Former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, has returned to his tailoring profession after leaving office, saying vocational skills provide a more dependable source of livelihood than politics.
Shitu, popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, has resumed work at his tailoring workshop in Sheka Ward, Kano, where he now oversees garment production and trains apprentices following the end of his tenure as council chairman.
Speaking on his decision, the former council boss said he intentionally returned to tailoring to demonstrate that politicians should not depend entirely on public office for survival. According to him, politics should be regarded as an opportunity to serve the people rather than a career that guarantees lifelong financial security.
He explained that tailoring has remained the foundation of his livelihood for many years and even played a key role in funding his political ambitions.
“Tailoring is a respectable profession. It helped me sustain myself and supported my political activities. Without it, many of those efforts would have been difficult,” he said.
Basaf disclosed that his tailoring business currently employs about 20 people and expressed optimism that it would grow into a full-scale garment manufacturing company capable of providing jobs for at least 50 workers.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace vocational skills, stressing that modernising traditional trades could create employment opportunities, reduce unemployment and contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.
Although he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science and has opportunities for white-collar employment, the former chairman said his passion for tailoring influenced his decision to return to the profession.
According to him, politics is uncertain, but a practical skill remains a lifelong asset.
“You may occupy public office today and leave tomorrow, but your skill remains with you. It can sustain you, your family and even create opportunities for others,” he added.
Basaf began his political career as a member of the Kwankwasiyya movement before serving as Kano State chairman of the Alliance National Party. He later joined the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), where he worked as Senior Special Assistant on Information before emerging chairman of Kumbotso Local Government in 2024.
During his time in office, he said his administration executed projects in education and healthcare while sponsoring the education of more than 2,000 students.
His tenure, however, came to an end after the Kano State High Court nullified his Certificate of Return and declared Ali Musa, popularly known as Hardworker, as the duly elected chairman.
Despite leaving office, Basaf said he remains committed to participating in politics while focusing on expanding his tailoring enterprise, insisting that vocational skills offer a more reliable future than elective office.
