Abdullahi Gali Shitu, the former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State—widely known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf—has officially returned to full-time tailoring following a court ruling that ended his tenure.
Rather than viewing the transition as a setback, Basaf has embraced his craft, highlighting that vocational trades provide far greater financial stability than politics.
Basaf, whose time as council chairman concluded in March 2026, explained in an interview with Daily Trust that politicians must maintain sustainable alternative livelihoods instead of treating public office as 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 stated.
Operating out of his current shop in Sheka Ward, which currently provides jobs for about 20 individuals, the former council boss has ambitious plans for expansion.
He intends to modernize the enterprise, establish a fully-fledged garment factory, and scale up employment to support more than 50 people.
As a holder of both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf chose to pursue tailoring out of personal passion despite having access to white-collar career paths.
He routinely encourages young people to take pride in vocational skills and avoid looking down on manual or trade professions.
“Value your trade more than politics, because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities,” he advised.
Basaf’s journey in public service is deeply rooted in Kano’s political landscape, particularly through his association with the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Over the years, he established Kwankwasiyya Reporters in 2015, led the Alliance National Party in Kano, ran for the Senate in 2019, and later joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as a Senior Special Assistant on Information.
After winning the Kumbotso chairmanship election in 2024, his tenure was cut short when a Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return in March 2026, declaring Ali Musa (known as Hardworker) as the legitimate winner.
Reflecting on his return to the sewing machine, Basaf remains grounded, describing the trade as a noble profession that outlasts the fleeting nature of political appointments.
“Politics can change overnight. You can be in the office today and out tomorrow. But tailoring remains. It feeds you, it supports your family, and it allows you to help others,” he noted.
Though deeply refocused on his business ventures, Basaf clarified that he is not entirely stepping away from public engagement or political participation.
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