For members of Generation Z, the name Ibrahim Little may sound new in the political arena. But for those of us above 30 — and especially for our elders in their 40s, 50s, and 60s — it is a household name.
This is the story of one of Kano’s most hardworking grassroots politicians and mobilizers — a man whose dedication, resilience, and vision have shaped his enduring relevance in our political landscape.
The name Little traces its roots to Ibrahim’s childhood passion for football. As a talented goalkeeper, he earned the nickname “Little” right from his primary school days — a name that would later become his political identity.
His football career started with Kano Pillars where he played for one season and for Elkanemi Warriors for five seasons
One of his aides once narrated how Ibrahim missed joining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) because of his commitment to Elkanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. Although he had applied and was shortlisted for admission, he only discovered his acceptance when his brother brought him a newspaper publication — unfortunately, it was already too late, as academic activities had commenced.
Despite the intervention of the then Military Governor, Colonel Abdulmumin Aminu, Ibrahim’s slot had already been replaced. “It was destiny,” he would later say — a phrase that perfectly captures his humility and acceptance of fate.
In 2003, Ibrahim Ali Amin Little was on the verge of becoming the Governor of Kano State. After resigning as State Chairman of the All Peoples Party (APP), he contested the party’s governorship primaries at just 39 years old and won convincingly with over 850 votes, defeating Ibrahim Shekarau, who secured fewer than 160.
However, his name was later replaced as the party’s governorship candidate due to political interference. True to his character, Little never called out those responsible. Whenever we discussed it, he would simply smile and say, “It was destiny; God’s time is the best.”
In 2007, he again contested in the PDP governorship primaries, where he came second to Rabiu Kwankwaso. Remarkably, he had joined the PDP just three months before the primaries, yet managed to defeat several prominent politicians — including Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Speaker Ibrahim Salisu Buhari, Architect Aminu Dabo, Kabiru Kama Kasa, and Yusuf Ado Kibiya. Unfortunately, the delegates’ list was later compromised, and he was rigged out. The rest, as they say, is history.
When he lost again in 2022, he told me he would no longer contest, believing he had done his best to reform our political culture. But after persistent calls from young supporters like myself, he reconsidered. Today, he remains the best alternative for Kano — an experienced, independent-minded leader who can govern for the people, not for any godfather.
A Man of Principle
His recent resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was driven by conviction and integrity. Explaining his decision, he stated:
“The unending crisis arising from leadership tussles has seriously undermined and destroyed the internal cohesion required for the party to progress. Furthermore, the lack of respect for internal democracy and disregard for the principles upon which the party was founded have made it impossible for me to continue to associate with the PDP in good conscience.”
My principal and boss — whom I fondly call Chairman — is not just a leader, but a father figure and a consistent politician who has remained steadfast in opposition politics since his APP days.
He stood in the opposition in 2007, even when the PDP controlled the government at the centre. He also remained in opposition during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, whose failure to ensure adequate security and economic stability led him to defect to the CPC to support then-General Muhammadu Buhari.
When the CPC collapsed into the APC merger, he joined the APC ahead of the 2015 elections to support Buhari. However, dissatisfied with Buhari’s style of governance, he returned to the PDP before the 2019 elections. Now, he has found a new home in the ADC — a coalition platform formed by prominent opposition figures committed to rescuing the country from what he describes as “Tinubu’s failure of good governance.”
Born and raised in the Tudun-Wada community of Nassarawa Local Government Area, Ibrahim Little attended Tudun-Wada Special Primary School, Government Secondary Transit School, Rumfa College, and Wudil Commercial College.
He holds a degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also attended several international courses, including a Senior Executive Management Programme at the prestigious London Business School.
In all my years of knowing him, I have never met a more straightforward, disciplined, and visionary individual. Ibrahim Little is a no-nonsense man who believes in hard work and a better Nigeria. His discussions — whether at home or in public — always revolve around critical issues such as the economy, education, healthcare, social welfare, the menace of drug abuse, and security.
His strong passion for developing independent power generation for Kano, ensuring stable water supply, supporting small-scale industries, and creating an enabling environment for business are among his top priorities when he assumes the mantle of leadership.
As an accomplished businessman and accountant, he has developed a comprehensive plan to attract investors and revitalize Kano’s economy. He has vowed to assemble a team of the best technocrats to transform the state into a model of progress.
From improving primary and secondary education to revamping healthcare facilities, Ibrahim Little envisions a new era of prosperity for Kano — one that will set the standard for other states to follow.
He firmly believes that Kano can achieve massive transformation when a competent, private-sector-minded leader takes the helm.
As 2027 approaches, it is clear that Ibrahim Little stands out as the best candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the most qualified person to lead Kano State into a brighter, more prosperous future — In sha Allah.
Adnan Mukhtar is a University Lecturer and Personal Assistant toAlhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin Little. He Writes from Kano