A political analyst in Kano has sounded an alarm about the quality of emerging leaders in the state. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, widely known as Abba Gwale, raised the concern on Facebook on Tuesday night.
He lamented that the political system is churning out loyalists instead of capable leaders. His comments came after the Nigeria Democratic Congress announced its 2027 ticket.
Mustapha Kwankwaso was named as running mate to NDC governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. Kwankwaso previously served as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Abba Gwale argued that selecting leaders based on loyalty harms Kano's future. He noted that competence and integrity should matter more than political convenience.
"The future generation of political leadership in Kano does not look promising," he wrote on the social media platform. He called for urgent changes in how leaders are chosen.
According to Gwale, those currently close to power will likely become future governors and deputies. He questioned whether this pattern serves Kano's long-term interests.
"A deputy governor should not be picked for loyalty alone," Gwale insisted. Competence, integrity, and moral character must be priorities, he added.
He examined politicians across different political blocs in the state carefully. His assessment revealed a concerning shortage of capable leaders.
"I do not see many competent individuals," he told observers. He went further: "I do not see future leaders who can drive our state forward."
Instead, Gwale sees politicians skilled mainly at winning elections and maintaining party structures. Leadership capacity appears to be lacking across the board, he suggested.
He acknowledged that an unexpected candidate might still emerge and shift the conversation. For now, though, optimism remains in short supply.
"Someone may emerge unexpectedly and change the narrative, but the outlook is bleak," he said. His words reflected a pessimistic view of Kano's political trajectory.
Kwankwaso's selection drew Gwale's particular scrutiny because of the nomination method. The younger Kwankwaso is son of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor.
Gwarzo, the NDC's governorship candidate, previously served as Kano's deputy governor. He unveiled his running mate on Monday at a political event.
