Former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, has returned to his tailoring business months after a court nullified his election, saying political office should never replace a sustainable means of livelihood.
Popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, the former council boss now spends his days cutting fabrics, supervising apprentices and sewing clothes at his tailoring workshop in Sheka Ward, Kumbotso LGA.
Speaking with THE STAR, Basaf said his decision to return to tailoring immediately after leaving office was deliberate, noting that every politician should have a profession or business capable of providing financial stability outside public office.
According to him, politics is an opportunity to serve the people rather than a permanent source of income.
“Politics is an opportunity to serve people, not a permanent source of income. A trade gives you stability and independence,” he said.
Basaf explained that tailoring has remained his primary occupation for more than a decade, even as he ventured into farming, painting and politics. He added that proceeds from the business helped fund his political activities, including election campaigns and community engagements.
Despite holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science, he said tailoring remains his passion and has proved to be more dependable than political office.
He encouraged young Nigerians to acquire vocational skills, stressing that trades should not be regarded as inferior to white-collar jobs.
“Politics can change overnight. You may be in office today and out tomorrow, but your trade will always remain with you. It feeds you, supports your family and enables you to help others,” he said.
Basaf also expressed hope of expanding his tailoring business and contributing more significantly to Nigeria’s economy through local garment production.
His political journey began with the Kwankwasiyya movement. He founded Kwankwasiyya Reporters in 2015, later served as Kano State chairman of the Alliance National Party (ANP), contested for a Senate seat in 2019, and subsequently joined the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), where he served as Senior Special Assistant on Information.
He was elected chairman of Kumbotso Local Government in 2024 and said his administration executed projects in education and healthcare, including sponsoring the education of more than 2,000 students.
However, his tenure came to an end in March 2026 after a Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return, 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 of the chairmanship election and ordered his immediate swearing-in.
Although he has resumed tailoring full-time, Basaf said he remains committed to politics and has no plans to quit public service.