‘Politics Is Not Madness’: Emir of Katsina Warns Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign DG Yari
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has cautioned Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, against dishonesty and political conduct that undermines national development.
The monarch urged political leaders to prioritise security, economic recovery and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians rather than engage in hatred, envy, personal attacks and attempts to destroy their opponents.
Usman made the remarks when Yari visited his palace in Katsina State earlier this week. His comments were captured in a Hausa-language video seen by SaharaReporters.
Declaring that “politics is not madness”, the Emir said political engagement should be guided by dialogue, persuasion, mutual respect and a commitment to the common good.
Addressing Yari, he stressed that the responsibility of political leadership extended beyond individual states and political interests to the entire country.
“Director-General, you are now in a position of leadership. This is not just about this place; it concerns the entire country. We are all children of this nation, and we must stand for the truth,” the monarch said.
He urged the APC campaign chief to convey the message to other political leaders and influential Nigerians, emphasising that leadership must be rooted in compassion and service.
“I swear to God, unless you love people, help them and work with them, you cannot expect Allah to love you, stand by you and help you,” he added.
Emir Rejects Politics of Hatred
The traditional ruler condemned the growing tendency among politicians to use insults, backbiting, envy and personal attacks against their opponents.
According to him, politics should involve convincing people through arguments and ideas rather than fighting or condemning those with opposing views.
“Yes, politics, it must be about politics. What is politics? You convince me to accept your conviction,” he said.
“You must be wise enough to listen to what I have to say or consider my point of view. That is politics. It is not fighting or condemning others.
“It is not about backbiting, envy or malice.”
The Emir maintained that politicians seeking public support must respect the people, listen to their concerns and demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving their living conditions.
He also cited religious teachings in the Quran and the Bible, noting that both emphasise the importance of considering the welfare of others rather than pursuing personal gains.
He warned that those who treat others with contempt could eventually face similar treatment.
“Whoever you are, I repeat, whoever you are, if you treat another person with contempt, I swear to God, you will eventually experience something you do not like,” he said.
‘Politicians Must Not Mislead Nigerians’
The Emir also condemned dishonesty in political engagements, warning politicians against fabricating events or making false claims to gain public support.
While acknowledging that religious teachings recognise limited circumstances in which deception may be permitted, including reconciliation and certain situations during warfare, he insisted that such exceptions must not be used to justify dishonesty in ordinary political activities.
“Come, let me explain something to you. There are circumstances in which lying is permissible: for example, to preserve harmony between a husband and his wife, or to reconcile people and prevent further conflict,” he said.
He, however, maintained that deliberately misleading people about events that never occurred was unacceptable.
“But lying in this manner, when you come to me and claim something happened when you know it did not, is unacceptable. May Allah guide us to what is right, I swear to God,” he added.
The monarch said truthfulness should remain a guiding principle for public officials, regardless of their political ambitions or affiliations.
“As for me, wherever I go, whenever I open my mouth, I speak the truth. I have said this based on the Holy Quran,” he said.
Insecurity Threatens Farmers, Economic Activities
The Emir expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on farming communities across northern Nigeria, noting that threats to lives and property had prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands.
“Why are we drifting apart? Farmers have been prevented from carrying out their activities,” he said.
He urged political leaders to address the security crisis, warning that the inability of farmers to work was undermining livelihoods and economic activities in affected communities.
The monarch also questioned the decline of major industrial establishments in Kaduna State, citing the DIC and Peugeot company as examples of businesses whose current conditions should concern regional leaders.
“If you go to Kaduna, look at the DIC and the Peugeot company. Where are they now? They have all collapsed. Why?” he asked.
Expressing disappointment over what he described as the silence of influential figures, the Emir called on traditional rulers, politicians and other stakeholders to speak out and take action.
“And we have remained silent. Who are the elders?” he asked.
“We have to speak. We have to speak. We must stand up and take action.”
He stressed that leadership should be measured by its impact on people’s lives rather than status, wealth or access to political power.
The monarch urged political leaders to focus on restoring security, reviving economic activities and creating conditions that would enable Nigerians to earn a living.
