A former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Gali Shitu, popularly known as Comrade Abdullahi Gali Basaf, has returned to his tailoring business following his defeat in the 2026 local government elections, saying the profession offers greater stability than political office.

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Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Basaf, who served as Kumbotso LG chairman until March 2026, said his decision to resume tailoring was intentional, stressing that politicians should have a sustainable source of livelihood outside politics. According to him, politics should be seen as an opportunity to serve the people rather than a permanent means of survival.

“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.

The former council chairman revealed that he currently employs about 20 apprentices and is working towards establishing a modern garment company capable of creating jobs for at least 50 people.

“My goal is to modernise tailoring, establish a garment company, and employ fifty or more people. I want to contribute to the economy,” he said.

Basaf said he deliberately returned to tailoring to inspire young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills and entrepreneurship rather than looking down on trades.

“My message is that they should not despise trades; they should value and modernise them. Value your trade more than politics because it sustains you and enables you to support your political activities,” he advised.

Despite holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science, Basaf said he chose tailoring over pursuing white-collar employment because it remains his passion and provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact on society.

“Tailoring is a noble profession, even greater than holding political office,” he declared.

He added that his long-term ambition is to build a garment manufacturing company that can compete with international factories.

“Politics can change overnight. You can be in office today and out tomorrow. But tailoring remains. It feeds you, it supports your family, and it allows you to help others,” Basaf said.