Senator Barau: BEWARE APC
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
1st November 2025
Politics, by its very nature, is a venture built on trust. The depth and consequences of any betrayal of trust depend on the maturity of a country’s democratic system. In nations where democracy has long taken root, such breaches are rare and manageable. But in younger democracies like ours, the impact is often destabilizing and far-reaching.
In any stable democracy, it is uncommon to see a politician who enjoys mass acceptance among the people being turned into an outcast by his own political party. Ordinarily, such individuals should be celebrated as the pride of their parties. Yet, a strange development is unfolding in Kano State, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be undermining its own strength and credibility.
It is an open secret that the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, representing Kano North Senatorial District, remains one of the most respected, accessible, and people-oriented politicians not just in Kano, but across Nigeria. The masses—particularly the ordinary citizens—see him as a beacon of hope and leadership, admired for his consistent record of public service and humility.
Ironically, within the APC in Kano, a few elements appear to be working to discredit this very man who represents the party’s greatest asset in the state. These internal divisions are driven by selfish ambitions, shortsightedness, and the politics of envy. It is sad that some would rather see the party weakened than see Senator Barau succeed.
Such internal wrangling, if left unchecked, could once again cost the APC dearly in 2027—perhaps even worse than the party’s performance in 2023. As many will recall, during the last general election, while the APC lost two out of three senatorial seats and most of the House of Representatives positions in Kano, Senator Barau stood tall as the lone survivor. He did not rely on political gimmicks; he relied on the people—people he has consistently served and empowered for years.
Even no single House of Representatives seat the APC managed to secure in central Kano came through his political base. This fact alone underscores his enduring influence and political reach. Sadly, some of those now attacking him were among those who performed disastrously at the polls—contributing to the party’s overall loss of Kano to the NNPP and the failure of President Tinubu to secure victory in the state.
Senator Barau I. Jibrin is not just a politician; he is a statesman. As Deputy Senate President, he has stood firmly in defense of the rights and dignity of Northern Nigeria, speaking boldly against inequitable revenue allocation and neglect of the North-West zone. His advocacy in the Senate has earned him respect nationwide.
He has been instrumental in driving major educational reforms, supporting infrastructure development, and initiating community empowerment programs. His Barau Jibrin Foundation has uplifted thousands of families in Kano through direct cash support, scholarships, and small-scale business grants. Recently, the foundation disbursed thousands each to 10,000 beneficiaries—a practical demonstration of empathy and service beyond politics.
His commitment to education is equally remarkable. He has sponsored postgraduate scholarship programs for students from Kano in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science, ensuring that Kano’s youth are not left behind in the global technological race.
Senator Barau’s educational and professional background distinguishes him as a technocrat in politics. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, multiple Master’s degrees in Financial Management and Business Administration, he brings a wealth of expertise in fiscal discipline and transparent governance.
As a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and current Deputy Senate President, his grasp of national budgeting, policy formulation, and economic planning is second to none. These are the exact qualities Kano needs in a leader to manage its vast population and economic potential.
Kano’s politics has always been intense and often polarized. Yet, Senator Barau has remained a stabilizing force—a bridge between factions within the APC and even beyond party lines. His humility, accessibility, and open-door approach have made him one of the few politicians capable of uniting the diverse political blocs in the state.
This bridge-building quality has earned him the admiration of both elders and youths across political divides. His recognition as the Grand Patron of the Kano Ex-Legislators Forum further underscores his status as a respected consensus-builder.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Kano State stands at a crossroads. The people yearn for leadership that is honest, competent, and people-focused. The APC cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2023—when internal disunity and arrogance cost it the state.
Senator Barau I. Jibrin represents the party’s best chance of regaining Kano. His popularity cuts across rural and urban areas, across religion and class. He is not a product of propaganda, but of performance. His political strength is organic, deeply rooted in the hearts of the people who see in him a reflection of sincerity, courage, and development-oriented leadership.
If the APC chooses to ignore him, it risks alienating its base and paving the way for another humiliating defeat. But if the party rallies behind him, it stands to reclaim Kano decisively.
Today, Senator Barau has evolved beyond partisan politics—he is an institution of leadership and service. His influence in Kano and beyond is not accidental; it is built on years of consistent service, integrity, and delivery.
The APC must therefore beware. It must not make the mistake of sidelining its strongest and most credible asset in Kano. The 2027 election will not be won on social media or through empty rhetoric—it will be won in the streets, villages, and communities where leaders like Barau I. Jibrin already have unshakeable followership.
1. Proven Record: Outstanding performance in legislative and community development.
2. Technical Competence: Financial management and governance experience suited for executive leadership.
3. Grassroots Acceptance: Deep connection with the people and proven electoral strength.
4. Integrity: Transparent and accountable in all public dealings.
5. Unity and Bridge-Building: Ability to unite divided factions and work across party lines.
6. Visionary Leadership: Focus on youth empowerment, technology, and inclusive growth.
7. Political Stability: A figure capable of consolidating APC’s structure and restoring trust in the party.
Senator Barau I. Jibrin is not just another politician seeking office—he embodies the values of integrity, compassion, and service that democracy requires to thrive. His loyalty to his people and his party has never been in doubt.
For the APC to remain relevant, competitive, and victorious in 2027, it must recognise that Barau I. Jibrin is not merely an option—he is the solution.
He represents a bridge between experience and modern governance, between the grassroots and the elite, between vision and delivery. For Kano, and for the APC, Senator Barau is the right man, at the right time.
If the APC truly seeks victory and progress, the message is clear: Beware — and embrace Barau.
Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, can be reach via 08060017934, Email:- balasalihudawakinkudu@gmail.com.
