A Kano State High Court ruling in March 2026 abruptly ended Abdullahi Gali Basaf's tenure as chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area. Rather than seeking political reinstatement or another appointment, Basaf returned full-time to his tailoring shop in Sheka ward, where he now cuts fabric, trains apprentices, and runs a growing garment business.
Court Decision Ends Brief Political Tenure
On March 24, 2026, Justice Abdul Mai Wada Abubakar of the Kano State High Court nullified Basaf's Certificate of Return, ruling that it had been issued in breach of an earlier court order. The judge declared Ali Musa, widely known as “Hard Worker,” the legitimate winner of the chairmanship election and ordered his immediate swearing-in. Basaf had served just one year and three months in office. The legal battle between Basaf and Musa had begun in 2024, following the local government primary elections held that year.
Tailoring as a Sustainable Livelihood
Rather than dwell on the political setback, Basaf refocused on the trade he has practised for over a decade. According to Basaf, his tailoring business was the financial backbone of his political campaigns. “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. Without it, it would have been impossible to sustain political activities,” he said, as reported by Daily Trust.
His shop currently employs about 20 people, and he aims to expand into a full garment company that could employ 50 or more workers. “My goal is to modernise tailoring, establish a garment company, and employ fifty or more people. I want to contribute to the economy,” he stated.
Education and Passion for Garment Industry
Basaf holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Political Science, qualifications that could easily open doors to white-collar roles through his political networks. However, he chose to pursue tailoring, describing it as a passion he wants to build into a larger enterprise. His return to the sewing machine sends a deliberate message about the value of sustainable skills outside of political office.
A Message for Nigerian Politicians
Basaf emphasised that politics is inherently unstable, while a reliable trade offers lasting security. “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. While he does not entirely rule out a return to politics—acknowledging that no one can fully escape it—he insists that a dependable occupation must always come first.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal tussle between Basaf and Ali Musa began after the 2024 primary elections for the Kumbotso Local Government chairmanship. Basaf had initially been declared the winner, but Musa challenged the results in court, arguing irregularities. The protracted litigation culminated in the March 2026 ruling that ousted Basaf and installed Musa. Basaf accepted the court's decision and chose not to appeal, instead focusing on his tailoring business.
