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OPINION: BORNO 2027: LET THE TICKET MOVE SOUTH

Published

10 months ago

January 10, 2026

By: A G Abubakar

Democracy may well be the best form of political arrangement devised in modern history, yet it is far from a perfect system. It comes with inherent flaws, just as it offers the flexibility required for societies to function effectively. Democratic systems are ultimately guided more by their underlying values and philosophies than by rigid dogmas. Practitioners are therefore expected to adapt democratic principles to local realities. It is within this context that concepts such as zoning, rotation, and power-sharing have emerged as legitimate democratic tools to manage diversity and promote development. Democracy is not a mere game of numbers but a system designed to uphold inclusiveness at all levels.

Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has consciously re-engineered democratic practice to reflect its diversity and to address persistent concerns of equity, inclusion, and justice. Many sub-national entities—states, local governments, and even non-governmental organisations—have adopted this flexible approach to liberal democracy. After all, democracy exists for man, not man, for democracy. Even in advanced societies, democratic systems vary widely, ranging from parliamentary to presidential, unicameral to bicameral, and other hybrids. No society should be enslaved by rigid forms or doctrines. It is precisely this flexibility that has enabled minorities, immigrants, and historically marginalised groups to win elections in many parts of the world.

It is against this backdrop of workable and inclusive democracy that deliberate efforts should be made to zone the governorship of Borno State to the South in 2027, in the interest of equity and global democratic best practices. Any credible aspirant from the zone should be presented not as a deviation from tradition, but as a unity candidate—a symbol of balance in a state long perceived to be under the monopolistic grip of Borno North and Central senatorial districts. The Central zone has had a greater hold since the advent of the current Republic in 1999 to date. The lesson here is, if the leadership at the national level could be rotated between the North and South regions of the country, then it is only logical to shift power across the three senatorial zones in the states, in the name of equity.

Historically, the two zones have leveraged their comparatively larger voting strength to produce all civilian governors of the state. Under civilian rule, Borno State has been governed by Mohammed Goni (1979–1983), Asheik Jarma (1983), Maina Ma’aji Lawan (1992–1993), Mala Kachalla (1999–2003), Ali Modu Sheriff (2003–2011), Kashim Shettima (2011–2019), and Babagana Umara Zulum (2019–date). All, except Asheik Jarma—a Shuwa Arab—are of Kanuri extraction from either Borno North or Central. Attempts by prominent sons of Borno South, such as Muhammad Abba Gana, Ambassador Pindar, and Durkwa, were subtly resisted.

Unsurprisingly, this pattern has bred deep resentment among the people of Borno South, who believe—legitimately—that they deserve not just a chance, but the same level of political support they have consistently extended to others. The South is under no illusion about the realities of politics: power is not gifted; it is contested. Yet, political competition does not negate the place of equity. This is why arrangements such as zoning, balance, and “turn-by-turn” exist in party politics.

Democracy was never intended to be a zero-sum game, nor is equity a political crime. Inclusiveness, unity, and shared development remain its core objectives. A prosperous and united Borno is a collective gain for all its constituent parts, irrespective of ethnic, linguistic, or religious differences.

Any honest conversation on political equity must also confront certain hard realities. Relinquishing power is never easy—especially in a fragile democracy like Nigeria, where political office often implies unfettered access to public resources. The allure of patronage, dominance, and control remains a powerful deterrent to genuine power-sharing. The dominant groups are therefore ever ready to twist the meaning of democracy in a bid to maintain the status quo. In the process, they at times give the system a bad name.

Among dominant groups, particularly the Kanuri, fears—both real and imagined—persist about entrusting political destiny to others. These anxieties are amplified by the fact that much of the lower and middle manpower of the state originates from the South, which in turn influences recurrent expenditure patterns. Additionally, private artisanal and technical services—mechanics, craftsmen, and ICT professionals—are largely dominated by Southern Borno indigenes; though currently waning away.

While the Borno North and Central’s apprehensions are largely emotional, the democracy in the South has its fair share of surmountable challenges, too. They include organisational and resource constraints, less than desired political alliances across the state, and high sociocultural diversity. Somehow, the diversity has come to define part of the region’s strength. Be that as it may, the unequitable exclusion of the Zone from the state’s number one seat remains one of the disconcerting feelings the people have to contend with.

The prolonged confinement to secondary roles has also weakened the South’s political reach. The experience required to mount and sustain statewide campaigns—strategy, alliances, structure, and resources—remains limited. Notable aspirants such as Ambassador Saidu, Engineer Muhammad Abba Gana, Durkwa, Captain Kadafir Mshelia, and Paul Bassi of the UPN in the 80s, could only go so far. Without access to the patronage and material advantages of incumbency, their campaigns lacked the necessary political “fertiliser” to thrive statewide.

The time has come for political actors in the South to start doing the needful in earnest. Early bridge-building and alliance formation are essential and should as such be embarked upon now. Political spaces in Borno South — deputy governorships, senatorial seats, and other strategic positions—must also be democratised and equitably distributed and rotated across the various sections of the zone. For, what is good for the goose must also be good for the gander.

The North and Central Borno political elite, for once, must rise to the responsibility of being their brother’s keeper. Excluding an entire zone from the highest office for decades undermines unity and development. A tripod stands firmer on three legs than on two, no matter how strong the pair. Moreover, fears of domination are unfounded: Borno North and Central control 19 of the 28 seats in the State Assembly, plus the Speaker, ensuring institutional balance and also effective checks on the Executive, regardless of background.

As a state emerging from years of insurgency, Borno can not afford exclusionary politics. Rebuilding peace and development demands collective ownership of power. Allowing the governorship to rotate across zones would be a powerful gesture of goodwill and reconciliation.

Globally, democratic flexibility offers compelling lessons. London and New York—cities with over 80% white Christian majorities—elected Muslim mayors: Sadiq Khan and Zohran Mamdani. Sadiq is a Muslim of Pakistani extraction who has been a mayor of London since 2016. Mamdani is of Indian-Ugandan background, aged 34, who got sworn in as New York’s mayor recently.

Barack Obama and Rishi Sunak rose to leadership in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively; two of the most powerful nations on the planet Earth. Sunak is Hindu-practicing British politician of Indian descent, while Obama is a Blackman of African extraction. Therefore, democracy, when practised well, is not only “colour blind” but provides space for all to participate in nation building, even in the most unlikely places like Palestine and Iraq. Hanan Ashrawi has been a strong pillar of Palestinian politics, just as Tariq Aziz (1936-2015) was in Iraq. It’s all been about inclusiveness at the highest levels. Paradoxically, the successive ruling parties in Borno would not facilitate the choice of a state governor, from any of the nine (9) local government areas, in the South.

At home, some of Borno state’s most effective military administrators—Musa Usman, Abdulmumin Aminu, Buba Marwa, among others—were not indigenes of the states they governed. There is no empirical evidence that any ethno-religious leadership combination has produced superior development outcomes in Nigeria. Beyond psychological comfort and ego massage, such pairings have made little difference, be it a Muslim-Muslim, Muslim-Christian, Christian-Christian, or Christian-Muslim leadership combination.

If Borno South is good enough to supply votes, manpower, and loyalty, then it is good enough to supply a governor. Anything short of zoning the 2027 ticket to the South is not “democracy” but ethnic iniquity. For decades, power has circulated within a narrow corridor under the excuse of numbers, while an entire zone is condemned to perpetual deputy status. That is not leadership; it is political hoarding. Borno can not claim moral authority on justice, inclusion, or even post-insurgency healing if fair play is thrown overboard in state affairs. Power hoarded breeds resentment; power shared builds states.

Let 2027, be remembered as the year Borno chose justice over fear/prejudice, equity over dominace, and unity over habit, by letting the ticket move South. Democracy is not religion. As such, its way of practice is never sacrosanct. It is just a secular political art form. Be that as it may, it has moral foundations —justice and equity—values that are God-ordained and which are central to all faiths. This moral justice justice should be extended to Borno South; a zone that equally boasts of a rich pool of seasoned politicians, retired generals, technocrats, and entrepreneurs that fit the political bill and are also capable of delivering. Giving them the ticket in 2027 shall signify a new dawn of democracy in Borno in action, form, and essence.
A.G. Abubakar
agbarewa@gmail.com

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

22 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

22 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”