The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin, popularly known as Little, has vowed to abolish the state’s pension scheme for former governors and deputy governors if elected.
Little made the pledge while unveiling his running mate, 36-year-old Shehu Abdulkadir Bari, at a press conference in Kano.
The ADC candidate argued that there was no justification for laws granting former governors, deputy governors and other public office holders lifelong benefits after leaving office.
He maintained that political office holders already receive substantial allowances and other benefits during their tenure, making the continued payment of pensions from public funds an unnecessary burden on the less privileged.
According to him, hundreds of millions of naira are currently spent on maintaining former political leaders at the expense of infrastructure and basic services.
Little described the practice as discriminatory against ordinary citizens and pledged to initiate immediate legislative action to repeal the pension framework if elected governor.
The ADC candidate also outlined some of his plans for Kano State, promising to restore its position as a major commercial hub.
He said his campaign was finalising a master blueprint aimed at addressing the state’s structural and economic challenges.
Among his proposals is the establishment of clusters of cottage industries across the state to transform Kano into a leading commercial centre in Africa. He also promised to revive moribund factories and manufacturing industries.
Little further pledged to create employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population and tackle the persistent water scarcity affecting residents.
While unveiling his running mate, the ADC candidate promised a youth-inclusive administration focused on economic revival, industrial development and fiscal discipline.
Explaining his choice of Bari, Little said the decision reflected his commitment to bringing young and capable leaders into governance.
He said the selection was based strictly on merit, including Bari’s educational background, work experience and character, without the influence of political godfathers or prior personal relationships.
“I did not know him personally before this, nor was he recommended by any godfather. This approach stands as a clear departure from the selection process seen in other parties,” he said.
