Group Urges Kano APC, Gov Abba to Support Garba Yusuf’s Senatorial Bid
By Halima Abubakar Yusuf
A political support group, the Hon. Garba Yusuf Support Group Organization, has issued a formal appeal to stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the general public to rally behind the senatorial candidacy of former commissioner Garba Yusuf. The call, made during a gathering on Tuesday, underscores a growing push for experienced technocrats in Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
The Case for Experience: Garba Yusuf’s Public Service Record
Hon. Usman Bello Balarabe, chairman of the support group, described Yusuf as a seasoned politician and technocrat with an intimidating record of public service. “We are here to appeal to all APC faithful, the state government, and the good people of Kano Central to rally behind this man. He has what it takes to represent Kano Central at the National Assembly,” Balarabe said.
Garba Yusuf, a chieftain of the APC, previously served as a commissioner in Kano State under two different administrations. His portfolio included the Ministries of Finance and Economic Development, Works and Housing, Water Resources, Environment, and Information. This breadth of experience is rare in Nigerian politics, where many candidates have specialized in only one or two areas. Yusuf’s cross-sectoral background means he understands the interplay between fiscal policy, infrastructure delivery, environmental sustainability, and public communication—skills directly transferable to legislative oversight and lawmaking.
Why Sectoral Experience Matters for Senate Representation
The group argued that Yusuf’s experience across finance and infrastructure makes him the best candidate for the senatorial seat. “He is not a novice. He has been a commissioner in five strategic ministries. He knows how government works, how budgets are made, and how projects are delivered. That is the kind of representation Kano Central needs,” Balarabe added.
To put this in context: Nigeria’s Senate is responsible for appropriations, oversight of federal ministries, and legislation affecting everything from road construction to water resource management. A senator who has personally managed a state’s budget (as Finance Commissioner) can more effectively scrutinize the national budget. Similarly, someone who has overseen housing and works projects can identify inefficiencies in federal infrastructure contracts. Yusuf’s tenure in the Ministry of Information also suggests he understands the importance of transparent communication—a quality often lacking in legislative bodies.
Bridging Party Lines: A Call for Bipartisan Support
The group also urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to consider the former commissioner’s pedigree and commitment to grassroots development, noting that his legislative agenda would align with the state’s growth plans. “The governor is a leader who appreciates competence. We believe he will see the value in supporting Garba Yusuf for the Senate,” Balarabe said.
This appeal is notable because Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf belongs to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), while Garba Yusuf is a loyalist of the APC. In Kano’s polarized political environment, such cross-party endorsements are rare. However, the support group argues that Yusuf’s track record transcends party affiliation. For example, as Commissioner for Water Resources, Yusuf oversaw projects that benefited both APC and NNPP constituencies. The group believes that a senator focused on results rather than party loyalty can attract federal resources to Kano Central regardless of who holds the governorship.
Grassroots Development as a Unifying Theme
The group explains how the former commissioner remains a strong loyalist of the APC since inception, and is keen on vying for the Kano Central senatorial ticket in the 2027 general elections. When asked about the possibility of clashing interests with other aspirants, Balarabe insisted that Yusuf has the edge in experience and capacity. “We are not desperate. But we are confident. Let the delegates compare records. Garba Yusuf will stand out,” he said.
This confidence is rooted in Yusuf’s history of delivering tangible projects at the grassroots level. During his tenure as Works and Housing Commissioner, he facilitated the construction of rural roads that connected farming communities to markets—a critical need in Kano Central, which includes both urban and agrarian areas. As Environment Commissioner, he launched tree-planting campaigns and waste management initiatives that improved public health. These are the kinds of achievements that resonate with delegates who prioritize local impact over political rhetoric.
What This Means for Kano Central’s Future
If elected, Garba Yusuf would bring to the Senate a rare combination of fiscal expertise, infrastructure knowledge, and environmental awareness. In a chamber often criticized for producing “rubber-stamp” legislators, his background suggests he could be an active, informed voice on committees dealing with appropriation, works, and environment. For constituents in Kano Central, this could translate into more effective representation—better roads, improved water supply, and a stronger voice in national budget allocations.
The support group’s call also highlights a broader trend in Nigerian politics: voters and stakeholders increasingly demanding competence over party loyalty. As the 2027 elections approach, candidates like Garba Yusuf—with verifiable records of public service—may find themselves in high demand, even across party lines.
All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the: Source link
