Ex–LG Chairman Returns to Tailoring After Losing Seat

Former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, has returned to his tailoring profession after leaving office, describing vocational skills as a more dependable source of livelihood than politics.

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Shitu, widely known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, now runs his tailoring workshop in Sheka Ward, where he oversees apprentices and garment production following the end of his tenure as council chairman.

Speaking on his decision, the former local government boss said he deliberately resumed his trade to demonstrate that politicians should have independent means of earning a living rather than depending entirely on public office.

He said politics should be seen as an avenue to serve society, not as a career that guarantees lifelong financial security.

According to him, tailoring has remained the backbone of his livelihood for years and even played a significant role in financing his political aspirations.

"Tailoring is a respectable profession. It helped me sustain myself and supported my political activities. Without it, many of those efforts would have been difficult," he said.

Basaf disclosed that his business currently provides employment for about 20 people, adding that he hopes to expand it into a full-scale garment manufacturing company capable of engaging at least 50 workers.

He urged young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills, stressing that modernising traditional trades could create employment opportunities and strengthen the economy.

The former council chairman noted that although he holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Political Science and has opportunities for white-collar employment, he chose to return to tailoring because of his passion for the profession.

He maintained that politics is uncertain, while a skilled trade provides lasting economic stability.

"You may occupy public office today and leave tomorrow, but your skill remains with you. It can sustain you, your family and even create opportunities for others," he said.

Basaf began his political career as a supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement and later served as Kano State chairman of the Alliance National Party before joining the New Nigeria Peoples Party, where he worked as Senior Special Assistant on Information.

He was elected chairman of Kumbotso Local Government in 2024 and, during his time in office, said his administration executed projects in education and healthcare while sponsoring the education of over 2,000 students.

His tenure, however, came to an end after the Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return and declared Ali Musa, popularly known as Hardworker, as the duly elected chairman.

Despite his exit from office, Basaf said he remains committed to political participation but will continue to focus on growing his tailoring enterprise, which he believes offers a more reliable future than elective office.