Former Kano State Governor Shekarau Submits Forms, Eyes Return to Senate
By Stella Kevin
Former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau has submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Kano Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, pledging to continue championing national unity, pension reforms, and the welfare of Nigerian workers if elected.
Shekarau, a two-term former governor of Kano State, former Minister of Education, and former senator discussed this while addressing journalists shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms.
Speaking on his chances of clinching the party’s ticket, the former governor said leadership ultimately comes from God, stressing that his responsibility is to work hard and pray for success.
“When you are going into a contest with others, there are always two things — winning and losing,” he said.
“My God has told us in the Holy Quran that it is He who bestows leadership on whoever He decides. The Prophet of Islam asked us to do two things: work for it and pray for it. I have been praying to succeed and working to succeed. With these two, by the grace of God, I will emerge the winner.”
The former senator said his aspiration was driven by a desire to serve both his constituency and the nation at large, noting that national interest must always come first.
“Nigeria first, then my constituency second, because if there is no Nigeria, my constituency will not be there,” Shekarau stated.
Reflecting on his performance in the past Senate, Shekarau highlighted his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Pension, where he said he pushed for improved welfare for pensioners and workers.
“The records are there. For the four years I was there, I made sure pensioners were listened to. Will made sure Pencom received billions owed by the federal government, and ensured services addressed constitutional requirements on regular upgrading of pensions and salaries,” he said.
On national unity, the former governor recalled that his administration in Kano reflected inclusiveness and diversity.
“While I was governor, I had in my cabinet a Christian South-Easterner, a Yoruba man, a Calabar man, and others. I will continue to promote unity and encourage governments at all levels to do the same,” he added.
