Former Kano State governor and senator for Kano Central in the 9th National Assembly, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has declared that he will remain active in politics for the rest of his life, describing political participation as both an act of worship and service to humanity.
Speaking in Kano during an interactive session with journalists to mark his 70th birthday, Shekarau said his political journey has always been guided by faith and a strong sense of moral duty.
“I am not going to check out of politics because participating in the process of producing credible and trustworthy leaders is part of service to humanity, and that is a religious duty in Islam,” he stated.
The former minister, who governed Kano State from 2003 to 2011, explained that his motivation for remaining in politics was not driven by ambition or personal gain but by the desire to support good governance and nurture just leadership.
“So long as I have the strength to contribute in any form, I will continue to do so. Politics, for me, is not a career that ends; it is a lifelong responsibility,” he said.
Reflecting on his political philosophy, Shekarau said his faith and politics are inseparable, noting that his guiding principle has always been: “My politics is my religion, and my religion is my politics.”
He added that he had no regrets despite challenges and disappointments throughout his political career, emphasising that every experience was part of divine destiny.
“Whatever comes my way, I take it as Allah’s decision. Even when I fail to achieve what I desire, I believe it is because Allah has chosen what is best for me. Regret only comes when one fails to appreciate Allah’s wisdom,” he said.
Recalling his early political engagements, Shekarau revealed that his leadership journey started in the 1980s when he contested and won several union elections as a young teacher.
“I started contesting in 1982, and by 1988, I was National President of the Police Schools in Nigeria, overseeing more than 8,000 schools. That experience shaped my confidence in leadership and service,” he explained.
Shekarau, who became the first politician to defeat a sitting governor in Kano, said his electoral victories were products of faith, discipline, and the people’s trust.
Turning to the nation’s current state, the former governor urged leaders to prioritise tackling insecurity, poverty, and hunger, describing these as fundamental challenges threatening peace and stability.
“No nation is without crime, but government must not allow criminality to thrive. When people can afford food and live decently, peace will naturally follow,” he noted.
He also called on opposition parties to work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and provide credible alternatives to the ruling government.
“I am optimistic and will continue to support any government that works for the peace and welfare of our people, regardless of political differences,” Shekarau added.
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