doubts about his supposed political strength and ability to effect meaningful change in Kano.
His defeat in the 2023 general elections across multiple positions, including State Assembly, Kano Governorship, Senate, and even the presidential election, paints a picture of a politician whose influence is not only waning but practically nonexistent.
If Ata cannot secure a victory in his own local government of Fagge, a vital constituency in Kano, how can he realistically claim to have the political capital to reclaim the state for the APC? His defeat speaks volumes about his disconnect with the electorate, who have repeatedly rejected his leadership at multiple levels.
Ata’s assertion that Kano Central, the region he claims to represent, will swing back to APC under his leadership is equally questionable. While he boasts about the region’s substantial voter base, it is important to remind him that political success is not merely about numbers but about credibility and leadership. His track record offers little evidence of either.
The people of Kano have demonstrated their unwillingness to back his leadership in recent elections, and his inability to secure even his own ward suggests that his claim to revive APC’s fortunes is based more on delusion than reality.
Furthermore, Ata’s attempt to place himself as a key player in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is puzzling, given that his previous stints in political leadership, including his role as Majority Leader and Special Adviser to the Governor, yielded no tangible results. His promises to complete ongoing housing projects and deliver on his ministerial duties sound more like empty rhetoric aimed at salvaging a reputation that is increasingly difficult to restore.
It is vital that Ata reconsiders his current trajectory. Rather than continuing to make baseless promises about political victories, he would be better served by focusing on his current ministerial responsibilities. He must acknowledge the fact that he has no real political power or influence to reclaim the APC mandate in Kano. His continued posturing is more likely to harm his standing and waste valuable political capital, which could otherwise be used in more productive endeavors.
To put it bluntly, Ata’s prideful statements do not align with his past performances, and his focus should be on serving the people through his ministerial role rather than indulging in delusions of grandeur about the next election cycle.
Garba Ubale Kankarofi is a political analyst and writes from Kano. He can be reached at +234 706 816 0279.
