The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over economic hardship and insecurity, accusing politicians of prioritising personal interests and political ambitions over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The monarch described the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as “renewed hunger,” alleging that political leaders had abandoned the people after securing their votes.
Usman made the remarks when Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, visited his palace.
In a video of the visit seen by Peoples Gazette, the emir expressed frustration over what he described as the practice of politicians visiting traditional rulers to seek prayers and electoral support but failing to return after elections.
“Every four years you come to my palace with a cap in hand, asking for prayers, asking for support. After the election, you disappear to Abuja, to Lagos. You don’t come back until the next election,” he said in Hausa.
Questioning the purpose of such visits, the monarch asked Yari whether the palace had become a place politicians visited only when they needed electoral support.
“Is the palace voting centre or toilet that you visit only when pressed?” he asked.
The emir recalled that Katsina State had produced two former Nigerian presidents, the late Muhammadu Buhari and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, before lamenting what he described as a departure from the community-centred politics of the past.
“In my days, politics was about community. Now politics is about one man, his son, his wife, and his bank account. You call it ‘renewed hope’, but people in Katsina are in renewed hunger,” he said.
Emir Faults APC Infighting Amid Insecurity
Usman also criticised members of the ruling APC for engaging in political disagreements ahead of the 2027 general elections while communities across Katsina State continue to face attacks by armed bandits.
He expressed concern over reported divisions involving Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, former governor Aminu Bello Masari and other political interests, arguing that the struggle for party tickets had taken precedence over the security of residents.
“You are fighting each other in APC—Governor Dikko Radda vs former Governor Masari vs former Governor Aminu Bello Masari supporters vs Abuja boys. All fighting for 2027 tickets while bandits are in Batsari, in Jibia, and in Safana, killing people,” the emir said.
“Is that not selfishness? Your people are dying; you are fighting for a ticket,” he added.
The monarch further claimed that banditry had forced about 52 schools to close and prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands in approximately 12 local government areas of the state.
He also raised concerns over the financial burden imposed on families forced to pay ransom to secure the release of kidnapped relatives.
“People pay N10 million or N20 million ransom to Turji and his boys. And you come to me talking about the DG campaign for Tinubu 2027? Should you not be talking about DG security for Katsina 2026?” he asked.
‘Bring Bello Turji Before You Come to Campaign’
The emir challenged the political leaders accompanying Yari to demonstrate tangible progress in tackling insecurity before seeking renewed electoral support from Katsina residents.
He specifically questioned the whereabouts of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, arguing that security should take precedence over preparations for the next presidential election.
“Where is Bello Turji?” he asked the visiting delegation.
“You promised to handle security. Turji is in a forest 100km from here. Go and bring him, then come and campaign,” Usman said.
The remarks underscored the monarch’s concern that political campaigns and party manoeuvring were overshadowing the urgent need to protect lives, restore access to farmlands and reopen schools affected by insecurity.
Emir Warns Politicians Against Vote-Buying
Usman also warned politicians against assuming that the distribution of food items and cash during election campaigns would guarantee continued support from voters.
According to him, residents who accept such gifts may still make independent choices at the ballot box, particularly when they believe elected officials have failed to address their needs.
“They will collect your rice and vote against you. They will collect your N5,000 and still vote for who they want because you taught them selfishness,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, the emir argued that the distribution of rice and money had not prevented Katsina voters from splitting their support among different political candidates.
“In 2023, you brought rice, you brought money, but Katsina people still split votes. In 2027, if you bring the same selfish politics, they will collect but not vote for you,” he added.
The emir’s comments placed economic hardship, insecurity, accountability and political representation at the centre of his message to the visiting APC delegation, as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
