Kano politics breeding loyalists, not competent leaders – Abba Gwale on NDC deputy governorship candidate

A Kano-based political analyst, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, popularly known as Abba Gwale, has raised concerns over the quality of emerging political leaders in the state.

While raising the concern on his Facebook page on Tuesday night, Ibrahim lamented that the current political system is producing loyalists rather than competent leaders.

He was reacting to the recent announcement by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which named Mustapha Kwankwaso as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

According to him, the trend of selecting leaders based on loyalty and political convenience, rather than competence and integrity, poses a serious risk to the future of Kano State.

“Barring any major changes in the next couple of years, the future generation of political leadership in Kano does not look promising,” he wrote.

He stressed that political leaders must begin to prioritise the long-term development of the state over personal or group interests when making key decisions.

Gwale noted that those currently close to power are most likely to emerge as future governors, deputy governors, and key office holders, raising concerns about the criteria used in their selection.

“The choice of a deputy governor should not be based solely on loyalty, political appeal, or the willingness to serve as a stooge. Competence, integrity, and moral character should also be key considerations,” he added.

The analyst said his assessment of politicians across different political blocs in the state shows a worrying gap in leadership capacity.

“I have looked at politicians from both blocs and I do not see many competent individuals. I do not see future leaders who can drive our state to the next level,” he said.

“Instead, I see people who are mainly effective at delivering election results or maintaining political structures,” Gwale stated.

While acknowledging that an unexpected candidate could still emerge and change the narrative, he maintained that, for now, the outlook remains bleak.

“Someone may emerge unexpectedly and change the narrative, but for now, the future does not appear bright,” he said.

Recall that on Monday, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections and former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, announced Mustapha Kwankwaso as his running mate.

Mustapha Kwankwaso, who previously served as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, is the son of former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.