By Omar Lamido Abubakar
The political landscape of Kano State has recently been jolted by a notable development: the defection of Distinguished Senator Kawu Sumaila from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Representing Kano South Senatorial District, Senator Sumaila’s decision was not just a partisan switch—it was a calculated move rooted in a philosophy he has long embraced: that all politics is local.
In his own words, “My primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency.” This sentiment has guided his political journey, legislative choices, and development initiatives—even before his time in the Senate.
Though relatively new to the Red Chamber, Senator Sumaila is no political novice. He previously served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, during which he rose to the rank of Deputy Minority Leader. He also served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters. These roles prepared him to hit the ground running in the Senate, and his record already speaks volumes.
From the outset, Senator Sumaila has made grassroots development the cornerstone of his legislative agenda. One of his boldest initiatives was a bill advocating for full local government autonomy—a proposal that sparked tensions within the NNPP but underscored his determination to restore efficiency and authority to the level of government closest to the people.
His focus on infrastructure is equally commendable. His motion on the dangerously neglected Kano–Maiduguri Road led to the revocation of a failed contract and its re-award to a more capable firm, Triacta Construction. The move was widely celebrated by commuters and stakeholders as a life-saving intervention.
Healthcare and education, cornerstones of any progressive society, have also been major focus areas for the senator. Through a forward-looking scholarship initiative, over 100 students in nursing, public health, and education are receiving ₦10,000 monthly stipends. *(The Waraka Scholarship has over 700 students sponsored by Senator Kawu Sumaila.)* These scholars are committed to returning to their communities post-graduation to serve—creating a sustainable pipeline of grassroots professionals. Complementing this initiative is the donation of 1,000 hospital beds and the construction of a fully equipped 70-bed hospital in Zarewa, Rogo LGA—earning him praise from Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. The governor lauded the senator’s foresight and called on other lawmakers to emulate his approach.
On the educational front, Senator Sumaila also donated 1,000 tables and chairs for students and teachers, along with writing materials for primary and secondary schools. He sponsored general rehabilitation projects at institutions such as Garko Girls Science College, Maitama Sule Science Secondary School Gaya, and Tudun Wada College. Most notably, he donated personal land in Sumaila LGA for the construction of a Nigerian Navy Secondary School—reflecting his commitment to the region’s long-term educational future.
Agriculture, the economic backbone of Kano South, has not been left behind. He facilitated a ₦90 billion federal contract for rehabilitating the Tiga, Karaye, and Kafin Chiri irrigation dams. Coupled with the distribution of 10,000 water pumps and the construction of 10,000 tube wells, these initiatives are poised to dramatically boost food production and employment.
In less than two years, Senator Sumaila has achieved what many fail to do in over a decade: tangible, people-centered development. His defection to the APC, while politically significant, does not signal a change in philosophy. Rather, it is seen as a strategic alignment to better deliver on his promises.
As Kano South—and indeed Nigeria—looks to the future, Senator Kawu Sumaila’s model of governance offers a compelling lesson: effective leadership begins not in party slogans, but in the streets, villages, and communities where the people live and work. Waraka, as he’s fondly called, remains a beacon of hope for Kano South and a blueprint for grassroots-driven governance.
Lamido Abubakar wrote this piece from Kano – Nigeria
