Former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, has returned to tailoring full-time after losing his position through a court ruling, describing the profession as more stable and dependable than politics.
Speaking with Daily Trust, Basaf, who served as Kumbotso council chairman until March 2026, said his decision was driven by a desire to encourage politicians to have sustainable means of livelihood and to view politics as a platform for public service rather than a permanent source of income.
“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,” he said.
The former council boss now operates a tailoring shop in Sheka Ward, where about 20 people are employed. He disclosed plans to expand the business into a modern garment company capable of creating more than 50 jobs.
“My goal is to modernise tailoring, establish a garment company, and employ 50 or more people. I want to contribute to the economy,” he added.
Basaf urged young people to embrace vocational skills, stressing that skilled trades provide dignity, financial independence, and long-term security.
“Value your trade more than politics because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities,” he advised.
Despite holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf said he chose tailoring out of passion, even when opportunities for white-collar employment were available.
His political journey has been closely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement. He founded Kwankwasiyya Reporters in 2015, served as Chairman of the Alliance National Party in Kano State, contested the Kano Central Senatorial seat in 2019, and later joined the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), where he served as Senior Special Assistant on Information.
Basaf was elected Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government in the 2024 local government elections. However, the Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return in March 2026 and declared Ali Musa, popularly known as Hardworker, as the duly elected chairman.
