In a striking demonstration of self-reliance, the former Local Government Chairman has returned to his original trade as a tailor after leaving office. Following his exit from the council seat, the ex-official swapped political power for the sewing machine, proving that true dignity lies in honest labor rather than political titles.
Hailing from Sheka ward in the Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, the former council boss—Hon. Abdullahi Gali Shitu, popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf—now spends his days supervising apprentices, cutting cloth, and stitching garments in his own workshop.
Basaf firmly believes that politicians must maintain an active trade to sustain themselves, viewing public office strictly as an opportunity to serve rather than a permanent paycheck or a full-time livelihood. “Politics can change overnight. You can be in office today and out tomorrow,” Basaf noted, emphasizing the fluid nature of governance. “But tailoring remains. It feeds you, it supports your family, and it allows you to help others.”
In a country where former political leaders rarely return to manual labor—often actively distancing themselves from micro-businesses once out of power—Basaf has chosen to break the mold. By stepping back to the sewing table, he is redefining life after office and setting a powerful example of dignity in labor.
‘Tailoring Funded My Political Campaign’
Basaf’s journey at the sewing machine began in his youth, anchoring a passion that has spanned well over a decade. He fondly recalls his early days: personally buying fabrics, mastering the cuts, and driving sales all on his own.
Even while diversifying into farming, painting, and other micro-enterprises over the years, tailoring always remained his ultimate anchor.
“Tailoring is not a small trade. It is a major one. It sustains livelihoods,” Basaf shared. “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.”
Today, his bustling workshop serves as a hub of productivity, employing roughly twenty young people. His apprentices view him not just as a boss, but as a mentor, while his grand vision points toward a massive expansion.
“My goal is to modernise tailoring, establish a full-scale garment company, and employ fifty or more people,” he explained. “I want to contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
