I Ran For Governor With Less Than N100,000—Shekarau

Ibrahim Shekarau, a former senator, minister of education, and two-term governor of Kano State, has stated that during his campaign for governor, he had less than N100,000 in his bank account.

At a press conference held ahead of the 70th anniversary celebration of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), which is scheduled to commence on October 12, 2024, Shekarau, the head of the organizing committee, underscored the substantial impact the organization has had on his personal, political, and spiritual development.

"When I entered the race, I had under N100,000 in my account, and my foray into politics was not by choice but rather due to persuasion," Shekarau said, reflecting on his political path.

His statements are useful as a resolute refutation of any claims of financial misbehavior or corruption, enhancing his standing as a governor's man committed to openness and honesty.

"I have never asked contractors for kickbacks. He declared, "I challenge any contractor who has worked with me over the last 44 years to come forward and tell me if they have ever been asked for a payment or a percentage."

"Not a single naira was ever given to me by any of my commissioners or local government chairmen throughout my governorship," he emphasized further. I never meddled with their money distributions.

Shekarau clarified that his administration created policies and procedures for local government, allowing chairmen to oversee their projects on their own.

He gave examples of local administrations carried out major projects, such building a N100 million road, with assistance from the state's engineering resources where necessary.

Two months before the election, he related, he had a conversation with an elderly statesman who asked him where he would live if he lost. Shekarau responded that after moving from a rented property to the government housing, he will return to a rented house.

Speaking about the purpose of the MSSN, he emphasized that the cornerstone to world peace among Muslims is to promote unity among Muslims and inculcate a true Islamic spirit of brotherhood and confidence in Allah.

Finally, he commended the moral rectitude of MSSN members, mentioning both himself and Prof. Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, the current JAMB registrar, as model members of the group who possess a position of authority.