Senator Barau I. Jibrin: Service, Sacrifice, and the Politics of Impact in Kano State.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline on January 24, 2026.
There is a popular Hausa saying: “Magana ta gaskiya dole a ce mijin iya baba”—when the truth must be told, it must be told plainly. In the political history of Kano State, fairness demands that due credit be given where it is deserved.
One such figure who commands this recognition is the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, representing Kano North Senatorial District.
Even his political adversaries openly acknowledge his immense contributions to the development of Kano State and the strengthening of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Between 2024 and 2025, Senator Barau distinguished himself not merely as a ranking federal legislator, but as a leader deeply connected to the people—one whose politics is anchored on service, compassion, and bridge-building.
In the critical sectors of education and healthcare, Senator Barau’s interventions are both visible and impactful. He facilitated the construction of library facilities and medical units at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), significantly improving learning and healthcare delivery. In addition, he sponsored the construction of classrooms and administrative offices across several tertiary and secondary institutions in Kano, including the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi.
Rather than focusing on smear campaigns driven by selfish interests, fairness demands that these achievements be applauded and encouraged. Development thrives where appreciation exists.
Legislative Footprint and Sponsored Bills
Beyond constituency projects, Senator Barau has made his mark legislatively. As a senior member of the National Assembly and now Deputy Senate President, he has sponsored and supported bills aimed at:
Educational advancement and skills development
Strengthening internal security architecture
Economic inclusion and social protection
Institutional reforms within public finance and governance
His legislative style reflects consultation, moderation, and respect for opposing views—qualities that have earned him wide acceptance across party lines.
One of his landmark initiatives, “Keep Kano Bright,” saw the installation of solar-powered street lights in 11,222 polling units across the 44 local government areas of Kano State. This project improved security, supported night-time economic activities, and enhanced community life.
Despite the APC losing the governorship seat in Kano, Senator Barau’s consistent grassroots engagement has kept the party strong, relevant, and increasingly attractive to the electorate.
Youth Empowerment, Transport, and Employment
Understanding that youth empowerment is the backbone of social stability, Senator Barau facilitated employment opportunities for young men and women across federal institutions. He also launched the Kano North Transport Service, distributing buses to ease transportation challenges and stimulate local commerce.
In support of internal security, Senator Barau donated 1,000 motorcycles to the Nigeria Police Force in Kano State, boosting patrol capacity across rural and urban communities. Security, to him, is not a slogan but a responsibility.
Party Building and Grassroots Support
In February 2025, he distributed 61 vehicles and 1,136 motorcycles to APC ward and local government leaders to strengthen party operations. He also provided 224 bags of fertilizer to APC members in Garko Local Government, reinforcing agricultural productivity.
These gestures underline his belief that strong political parties are built through inclusion, not intimidation.
Senator Barau’s empowerment programs cut across all demographics:
₦200 million distributed to 10,000 vulnerable persons
A planned ₦1.8 billion economic stimulation package targeting 27,600 beneficiaries
Distribution of grinding machines, sewing machines, tricycles, and farm inputs to women, youths, and farmers
Education Support and International Exposure
Education remains a cornerstone of his legacy. He awarded scholarships to over 4,000 students—NCE and degree holders alike—with stipends of ₦20,000 for NCE students and ₦50,000 for degree students.
Remarkably, he sponsored 70 Kano indigenes to India for postgraduate studies in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Forensic Science, positioning Kano youths for global competitiveness.
Humanitarian Support
During the holy month of Ramadan, Senator Barau distributed bags of rice to over 200,000 households, cushioning the effects of economic hardship and reaffirming his empathy for the masses.
The “Barau Tsunami” and Political Realignment
His people-oriented politics has triggered a wave of defections from opposition parties, particularly the NNPP, into the APC—a movement popularly described as the “Barau Tsunami.” On 27 December 2025, several NNPP stalwarts in Bichi, including senior aides and party strategists, formally joined the APC.
Perhaps Senator Barau’s greatest strength lies in his human relations. He is widely regarded as calm, accessible, and accommodating—never driven by bitterness, even after contesting and losing the governorship race. His politics is devoid of desperation; instead, it is guided by patience and faith in destiny.
The political atmosphere in Kano has evolved rapidly, especially following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s resignation from the NNPP and his anticipated alignment with the APC. While some internal actors wrongly interpret this development as a threat to Senator Barau’s future ambitions, such thinking ignores political reality.
As the highest-ranking elected official in Kano State, the Deputy President of the Senate, and the fifth citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Barau remains a central pillar of the APC. His influence at the Presidency and National Assembly is unmatched within Kano politics. Any meaningful power realignment within the party will inevitably require his consent and participation.
Politics, like destiny, unfolds at its appointed time. Neither internal scheming nor sudden defections can eclipse a mandate built on service, faith, and popular goodwill.
Senator Barau I. Jibrin’s story is not one of noise, but of impact. His achievements in education, health, security, empowerment, legislation, and party cohesion speak louder than propaganda. As 2027 approaches, one fact remains clear: a leader whose light is lit by service and destiny cannot be dimmed by envy or intrigue.
Kano has indeed been blessed—and gratitude, not bitterness, should be the people’s response.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 24TH 2026)
