Loading ...As 2019 is fast approaching, the political climate in Kano remains unpredictable. The results in all the previous elections produced no-clear winning permutations except the 2015 Governorship election that was marred by the vague feelings of romance crystallized by the Buhariyyah calls for an all encompassing victory at all levels. Mid way to election, answering that clarion call now will forever remain a mirage and sheer away dream to dwell on.
A forth night ago, I had a discussion with an aid and a confident of Alhaji Ibrahim Al-amen Little over his continuous off-the-stage participation in the political stage. He vividly assured me that his Boss would soon make a surprising declaration. Indeed, last week came a surprise declaration when Little registered with the PDP at his Tudun-Wada Ward and subsequently was received by the leadership of the party at Nassarawa Local Government Secretariat. Since then events have continued to feature not only from the ruling party, which he had help to build but within his new abode. The decamping news have sent shivers down the political landscape in Kano, and it will continue to spring up until the general election is concluded.
Little was exceptionally gifted in academics while in Schools. Sequel to his professional training as an Accountant, his journey to stardom began as a football goalkeeper in the then local team, Pyramid Football Club as well as a member of the ABU football team, during his under graduate program. He was beamed into National limelight in 2001 when he was elected as the National Chairman, Arewa Youth Forum. Same year, he was elected as the leader of ANPP in Kano and he single handedly revived the party from total collapse. In 2003, he won the gubernatorial candidate for ANPP in Kano state after being elected at a free and fair election but the power-that-be in the state denied him the opportunity, in spite of being congratulated and accepted defect by Mal Ibrahim Shekarau. They opined that to get Kwankwaso out of power for his ‘stubbornness and disrespect for elders’, they articulated three issues to convince the party and withdrew the mandate. These issues were;
1. That he was too young to be allowed to govern a metropolitan state like Kano
2. That he was a son of nobody
3. That he remained a proxy for the Abacha’s family
Few weeks to the election, he decamped to PRP out of anger, frustration and disappointment, and he deployed his legacy arsenals and structures as he fought gallantry with for some good votes.
Prior to 2007 election, he decamped to the PDP but his partisans participation was at its lowest level, and that continued until his recent pronouncements. Although, he continued to play behind the scenes roles to support many candidates of his choice, irrespective of party acclimation. He moved to his business unperturbed, both in Nigeria and abroad, thereby fashioning a niche in all the segments he ventured into, especially in the construction industry as well as trading. He further extended his philanthropic gestures in the provision of scholarship, youth empowerment and social security. However in 2015, Kwankwaso confided in him to play a significant role in this government, but like his many promises he failed to execute.
Ibrahim Little is now not-to-young-to-lead, a successful entrepreneur and completely independent person of astonishing energy. He is so loved by his people, young and old, and duly aligned to his calls. He has repeatedly delivered his ward in all the elections he participated. His campaign strategy and deployment is a complete research topic.
However good his intention is, he is not unaware that the PDP in Kano is clustered into three camps; the Shekarau’s, the Wali’s and the Gwarzo’s with each having a large definite supporters that can influence decision making, to a large extent in the party. The perceived electorates’ mindsets and nest of intrigues that bedeviled the party constitute a bundle of challenge to address the clinical depression associated with the #Umbrella. As his pedigree and disposition continue to stand by his side, I wish him all the best in his endeavors.
#SalehKwaru
