The inclusion of Abubakar Yusuf Hamisu’s name in the January 12, 2026 PREMIUM TIMESanalysis titled “How Uba Sani’s ex-campaign DG, Bello’s exit could shape Kaduna APC’s 2027 fate,” by Mohammed Lere, was clearly a deliberate attempt to lend credibility to a mischievous narrative poorly advanced in the write up. The article sought to portray Bello’s resignation and subsequent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the budding opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a development with grave political implications for Governor Uba Sani’s reelection bid in the 2027 elections, despite the absence of concrete evidence to support such an alarmist conclusion.
While it is a fact that the departure of Bello, the former Director-General of Governor Uba Sani’s governorship campaign organization and his onetime Commissioner for Education, later Commissioner for Information—has understandably attracted some media attention, it is equally evident that whatever political relevance he currently enjoys remains largely anchored to his role in managing the governor’s successful 2023 campaign. It must be stated that delivering a candidate is not a one man’s job. And as the Hausa saying goes, “Ga doki da fili; nuna cewa kai zakaran dawaki ne,” which literally translates to, “Here is the horse and the field—show the world that you are indeed a master rider.” With the 2027 elections fast approaching, Professor Bello has a golden opportunity to demonstrate that he is truly a political iroko by stepping into the arena, contesting, and defeating Governor Uba Sani. Such a feat would conclusively establish his political clout; otherwise, he risks being remembered merely as a “kingmaker” who lacked the capacity to make himself a king.
It’s very important to stress that Abubakar Yusuf Hamisu’s politics is strategic, and value-driven rather than transactional, and impact-focused rather than visibility-dependent. He does not equate political relevance with constant public appearances or proximity to power, but with loyalty, timing, grassroots depth, and the quiet ability to influence outcomes when it matters most. His approach reflects a belief that politics is about stewardship—one in which restraint, discretion, and consistency often deliver more lasting results than noise. It is within this framework that his actions, silences, and alliances must be properly interpreted.
History clearly shows that managing a political campaign – governorship or presidential- does not automatically translate into enduring political relevance. Against this backdrop, Bello’s exit from APC is largely symbolic rather than substantive, reflecting personal political calculations rather than any seismic shift in the political fortunes of the ruling APC.
This brings us to the question of why Abubakar’s name was deliberately and mischievously inserted into what can only be described as a deeply flawed write-up. Two immediate conclusions suggest themselves. First, it was intended to lend weight to the jaundiced argument that Bello’s exit—along with the purported departure of Abubakar and a few others—would adversely affect Governor Uba Sani’s reelection chances. Flowing directly from this is a second, more insidious objective, to manufacture and sustain the false narrative that Abubakar, like Bello, has also abandoned Governor Sani. This claim is not only misleading but a blatant falsehood, concocted to deceive the public and distort the true political realities on the ground.
The only “evidence” Mohammed Lere offers to support his fallacious claims is the assertion that Abubakar has “largely withdrawn” from frontline APC activities. What Lere either ignores or fails to understand is that, unlike many politicians whose relevance depends on being constantly seen with the governor, is that Abubakar is very intentional and results-driven in his political engagement, prioritizing strategic impact over noise and grandstanding. As Léopold Sédar Senghor, former President of Senegal, aptly observed, “a tiger does not need to proclaim its tigritude.” The same principle applies to Abubakar’s political style, who doesn’t have to prove his political relevance. Moreover, it’s an established fact that he maintains a strong and cordial relationship with Governor Uba Sani, further exposing the hollowness of the narrative being peddled.
Also unknown to Lere, is that beyond public service, Abubakar manages several thriving businesses that demand his attention, which explains his current low profile ahead of full political engagement in the second quarter of the year. Abubakar, has a duty to ensure that his business don’t suffer, hence his decision to combine his political engagement and entrepreneurship, a rare and valuable combination in Nigerian politics. Deeply connected across Kaduna State’s grassroots, Abubakar exemplifies a form of politics that is strategic, value-driven, and indispensable to APC’s plan to decisively win the election and Kaduna State’s political future.
It is a well-known reality that in our political environment that idle and jobless politicians, desperate to appear “relevant,” often abuse their access and platforms to viciously attack, undermine, and politically assassinate their fellow politicians. If more politicians were productively engaged in running businesses, as Abubakar is, our politics would undoubtedly be healthier. He does not rely on public office for relevance or survival.
As the 2027 elections approaches, recognizing the strategic roles that experienced political actors like Abubakar Yusuf Hamisu would play is essential.
The inevitable question, therefore, is why is Abubakar involved in politics in the first place. A clear understanding behind his involvement in politics is crucial to properly appreciating the trajectory of his political engagement. Man, as Aristotle famously observed, is a political animal, and with that reality comes a civic duty to participate in governance rather than sit on the sidelines complaining about outcomes one bluntly refused to influence. It must be emphasized that Abubakar’s involvement in politics is neither driven by personal ambition nor by the pursuit of power; rather, it is rooted in a commitment to public service, principled engagement, and the belief that politics should serve as a tool for strategic intervention and societal impact.
What Lere also fails to appreciate is that individuals like Abubakar often function as moral and strategic guide rails for elected public officials, offering counsel, balance, and direction without the need for constant public exposure. It’s always about effectiveness. Understanding this underlying principle provides the necessary context for interpreting his politics and effectively dispel the misconceptions surrounding it.
It is therefore important to thoroughly debunk the exaggerated narrative advanced by Lere, which seeks to portray the supposed “absence” of a few veteran figures as evidence of a problem within the party. The Kaduna State chapter of the APC, like any vibrant and well-organized political platform, operates through multiple layers of leadership, experience, and grassroots structures, none of which depend on the continued presence of a handful of individuals. Contrary to Lere’s assertion, Governor Uba Sani’s reelection prospects are not anchored on the weakness or the nonexistence of a strong opposition but on his record of his sterling performance and the growing public confidence his administration continues to enjoy.
Far from being disengaged, Abubakar remains strongly committed to the success of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, his reelection in 2027, party cohesion, and grassroots mobilization towards APC victory. His political vision, proven record of public service, and balanced approach to business and politics make him not just relevant but indispensable to Kaduna State’s political future.
Despite paying attention to his various business interests, Abubakar continues to cultivate grassroots support across Kaduna State, which remain central to the party’s electoral success. His behind-the-scenes work ensures that party structures at ward and local government levels remain functional, and aligned with its electoral objectives. Clearly, what Governor Sani requires is this kind of steady, low-profile engagement, which is far more impactful than being constantly around him.
Abubakar Yusuf Hamisu, is someone who has never measured his influence by public appearances alongside prominent figures like the former Vice – Presidents Atiku Abubakar or Namadi Sambo, despite maintaining close relationships with them. His greatest strength lies in his reliability, honesty, and unwavering trustworthiness. He is known not to betray friends or allies, even when faced with tempting inducements. This noble character was clearly demonstrated during the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) saga, when he was reportedly promised “heaven” by President Olusegun Obasanjo in exchange for betraying Atiku Abubakar—an offer that he firmly rejected. His strength lies in principled consistency and steadfast loyalty, qualities that define both his character and his politics.
Far from distancing himself from Governor Uba Sani, Abubakar remains firmly aligned and supportive of the governor. In the countdown to the 2023 elections, he virtually set aside his business interests to devote time, energy, and resources to supporting Governor Uba Sani’s campaign. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he will once again stand to be counted, and even beyond 2031, he will remain by the governor’s side, because his relationships are not transactional or driven by short-term political calculations. The people of Kaduna State should therefore be reassured that the convictions that informed his support in 2023 have not weakened; rather, they have been further strengthened.
For Abubakar Yusuf Hamisu, the true measure of political influence goes beyond being constantly beside the governor. His enduring grassroots engagement, value-driven politics, and unwavering commitment to Governor Uba Sani’s success ensure that he remains very much present, active, and a trusted pillar of support. To suggest that he has “stepped back” or “gone quiet” is to fundamentally misrepresent both his politics and his loyalty.
Postscript:
Analysts must ask the right questions if they want to understand and comment on Kaduna State politics accurately.
Gatekeepers News is not liable for opinions expressed in this article; they’re strictly the writer’s
