A PROMINENT chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ibrahim Ali Amin, popularly known as Ibrahim Little, has unveiled a sweeping political and governance vision ahead of the 2027 Kano governorship race, promising a youth-driven administration anchored on human capital development, social welfare expansion, and economic inclusion.
Speaking with select journalists in Kano, Ali Amin, who is positioning himself as one of the leading aspirants for the ADC governorship ticket, presented himself as a seasoned politician whose decades in public life have shaped his conviction that the future of governance must be firmly rooted in youth inclusion and empowerment.
On his vision for young people in governance, Ibrahim Little stressed that his administration, if elected governor would be deliberately structured around youth participation, arguing that Nigeria’s demographic reality demands such an approach.
He further noted that although the ADC has already earmarked 40 percent of appointments for young people, he intends to go much further in Kano.
“Our party has earmarked 40 percent appointments for the youth, but I assure you, and let it be on record in Kano, I am going to do 70 percent when I eventually become governor, In Sha Allah. It is their time. They have youthful exuberance, they are IT savvy, they have the know-how, and they are physically energetic. Both male and female youths will get 70 percent of appointments in my government,” he said.
Beyond youth inclusion, the ADC chieftain outlined broader policy priorities he intends to pursue, stressing that his administration would significantly depart from past governments through a strong focus on human capital development and poverty eradication.
He explained that a key pillar of his governance agenda would be a comprehensive social protection framework designed to support vulnerable groups in society.
“There are a lot of things I will do differently, but the most important is human capital development, with strong concentration on poverty eradication and ensuring that vulnerable people in society get the needed help,” he said.
He further disclosed plans to sponsor a Social Welfare Bill at the Kano State House of Assembly, which would institutionalize support for widows, orphans, and the elderly.
“One of the bills I am going to push at the State Assembly is the Social Welfare Bill for vulnerable people. Widows and orphans will be well catered for. Their standard of living will be improved. The elderly will also be taken care of feeding, medical needs, and other essentials will be addressed,” he added.
In a particularly emotional revelation, Ibrahim Little expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing assessment of drug abuse in Kano, citing a past encounter with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) leadership.
He recalled that during an audience with the then NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, at the residence of the late Bashir Tofa, he and other Kano elders were informed of a troubling statistic.
“With all sadness, a few years ago, we received the Commandant of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, at late Bashir Tofa’s residence. Myself and some Kano elders were there, and he revealed something alarming that Kano is the epicenter of drug abuse in the world, not Africa, not Nigeria, but the whole world,” he said.
He pledged that his administration would treat the issue as a top priority, focusing on rehabilitation, education, and job creation for affected youths.
“That is something I am going to take very seriously. We will rehabilitate our young men and women and give them jobs. Some will be sent to school, others will receive vocational training, and industries will be created for their engagement,” he explained.
According to him, his core governance agenda will rest on human capital development, quality education, and effective healthcare delivery. He added that once he secures the ADC governorship ticket, he will present a detailed blueprint for Kano’s transformation.
“I am going to invest in quality education and good healthcare delivery. In Sha Allah, when I clinch the ADC gubernatorial ticket, you will see a very good blueprint and roadmap. I am not going to engage in rhetoric. There will be a conversation with the people of Kano. I will tell them what is wrong in every sector and how I intend to fix it,” he said.
On his preparations for the governorship primaries, Little described himself as the “busiest politician” among all aspirants, noting that he has been actively engaged in party-building activities since joining the ADC coalition.
He explained that his political strategy is rooted in timing and discipline.
“I have been very busy. I am the busiest politician among all aspirants. In my decades of experience, I have learned to make noise where necessary and stay silent where necessary,” he said.
He added that since ADC is a newly expanding coalition, his immediate focus is on strengthening party structures and membership mobilisation ahead of internal primaries scheduled for next month.
“We just joined a new party, a coalition of different politicians. The first step is building the party and ensuring the membership drive is successful. Then we move to internal democracy arrangements. My next step is preparing for the primaries. In ADC Kano, I am the busiest politician,” he stated.
On his chances of clinching the party’s governorship ticket, Ibrahim Little expressed confidence, insisting that his political experience sets him apart from other aspirants.
“Who has a better pedigree than me? Nobody. Nobody is my political mate among the aspirants. Anyone coming forward now is either my junior in politics or in seeking the Kano governorship seat. So the question of chances is for others, not me. I am a veteran in this,” he declared.
However, he maintained that he would accept the outcome of a free and fair primary election if he does not emerge as the candidate, reaffirming his commitment to internal democracy.
“If I don’t clinch the ticket, I will support whoever wins. I have been a democrat all my life. I have always subjected myself to free and fair primaries. As long as it is free and fair, why would anyone not accept the outcome? I am a democrat and a Muslim, and I know that only Allah gives power to whom He chooses,” he said.
Speaking on political developments within the party, Ibrahim Little described the entry of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the ADC as a major political game-changer.
“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joining ADC is a game changer for us, both at the state and national level. We all know why,” he said.
He, however, stressed that the party would strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act in selecting its candidate, whether through consensus or direct primaries.
“In ADC, we will abide by the Electoral Act and the guidance of the leadership of the party at the national level. There are two options consensus or direct primaries. Whichever is adopted, I assure you that with the experience and technical know-how of our leaders, we will be fine,” he added.
On internal party stability and the 2027 general elections, Ibrahim Little expressed confidence that the ADC would participate fully, barring any legal obstacles.
“The ADC will participate in the 2027 general election unfailingly. The only thing that can stop us is a court injunction, which we do not expect. As we speak, we are preparing for congresses in most states, except for a few due to peculiar reasons,” he concluded.