I’ll remain in politics till my last breath – Shekarau at 70

Former Kano State governor and senator for Kano Central in the 9th National Assembly, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life, describing politics as both an act of worship and a service to humanity. Shekarau stated this yesterday during an interactive session with journalists in Kano […]

Former Kano State governor and senator for Kano Central in the 9th National Assembly, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life, describing politics as both an act of worship and a service to humanity.

Shekarau stated this yesterday during an interactive session with journalists in Kano as part of activities marking his 70th birthday.

The former governor, known for his faith-based political ideology, said his guiding principle had always been that “my politics is my religion, and my religion is my politics.”

“I am not going to check out of politics because participating in the process of producing credible and trustworthy leaders is part of service to humanity, and that is a religious duty in Islam,” he said.

Shekarau explained that his involvement in politics was never driven by personal ambition but by the desire to help nurture just and competent leadership that serves the people faithfully.

“So long as I have the strength to contribute in any form, I will continue to do so. Politics, for me, is not a career that ends; it is a lifelong responsibility,” he added.

The former Minister of Education said he had no regrets in his political journey despite challenges and disappointments, noting that he had always accepted every outcome as the will of Allah.

“Whatever comes my way, I take it as Allah’s decision. Even when I fail to achieve what I desire, I believe it is because Allah has chosen what is best for me. Regret only comes when one fails to appreciate Allah’s wisdom,” he said.

Reflecting on his early political journey, Shekarau recalled that his participation in elections dated back to his student days in the 1980s, when he contested and won several leadership positions within teachers’ unions and educational associations.

“So, elections are not new to me. I started contesting in 1982, and by 1988, I was National President of the Police Schools in Nigeria, overseeing more than 8,000 schools. That experience shaped my confidence in leadership and service,” he said.

Shekarau, who governed Kano State from 2003 to 2011, said he took pride in being the first politician to defeat a sitting governor in the state, attributing his electoral victories to faith, discipline, and the trust of the people.

He expressed concern over the current political atmosphere and urged opposition parties to form a united front to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Commenting on the state of the nation, Shekarau acknowledged the federal government’s efforts but urged leaders to prioritise tackling insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

“No nation is without crime, but government must not allow criminality to thrive. When people can afford food and live decently, peace will naturally follow,” he said.

“I am optimistic and will continue to support any government that works for the peace and welfare of our people, regardless of political differences,” he added.