Former Governor of Kano State, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, has reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to active politics, saying participation in politics and the process of producing credible leaders is part of his religious duty as a Muslim.
Shekarau stated this on Wednesday in Kano during a media briefing to mark his 70th birthday celebration.
He said he had no plans to withdraw from the political scene, stressing that contributing to the emergence of credible and just leadership remained his lifelong mission.
“This is my religion; my religion is my politics. I will remain in the political arena for life. The question of leaving politics will not arise so long as I am able to contribute in any form,” Shekarau declared.
The former governor said he viewed politics as a divine responsibility, explaining that participating in the political process was an act of service to humanity.
“It is incumbent upon every citizen to participate and contribute to ensure credible leadership. Since the only way to achieve that is through politics, the process of producing good leaders becomes a religious duty,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey in public service, Shekarau, who served as Governor of Kano State for eight years, Minister of Education, and later as a Senator, said he had no regrets in life, attributing his successes and challenges to divine destiny.
“I have never had any regrets in my life because regrets come from failure to appreciate Allah’s decision. Whatever happens to me is by Allah’s choice, and I am grateful for that,” he said.
Recalling his political rise, Shekarau said his victory in the 2003 governorship election, which ended the rule of an incumbent administration, was not a miracle but a result of hard work, faith, and trust in God.
“We worked hard for it. People laughed at me, calling me a frustrated teacher, but Allah gives power to whom He wishes. It wasn’t a miracle; it was destiny,” he added.
He also recounted his early leadership experiences in the education sector, where he held several positions in teachers’ unions, including National President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) from 1988 to 1992.
Commenting on Nigeria’s current challenges, Shekarau assessed the present administration’s performance as “below average,” particularly in addressing insecurity and economic hardship.
“Government must take care of the insecurity challenges. People are being murdered and slaughtered like animals. This is unacceptable. Also, whatever is done with the economy, if it doesn’t make food affordable, it is meaningless,” he said.
According to him, ensuring food security and protecting lives and property should remain top priorities for any responsible government.
Shekarau reaffirmed his position as an opposition figure, vowing to continue to challenge any wrongdoing by government, irrespective of political affiliation.
“I am opposition, and I will continue to challenge any wrongdoing in any government regardless of which party,” he stated.
The former governor also urged opposition parties to unite for the sake of credible democratic contest and good governance in Nigeria.
“My personal vision is for the opposition to come together to fight for elections and credible leadership, whether I see it in my time or not,” he said.
Shekarau, who turned 70, served as Kano State Governor between 2003 and 2011, was Minister of Education under President Goodluck Jonathan, and later represented Kano Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
He expressed gratitude to God for his life, health, and continued relevance in public affairs, saying his future remained in God’s hands.
“My next is what Allah determines for me in life,” he concluded.