Former Kumbotso Local Government Chairman in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, popularly known as Basaf, has returned to tailoring full-time after losing his office following a court ruling, insisting that vocational skills offer greater stability and security than political appointments.
Basaf, who served as chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area until March 2026, said his decision was intended to encourage politicians and young Nigerians to develop sustainable sources of income and regard politics primarily as a platform for public service.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, the former council chairman described tailoring as a dignified profession that had supported him throughout his political journey.
“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.
Basaf currently operates a tailoring business in Sheka Ward, where he employs about 20 workers. According to him, plans are underway to modernise the enterprise, transform it into a garment manufacturing company and expand employment opportunities for dozens of young people.
“My goal is to modernise tailoring, establish a garment company, and employ 50 or more people. I want to contribute to the economy,” he said.
The former chairman urged young Nigerians to embrace skilled labour and vocational occupations, arguing that such professions offer lasting economic value and independence.
“Value your trade more than politics because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities,” he said.
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A holder of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf explained that he pursued tailoring out of passion despite having opportunities to build a career in the corporate sector.
Over the years, his political career became closely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement. He established Kwankwasiyya Reporters in 2015, served as chairman of the Alliance National Party in Kano State, contested for a Senate seat in 2019 and later joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), where he served as Senior Special Assistant on Information.
Basaf emerged as chairman of Kumbotso Local Government in the 2024 election. However, the Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return in March 2026 and declared Ali Musa, popularly known as Hardworker, the duly elected candidate.
Reflecting on his return to the trade, Basaf said tailoring remains a dependable profession despite the uncertainties associated with political office.
“Politics can change overnight. You can be in office today and out tomorrow. But tailoring remains. It feeds you, it supports your family, and it allows you to help others,” he said.
Although he has stepped away from public office, Basaf maintained that he would remain actively involved in politics while continuing to expand his tailoring business.
His story has renewed conversations about the importance of entrepreneurship, vocational training and financial independence among public office holders and young Nigerians seeking long-term economic stability.