Former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, has returned to tailoring following the end of his tenure, saying the trade offers more stability than politics.
Popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, the former council boss now spends his time managing his tailoring business and mentoring young apprentices in Sheka Ward, Kumbotso LGA.
Basaf says politics should not be a livelihood
Basaf said his decision was deliberate and aimed at encouraging politicians to develop sustainable careers outside public office According to him, politics should remain an avenue for public service rather than a permanent source of income.
He also urged young people to embrace vocational skills instead of looking down on trades.
Tailoring supported political career
The former council chairman revealed that tailoring financed much of his political journey. He explained that the business helped him fund his campaigns and other political activities over the years.
“Tailoring is not a small trade. It is a major one. It sustains livelihoods. Even in politics, my tailoring business helped me financially to support my campaigns and organisations. Without it, it would have been impossible to sustain political activities.”
Basaf said his workshop currently employs about 20 people. He added that he hopes to expand the business into a garment company capable of employing more than 50 workers.
Calls for respect for vocational skills
The former chairman said he returned to tailoring to demonstrate that skilled trades remain valuable despite the attraction of political office. He encouraged young Nigerians to modernise vocational businesses and see them as viable career paths.
“My message is that they should not despise trades; they should value and modernise them.”
He also maintained that tailoring provides greater security than politics.
“Politics can change overnight. You can be in the office today and out tomorrow. But tailoring remains. It feeds you, it supports your family, and it allows you to help others.”
Court ruling ended tenure
Basaf served as chairman of Kumbotso Local Government for one year and three months after winning the 2024 election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
However, the Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return in March 2026, ruling that it had been issued in violation of an earlier court order.
The court declared Ali Musa, popularly known as Hardworker, the rightful winner and ordered his immediate swearing-in. Despite leaving office, Basaf said he remains active in politics. However, he insisted that tailoring will continue to take priority.
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