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The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s campaign team against relying on rice, cash and other handouts to secure votes in the 2027 general elections.
The monarch criticised politicians for seeking public support during election seasons but allegedly abandoning ordinary Nigerians after winning elections.
He warned that voters could accept campaign gifts and still vote for other candidates, arguing that distributing food and money does not guarantee electoral support.
“If you are selfish, people will be selfish with their votes,”.
Expanding on the warning, he reportedly said: “If you do politics of selfishness only for your family, your cronies, your contacts then people will also do politics of selfishness. 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.”
The emir also reportedly recalled the 2023 elections, when the distribution of rice and money did not guarantee uniform support for the ruling party across Katsina State.
“In 2023, you brought rice, you brought money, but Katsina people still split votes. In 2027, if you bring same selfish politics, they will collect but not vote you,” he said.
Beyond campaign handouts, the monarch criticised politicians for visiting his palace to seek prayers and support during election periods, only to return after several years.
“Every 4 years you come to my palace with cap in hand, asking for prayers, asking for support. After election, you disappear to Abuja, to Lagos. You don’t come back until next election. Is palace voting center or toilet that you visit only when pressed?” he was quoted as saying.
He contrasted the politics of previous years with what he described as the growing pursuit of personal interests by political leaders.
“In my days, politics was about community. Now politics is about one man, his son, his wife, his bank account. You call it Renewed Hope, but people in Katsina are in renewed hunger,” the emir reportedly said.
The monarch also raised concerns about insecurity in Katsina, alleging that political leaders were preoccupied with internal party struggles and the 2027 governorship contest while communities continued to face attacks by bandits.
“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 ticket while bandits are in Batsari, in Jibia, in Safana killing people. Is that not selfishness? Your people are dying, you are fighting for ticket,” he said.
He cited the reported closure of 52 schools across his emirate because of banditry and difficulties faced by farmers in 12 local government areas, urging political leaders to prioritise security and public welfare.
“Where is Bello Turji? You promised to handle security. Turji is in forest 100km from here. Go and bring him, then come and campaign,” the emir said.
The emir’s remarks followed a visit by the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and other party leaders to northern traditional rulers as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. The delegation said it was seeking prayers, blessings and counsel from the monarchs.
The emir also urged political leaders to distinguish personal interests from the interests of the people and warned against political lies, division and the destruction of public trust.
“Director-general, you are now on board. Not only in Katsina, but across the entire country. We as traditional leaders must tell you the truth,” he said.
“I swear, you must love, value, and respect people before Allah will be with you. Whoever you are, if you treat people badly, you will also experience things you do not like.”
He also warned against making promises politicians knew they could not fulfil.
“But lies of this political nature will catch up with you, especially when you know he will not deliver on his promises. God will judge us, wallahi, I swear to God,” the emir said.
He urged political leaders to stop treating politics as a fight and work towards unity, development and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“Helping others is far better than helping yourself. Give to others, and Allah will give to you. If you refuse to give, Allah will not give to you either,” he said.
