Shekarau: I’ll remain in politics until my last breath

Former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, on Wednesday, vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life. He stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, as part of activities marking his 70th birthday anniversary. The former governor, who described his political philosophy as rooted in faith and morality, […]

Former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, on Wednesday, vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life.

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

The former governor, who described his political philosophy as rooted in faith and morality, said his guiding principle has 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.

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Shekarau explained that his involvement in politics was never driven by personal ambition but by the desire to contribute to the emergence of 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 said he had no regrets in his political journey despite challenges and disappointments, noting that he had always accepted outcomes 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 life, 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 since 1982, and by 1988, I was National President of the Police Schools in Nigeria, overseeing over 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, noting that his victories were achieved through faith, discipline, and people’s trust.

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

“I strongly believe the opposition must come together under one umbrella. That’s the only way to rescue the system and ensure balanced governance,” he said.

The former governor praised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its resilience, describing it as “the only party among those registered in 1998 that has survived till today,” and expressed confidence that it would continue to remain relevant.

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

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

Shekarau reaffirmed his optimism about Nigeria’s future, stressing that good governance, empathy, and fear of God are essential for the country’s progress.

“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 said.