By Abba Anwar
It is not the intention of this write - up to x-ray the relevance and effectiveness of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) come 2027 general elections. The idea is not also to discuss the possibility of parties alliances as preparation to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in pre, during and post election periods, with SDP as one of the brain boxes.
I only see APC and SDP as opposing political platforms. A ruling party and opposition party eyeing each other's jugular. Political sophistication, organizational stamina and proactive engagements can play critical role in this imminent political face-off.
Coincidentally, just few days after the former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai defected from APC to SDP, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, punched some deadly blows to SDP. In what appears like uprooting strategy against the party. The first of its kind since El-Rufai's exit from APC.
Just few days back, on Tuesday 18th March, to be precise, Senator Barau welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of SDP in 2023, from Kano, Bala Mohammad Gwagwarwa, who cross carpeted to APC. He came along with the State Working Committee members, with 38 local government chairmen and secretaries of the party. Alongside 13 former House of Assembly and 6 House of Representatives candidates. Who also defected.
For Barau to display his capacity in this power play, with accurate sophistication, he made sure that during the event, which took place at REIZ Continental Hotel, Abuja, the Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Eng. Yusuf Buhari, was also part of the political cake swallowed by APC, with him (Barau) as the party's tongue and throat, in this context.
Since when Nigerians started observing SDP recently, in the national scheme of things, among all the APC's and PDP's, among other parties', heavyweights, in the country, to my knowledge, it was Barau who practically sends shivers to the party in a more practical way. The defection of SDP's juggernauts speaks volume. But I stand to be corrected.
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Though I was not privy to any groundwork before the event at REIZ Continental Hotel took place, by I may not mince words when I say, the Distinguished Deputy Senate President, gets firm support from the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, who happens to be in Sa'udi Arabia, for Lesser-Hajj (Umrah) when Barau was welcoming Eng. Buhari, Gwagwarwa and many others from SDP.
But as usual, Ganduje's support, spirit, sense of reasoning, sound endorsement and self - confidence were there with the Distinguished Senator. As the National Chairman was ably represented at the occasion by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emeka Eneukwu, who stayed throughout the period.
The visibility and political engagements of Senator Barau means a lot for his constituency, Kano State and Northwest if you like. Many see him as one of the major APC organs in the country, that consistently untie ploys upon ploys from opposition circle. An effort that makes his constituency and Kano State proud. A morale booster.
Looking ready and energetic almost all the time. With the multifaceted responsibilities on his shoulders. From his constituency, to his state, the Red Chamber, through his geo-political zone, in tandem with the national interest up to Africa's sub-regional legislative responsibilities. Kai kamar ba mutum ba! (laugher).
On the other hand, I came across a letter formally written by one of the sensitive offices of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), office of the Director Peace, Integration and Reconciliation, Zone A, Comrade Magaji Kabiru Gulu, addressed to the Deputy Senate President, hailing his patriotic posture and critical thinking for raising creative minds in Northwest through his recently inaugurated Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in Northwest, Agricultural Support Programme.
Of which young millionaires would be produced in our agricultural value chain from across all the 7 states of Northwest. The students body believes, this will go a long way in suppressing youth restiveness, lingering wallowing in (absolute?) poverty, reducing unemployment rate, among other missteps.
In the letter, Comrade Gulu posits that, "Your Initiative is a testament of your commitment to empowering young graduates in the Northwest region. This programme will undoubtedly provide them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in agriculture. Thereby contributing to the region's economic growth and development."
Adding that, "We appreciate your dedication to the welfare of our young people and your effort to create opportunities for them to succeed. Your leadership vision are truly inspiring. We are grateful for your service to our nation."
Expectedly, students themselves appreciate Barau's unrelenting service to the nation. This acknowledgement not only speaks volumes, it also means, in categorical term, that, there exists a leader who identifies himself with the plight of our teeming youth. Such and similar groups only need a sound system of retouch, reengineering, redesign and networking.
Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
20th March, 2025
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