Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, reportedly challenged political leaders to prioritise security and citizens’ welfare over 2027 election campaigns as Tinubu’s campaign delegation visited his palace.

The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has challenged Nigerian politicians to prioritise public service, security and the welfare of ordinary citizens rather than focus on political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The traditional ruler’s remarks came amid political consultations by Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign, who led a delegation of political leaders to the Katsina Emirate on October 19, 2026.

The delegation was accompanied by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and included several prominent political figures seeking the support and prayers of traditional rulers ahead of the next presidential election.

Reports of the Emir’s intervention have drawn attention to the relationship between political mobilisation and the security challenges confronting communities across Katsina State.

Emir Questions Politicians’ Commitment to Ordinary Nigerians

In remarks attributed to the monarch in accounts circulating online, Usman criticised politicians for allegedly returning to traditional rulers and their communities during election seasons to seek prayers and political support, only to become less accessible after elections.

The reported message challenged elected officials to demonstrate a sustained commitment to the people they represent, rather than treating political engagement as an activity limited to election periods.

The Emir’s reported position was that political leadership should be measured by its impact on citizens’ lives, including their safety, access to education and ability to earn a living.

The concerns are particularly significant in Katsina, where communities have faced attacks by armed groups, kidnappings, displacement and disruptions to farming and education.

In a separate report published on October 21, 2026, The Gazette News Nigeria reported that the Emir had urged politicians to abandon insults and personal attacks and embrace honesty, mutual respect and people-centred leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

The monarch’s message places the responsibility of political leadership beyond securing electoral victories, emphasising the need to address the everyday challenges confronting residents.

Katsina’s Security Crisis Raises Concerns Over Campaign Priorities

The reported intervention comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in parts of Katsina State, where armed groups have attacked rural communities, abducted residents and disrupted economic activities.

A report published by Katsina Times in August 2025, citing research by Oxford Policy Management supported by UNICEF, documented the closure of 52 schools across Batsari, Faskari and Kankara local government areas between 2020 and 2025.

The report also recorded 330 students abducted during the period, highlighting the effects of insecurity on education and the safety of children.

These figures provide context for concerns about the need to protect schools and restore access to education in affected communities.

Insecurity has also affected agricultural livelihoods, with threats from armed groups restricting movement and farming activities in some rural areas.

The reported remarks attributed to the Emir referenced the difficulties facing farmers and residents who have had to contend with kidnappings and ransom demands.

However, the specific claims circulating online about ransom payments, the number of affected local government areas and the monarch’s exact words could not be independently verified in full.

Bello Turji Mentioned in Circulating Account

The online account also refers to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji while questioning the effectiveness of efforts to tackle armed groups operating in the North-West.

Turji has been associated with banditry and violent attacks in the region, particularly in Zamfara and surrounding areas.

The reference underscores the wider public debate about the government’s responsibility to protect lives, secure rural communities and restore confidence among residents affected by armed violence.

Nevertheless, the claims about Turji’s precise location and the specific statements attributed to the Emir require independent confirmation.

2027 Campaign Mobilisation Meets Calls for Accountability

Yari’s visit to the Katsina Emirate formed part of consultations with traditional rulers and political stakeholders ahead of Tinubu’s expected re-election campaign.

During the October 19 visit, Radda reaffirmed Katsina State’s support for the All Progressives Congress and highlighted cooperation between federal and state governments.

Yari said the delegation had come to pay homage to the traditional institution and seek the support of the Emir and the people of Katsina State for Tinubu’s re-election.

The visit illustrates the importance political parties attach to traditional institutions in mobilising support and engaging communities ahead of elections.

However, the security challenges facing Katsina have placed renewed emphasis on the need for political leaders to demonstrate measurable progress in protecting residents, supporting farmers and keeping children in school.

The Emir’s reported message has consequently become part of a broader conversation about the obligations of public officeholders and the priorities that should guide political campaigns.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the concerns raised around security and public welfare highlight the importance of accountability, sustained engagement with communities and practical responses to the problems affecting ordinary Nigerians.

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