"Kano Is Not Lagos": Former Ganduje Aide Salihu Tanko Yakasai Rejects President Tinubu’s Alleged One-Party Ambitions For 2027

Former aide Salihu Tanko Yakasai warns President Tinubu that Kano’s history of opposition makes a one-party state impossible ahead of the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 9:29 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Naija News

Defying the One-Party Narrative in Northern Politics

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a prominent political figure and former gubernatorial candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding the political direction of Kano State. In a public statement released on Wednesday, Yakasai characterized any attempt to consolidate Kano into a one-party hegemony as a fundamental misunderstanding of the region's history. He emphasized that the political landscape of Kano has been defined by pluralism and robust debate for decades, making it resistant to the centralized political models often seen in other parts of the country.

Historical Precedents of Political Pluralism

Drawing on a lineage of political activism, Yakasai noted that from the era of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) to the legendary "Santsi da Tabo" period, Kano has consistently rejected one-party dominance. He famously remarked that "Kano is not Lagos," highlighting the distinct political cultures between Nigeria's commercial nerve centers. According to Yakasai, Kano’s politics are not transactional but are rooted in a commitment to public interest and truth—values he credits to the enduring legacy of the late Mallam Aminu Kano.

Accusations of Regional Neglect and Lopsided Appointments

The former aide expressed significant concern over the current administration's handling of regional grievances. He alleged that the people of Kano are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as lopsided government appointments and a developmental strategy that favors specific regions over others. Yakasai argued that these perceived imbalances are eroding the administration's support base in the North. He maintained that leadership loyalty is a reciprocal arrangement earned through fairness, rather than a status achieved through political manipulation or deception.