Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim Gwammaja: A Politician Cum Extraordinary Leader with Altruistic Mind
By Muazu Ibn Abdallah
In the realm of contemporary Nigerian political spheres, there exist very few politicians with great influence and a strong follower base but who are blessed with an altruistic mind of selfless and generous leadership.
Thus, when you come across such rare gentlemen, it is always important to appreciate and encourage them so as to motivate and spur them to make a more meaningful impact to humanity and also motivate others to follow suit.
Nelson Mandela was once quoted as saying ‘… it is better to lead from behind and put others in front…’ Without doubt, Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim Gwammaja CON is a firm believer of this ideology as he has been leading successfully from behind and putting many others in various privileged positions with his stunning political influence.
Mr. Gwammaja is a Kano-based successful businessman and an influential democrats who for many years have been highly influential in the National politics and is significantly instrumental in the formation and subsequent success of the APC in the national political space.
Alhaji (as he is popularly known among his vast supporters and political mentees), is a typical example of a silent achiever, a great political warlord who despite successfully leading many political battles. Yet, he preferred to nominate others to be crowned with glorious titles and accolades, while he remained in his community serving people and rendering help to his teaming supporters.
Despite being constantly keeping tabs on how political saga are unfolding in Kano and Nigeria, it is miraculous that I only came know of Alhaji’s strong influence recently and I was highly touched by his humble and inspiring personality, his altruistic and selfless quest for Nigeria’s socio-economic development which prompted me to researched further on the political milestone of this great gentleman.
Digging further about this elder statesman allowed me the opportunity to know that he is one of such kind politicians with impeccable pedigree who truly believed in realization of better and greater Nigeria as his top priority over his personal interest.
Gwammaja has played a critical and strategic role in former President Muhammad Buhari’s political foray since joining the political arena.
He has always demonstrated great commitment and dedication with his adherence to strong moral and ethical principles which remarkably culminated in Buhari’s successful political journey. Again, he was also instrumental in the formation of the APC and the successful stories that followed.
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It is not surprising when ex-President Buhari once described Alhaji Gwammaja as ‘… a very reliable ally whose vision, warmth and capacity and dedication to the progress and development of the country is deeply inspiring’.
Recall that, in the build-up to the 2023 general election, Alhaji Gwammaja mobilized other political like-minds to initiate and spearhead a strong political crusade, THE APC STAKEHOLDERS FORUM, which strategically mobilized support and tirelessly campaigned for APC candidates across all political position throughout the 44 LGAs and 484 political wards in Kano state.
And as a result, APC was able to get more than the required 25% votes in the presidential polls, a senatorial seat and many national and state assembly seats in spite of the poor attitude from the party’s state structure and the threats of strong wind of the NNPP that swept majority of the political offices in the state.
However, despite his numerous contributions to the APC success and his strong and pervasive national political influence, Alhaji Gwammaja had never been the type of politician sought elective or appointed position for himself or his immediate children, rather he has been persistently nominating his followers and political associates to secure for them juicy appointments across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Gwammaja is the true definition of what Ralph Nader once said (in trying to describe great political leaders) “..he is the one who dedicates his efforts in producing more leaders not more followers.”
Finally, as President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu embarked on this critical journey as a captain expected to sail the nigerian ship to the promised land, a journey of RENEWED HOPE, he needs the support, experience, visionary and strategic leadership advices from the likes of Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim Gwammaja with whose efforts, support and cooperation the mandate was successfully won.
In essence , achieving the required mandate of the RENEWED HOPE will be made an easy task with the likes of Alhaji Gwammaja in his cabinet.
As it is often said, great leaders can see the greatness in others and lead them to their highest heights they don’t even imagine. It is indeed another time for Alhaji to yet again influence the transformation of another set of his followers into esteem greatness in the service of our dear country.
Believe me, Alhaji Gwammaja has since written his name in gold as many upcoming generations will continue to benefit from his generosity and years of service to national development.
Muazu Ibn Abdallah is the Director General, Partnership for Good Governance and Social. He is also a member of APC Stakeholders Forum and Director General, Progressive Youth Intellectuals (PYI).
