The Tijjaniyya Sect in Kano has officially endorsed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for re-election in the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was announced by Sheikh Sani Shehu Maihula, chairman of the Shura Council of the Islamic group, during the annual Zikr and national prayer held at the palace of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano and Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Movement in Nigeria. Governor Yusuf, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking a second term.
Endorsement Details and Rationale
The declaration was made on Friday, July 3, as disclosed in a statement by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofam, the governor's spokesperson. Sheikh Maihula delivered the welcome address through his brother and spokesperson of the Tijjaniyya council, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehi Maihula (Shehi Shehi). According to the statement, the Tijjaniyya Shura Council unanimously resolved to back Governor Yusuf's re-election bid, citing his commitment to good governance, championing of Islamic values, and implementation of people-oriented policies.
The religious leader also commended the governor for his continued support of religious activities, as well as his efforts in healthcare, education, social welfare programmes, and infrastructural development across Kano State. In response, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the leaders and members of the Tijjaniyya Shura Council for their prayers, endorsement, and confidence in his leadership.
Public Reactions to the Endorsement
The endorsement has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some have questioned the group's decision, while others have expressed support. Ibrahim Ila urged the group to vote out the APC government in the state, saying: "Oh God, for the sake of your image of tanzi'ul rulka for me mantasha'u, remove the government of Abba and Tinubu and anyone that came out of APC from the president to the councillor for the sake of the prophet and the Qur'an."
Ahmed A Ibrahim claimed that members of the group are not aligned with the governor: "Let's come and hear the same fall by the grace of God; we, the poor people of Tijjan we are not with Abba." Aisha Hassan stated she had never benefited from the governor's administration: "I have only one problem: five naira. I have never benefited from this government, no matter how hard we struggle." Ibrahim Suleiman Ayuba noted that similar endorsements occurred during former Governor Ganduje's regime, yet he lost the election: "This is what exactly happen during Ganduje's regime, where everybody declared support for him but he ended up losing the election, so please take note."
Broader Political Context in Kano
The endorsement comes amid ongoing political dynamics in Kano. Governor Yusuf recently cautioned the leader of the Kwankwassiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, during the APC senatorial primary election on Monday, May 18. Yusuf warned that his silence should not be mistaken for cowardice and that he would speak out if pushed. The governor's relationship with his estranged political godfather remains a point of contention in Kano politics.
