Kano gov says 2027 re-election in God’s hands, reshuffles cabinet

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has said political power, including his possible re-election in 2027, remains entirely in the hands of Almighty Allah, stressing that leadership is not a do-or-die affair but a divine trust that should be exercised with humility and service to humanity.

Yusuf made the remarks while addressing Kano pilgrims and Hajj officials in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during a Sallah visit on Wednesday, where he urged the faithful to remain guided by the teachings of Islam on destiny and leadership.

The statement comes as the state government announced a minor reshuffle involving the redesignation of special advisers.

Speaking with the pilgrims, the governor said ultimate authority belongs to Allah alone, who gives power to whom He wills and takes it away at His discretion.

“Power belongs to Allah alone. He gives leadership to whom He wills and takes it away from whom He wills. No human being can stop what Allah has destined, and no one can impose what Allah has not ordained,” he said.

He added that while political discussions and calculations often dominate public space, believers must understand that governance is a divine responsibility rather than a contest of personal ambition.

“Leadership is not a matter of life and death. What matters most is to serve humanity, discharge one’s responsibilities faithfully and leave the rest to Allah,” Yusuf stated.

The governor urged residents of Kano to actively participate in the democratic process by ensuring they obtain or renew their voter cards ahead of future elections, describing civic participation as a responsibility of eligible citizens.

He also appealed for prayers for peace, unity, stability, and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.

Political observers say Yusuf’s remarks reflect growing confidence within his administration following achievements recorded in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and empowerment programmes.

In a separate development, the Kano State Government announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the reassignment of special advisers and the appointment of new aides aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery.

The restructuring, contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, also involved the scrapping of the offices of Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs and Special Adviser on Liaison Offices (Abuja).

Under the changes, Habiba Mustapha Barwa was moved from Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to Special Adviser on Special Duties (Women), while Umar Uba Akawu was redeployed from Liaison Offices (Abuja) to Special Adviser, Cabinet Office (Political).

Other adjustments included the redeployment of Akibu Isa Murtala to Human Resource, Ibrahim Adam to Social Media, and Nasiru Isa Dikko to Empowerment.

New appointments include Bello Nuhu Bello as Special Adviser (Administration), Hon. Ahmed Muhammad Aruwa as Special Adviser on Publicity, and several others assigned to different portfolios.

Yusuf said the restructuring was aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and aligning government operations with his administration’s priorities.

“This restructuring is aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery and ensuring that government institutions are better positioned to meet the aspirations of the people of Kano State,” he said.

He charged the appointees to serve with dedication, accountability, and commitment to public welfare, stressing that public office remains a trust.

“Public office is a trust. Those entrusted with leadership responsibilities must discharge them with sincerity, accountability and commitment to the development of Kano State and the welfare of its people,” he added. (Punch)