Barau and his Poor Political Strategy
By Adnan Mukhtar
Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, seemed well-positioned to shape discussions on Nigerian political strategy, but his recent ill-advised moves and ineffective decisions may have far-reaching consequences, potentially undermining the influence he should wield as the country’s third-highest-ranking official.
Barau Jibrin, fondly known as Maliya, is a household name in Kano politics. His rise to prominence began in 1999 when he became a member of the House of Representatives. Notably, he chaired the influential Appropriation Committee at the Green Chamber, one of the House’s most powerful committees.
After Barau’s 2003 election loss, his political presence waned until the Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso revitalizsed his career by appointing him Commissioner for Science and Technology – a surprise move, given that many were wondering what had become of the man. Barau took over the role from Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa, who had been promoted to APC National Treasurer during the party’s inaugural convention.
Barau Jibrin secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Kano North after Kwankwaso parted ways with Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor and Minister of the Federal Republic. This development occurred when Kwankwaso instructed Ganduje to return to Kano from Lagos and lead the senatorial primaries, throwing his full support behind Barau Jibrin and ultimately leading to Gwarzo’s loss. The reason behind this move was Gwarzo’s opposition to Kwankwaso’s presidential aspirations at the party convention, where he aligned with Bola Tinubu, a former leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) where Gwarzo himself was a member.
That’s how Barau Jibrin emerged as a Senatorial Candidate paving his way to become the Deputy President of the Senate today.
In politics, loyalty is fleeting, there is no permanent friend or enemy, only a permanent interest. This truth played out in the rift between Barau Jibrin and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Shortly after Barau’s emergence, he severed ties with Kwankwaso, aligning himself with Abdullahi Ganduje amidst their infamous feud. Turning away from the famous Hausa saying, “Ana Barin Halak Dan Kunya,” Barau snubbed Kwankwaso and openly supported Ganduje on the Senate floor, even when Kwankwaso was still a member of the red chamber. This move underscores the transience of alliances in politics.
Barau, notorious for his unwavering pursuit of personal interest even at the expense of general interest, spares nothing and no one in satiating his thirst for greed and conquest. This again manifested in the undeniable role he played in the removal of Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister. It is claimed that Barau consistently lobbied at the presidential villa to ensure Gwarzo’s ousting, despite the Minister holding no grudges against him.
Barau Jibrin’s recent actions are reportedly aimed at solidifying his position as the most influential APC member from Kano State. Observers suggest that his next target is Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress – an the same man whom he once sided with against Kwankwaso his political benefactor, as well as other appointees from Kano State, in a bid to consolidate his power and dominance within the party.
With 2.5 years to go until 2027, Barau Jibrin has already begun the game of dirty politicking, welcoming defectors to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, it appears his primary focus isn’t on serving his constituents, but rather on fueling his own ambition to become Governor. To successfully govern a cosmopolitan state like Kano, one needs strategic diplomacy, not creating unnecessary conflicts and enemies.
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Interestingly, the influx of decampees has turned Barau into an “ATM machine.” They would visit him in Abuja, claiming to have left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) one day, only to pledge loyalty to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Kano Government House the next. This raises questions about the sincerity of these defections and Barau’s true intentions.
TikToker Umma Wiyya’s recent speech revealed the true motives behind her brief defection from NNPP to Barau and back again within just a week. According to Umma, she and others joined Barau solely to get a share of the “national cake” and have now returned to their rightful place. This flip-flopping exposes the insincerity of these defectors, who are driven by financial gain rather than loyalty to Barau ¹.
Whenever the governing Kano NNPP witnessed people flocking to Barau’s residence, they would mockingly chant “A wanki gara” in Hausa, aptly describing Barau as a docile politician. This phrase suggests that Barau is too passive and easily manipulated, allowing individuals like Umma Wiyya to take advantage of his generosity.
Umma Wiyya’s example highlights the superficial nature of Barau’s political alliances in Kano, where personal interests often outweigh genuine commitment.
With such shenanigans up Barau’s sleeves, now, the Kano APC members have seemingly united against Barau Jibrin due to his treatment of former Minister Abdullahi Gwarzo. Gwarzo is highly respected in Kano North for his accessibility, kind demeanor, and unwavering support for his constituents during both joyful and challenging times. For anyone with gubernatorial aspirations, like Barau, it’s crucial to foster unity among party members rather than plotting against them.
As a neutral political commentator and analyst, I’ve observed that this backlash against Barau won’t bode well for his gubernatorial or general political ambitions. In fact, history has shown that internal party conflicts can have significant consequences, as seen in the 2023 Kano State gubernatorial election. Barau’s actions may ultimately harm his chances of success, this is a forewarning.
Barau Jibrin’s attempt to outmaneuver the National Chairman of the party, a former governor with eight years of experience and who before then was a local government administrator and two time deputy governor, is a high-risk and ill-advised strategy. This chairman is inherently the party leader, making Jibrin’s move a potential recipe for disaster.
Moreover, plotting against key stakeholders in Kano North, including former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Gwarzo and Murtala Sule Garo, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, undermines Jibrin’s gubernatorial ambitions. This tactic may ultimately harm his chances of success, as it’s essential to foster unity among party members rather than creating divisions.
Jibrin’s actions may be seen as a power struggle, which could lead to further conflicts within the party. In politics, loyalty and alliances are crucial, and Jibrin’s approach may cost him the support he desperately needs to ascend the Kano government house.
The ambition of Senator Barau is dead on arrival. Given that Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who served as governor for eight years, hails from Kano North, it’s now Kano Central’s turn to take the reins. Allowing the APC to award its ticket to another candidate from Kano North would be a misstep, as it would bypass the established rotation pattern.
Will the Kano South stakeholders fold their arms? The last time someone from Kano South led Kano as a governor was in 1993, some 31 years ago.
It’s not too late for Barau to change his political strategy in the interest of his ambition and that of his supporters. He should carry his party members along by stop creating unnecessary enemies for himself within the party.
As Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Senator representing Kano North since 2015, Barau’s actions carry significant weight. Hence, he should know that Politics is not about giving people money and becoming difficulty inaccessible; it demands genuine connection and a listening ear to the yearnings of the people.
Adnan, a university lecturer and political commentator writes from Abuja.
