Former Kumbotso Local Government Chairman in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, has returned to tailoring full-time after a court ruling removed him from office, saying the profession offers more stability than politics.
Speaking with Daily Trust, Basaf said his decision was meant to encourage politicians to have a sustainable means of livelihood and view politics as an opportunity to serve rather than a permanent source of income.
“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, who served as Kumbotso Local Government chairman until March 2026, currently operates a tailoring shop in Sheka Ward, where he employs about 20 workers.
He revealed plans to expand the business into a garment manufacturing company capable of creating jobs for more than 50 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 added.
The former council chairman also urged young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills and stop looking down on skilled trades.
“Value your trade more than politics, because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities,” he advised.
Despite holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf said he chose tailoring out of passion, even when opportunities for white-collar jobs were available.
His political journey has been closely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement. He founded Kwankwasiyya Reporters in 2015, served as chairman of the Alliance National Party (ANP) in Kano, contested for the Senate in 2019, and later joined the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), where he served as Senior Special Assistant on Information.
Basaf won the Kumbotso Local Government chairmanship election in 2024, but the Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return in March 2026, declaring Ali Musa, popularly known as Hardworker, the rightful winner.
Reflecting on life after leaving office, Basaf described tailoring as a profession that provides lasting security.
“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 returned to tailoring full-time, Basaf said he remains interested in politics and will continue to participate in public affairs.
