Ahead of the race for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 election, political pundits have observed that it is going to be the most heated contest between Bello El-Rufai, the incumbent, Samaila Abdu Suleiman, a former House of Reps member and Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka, the new entrant.
For Bello, the eldest son of the embattled former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who rode on the back of his father to win in 2023, things may not be that easy for him this time round.
With his father currently enmeshed in a crisis with the Presidency, coupled with the strained relationship between the eldest El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani, whatever influence the younger El-Rufai could have wielded may have been whittled down considerably, as political observers strongly believe that many odds are clearly stacked against his chances of securing the party’s ticket in the primaries.
For Suleiman, who once served as a member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency from 2015–2023 under the APC, before decamping to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the 2023 elections, which he lost by over 51, 000 votes to El-Rufai’s son, and has now returned to his former party, the once-familiar-road to Kaduna North Federal Constituency this time round is certainly not going to be easy!
With the ghost of uncertainty hovering around El-Rufai and Suleiman, because of their baggage, that leaves Kaka, the new entrant in the power game, with lots of advantages.
Not a political neophyte himself, Kaka, who currently sits atop as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Stakeholders Forum, is using that exalted office to build different political alliances and networks across the federation, Kaduna in particular and the Presidency, a development some event watchers believe will stand him in good stead ahead of the party primaries and even beyond.
Judging from his political philosophy, which leans towards the grassroots, political pundits believe that Kaka is the most formidable candidate of the three eyeing the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
Observers have argued matter-of-factly that the way he carries on, you will think he is already serving in that capacity of a government functionary.
They easily cite Kaka’s pet project, Kowa Namu Ne Foundation, a vehicle through which he has continued to provide succour for the less privileged, vulnerable members and youths across Kaduna North and beyond.
Explaining the philosophy of Kowa Namu Ne himself, Kaka, says it is about leadership, service, empowerment and community development.
“Kowa Namu Ne is more than a slogan; it is a philosophy of inclusive leadership.
It emphasises shared ownership of governance, collective responsibility, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of background, gender, or social status.
“My duty is to bridge the gap between government and the people, turning hope into tangible reality for everyone in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
My vision for the Kowa Namu Ne Foundation extends beyond elections and political cycles, because leadership belongs to all of us. Together, we will continue to build a Kaduna and a Nigeria that works for all,” said an elated Kaka.
According to some of his close associates who have followed his trajectory in the last three years, they said Kaka has consistently demonstrated leadership that is not defined by position, but by service to the people.
From grassroots political engagements to large-scale empowerment programmes, education support, healthcare interventions, women and youth inclusion, and strategic infrastructure projects, Kaka has shown a clear commitment to sustainable development and human capital growth.
At the last count, the foundation has facilitated 12,000+ voter registrations and conducted extensive community engagements across 10+ wards, donated over N50 million to various women and youth groups, distributed over 150 solar fans and other equipment to small business owners, supported over 4,000 small businesses with grants and equipment, supported 50 team members with startup capital, distributed food to 500+ families, and installed streetlights and solar power in 40+ locations.
Besides, it has provided medical care to 800+ beneficiaries across multiple outreaches, distributed 300 eyeglasses, sponsored 100+ residents for 1-year health insurance, and cleared medical bills to 60+patients, built and commissioned schools, graduated 900+trainees from skills programs, returned 200 students to school, and distributed 10,000+ school materials.
While commenting about the altruistic philosophy of Kaka, Haladu Ado Muhammad, writing from his Instagram handle haladuadomuhammad described him in superlative adjectives.
“Kaka is a politician, businessman, and youth advocate. He founded the ‘Kowa Namu Ne’Foundation, which focuses on empowering young people through training, mentorship, and financial support.
Due to these efforts, Kaka has built a strong reputation at the grassroots level as many young people see him as a practical leader who focuses on long-term empowerment instead of short-term political promises.
“His support for the policies of officialasiwajubat and ubasanius, the governor of Kaduna State, has also strengthened his position within the APC. Another advantage for Kaka is that he is new to elective politics. Unlike many traditional politicians, he has never held an elected office.
This gives him the image of a fresh political figure with new ideas. His reported closeness to seyitinubu, the son of President Tinubu, is also believed to have increased his visibility and connections at the national level.”
Another fan wrote Abubakar Abdullahi Gola on his Instagram post, saying, “Kaka, a vibrant and visionary youth leader, is dedicated to inspiring and empowering young individuals to reach their full potential.
With a firm belief that today’s struggling youths can become tomorrow’s shining stars, Hon. Kaka passionately advocates for focus, determination, and resilience.
His mission is to motivate and support youths in overcoming challenges, achieving their goals, and making a positive impact in their communities.”
Mubarak Ahmed Mubarak, also writing from his Instagram handle sir_matawale, said Kaka is walking in the footsteps of his mentor, Seyi Tinubu, by transforming the lives of good people in Kaduna North.
“Through the Abdulazeez Kaka Empowerment Initiative, Kaka has extended a helping hand to over 1,000 indigents in Kaduna North, Kaduna State, with a N50m cash grant and food aid.
This noble gesture is a testament to Kaka’s commitment to replicating Seyi Tinubu’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and empowerment in Kaduna North.
By following in Seyi’s footsteps, Kaka is inspiring hope and positively impacting the lives of those in need. Kaka’s initiative is a shining example of the transformative power of leadership and the ripple effect of kindness.
As he continues to empower his community, he is not only improving lives but also cementing his own legacy as a champion of the people.”
Interestingly, political pundits hold the view and very strongly too that with the level of alliances and network of contacts built across different verticals of the political firmament, including Kaduna State and beyond, things look good for Kaka’s ascendancy as far as Kaduna North Federal Constituency is concerned.
Post a Comment