Barau Sacks Aide Over ‘Abba Must Go’ Social Media Posts

Barau Sacks Aide Over ‘Abba Must Go’ Social Media Posts

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has terminated the appointment of his Special Legislative Aide, Umar Alhassan, popularly known as King Indara, following social media posts calling for the removal of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Alhassan, a popular Kano-based TikToker, was removed from his position with effect from September 18, 2026, according to a statement issued by Barau’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Shitu Madaki Kunchi.

The statement said the decision followed social media posts by Alhassan containing the phrase “Abba Must Go”, which Barau’s office described as an act of indiscipline and disrespect towards the Kano governor.

According to the statement, the posts were considered contrary to the values of respect and decorum expected from the office of the Deputy Senate President.

Barau’s office also said the action was inconsistent with the principles of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party to which both Barau and Governor Yusuf belong.

“Accordingly, we announce his removal from the position of Special Legislative Assistant (SLA) in the office of the Deputy President of the Senate as of September 18, 2026,” the statement said.

Alhassan had reportedly published the “Abba Must Go” message on Facebook on Friday, alongside other political comments concerning the political situation in Kano.

In another post following the termination of his appointment, Alhassan reportedly stated that Kano belongs to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Kano governor and political figure associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.

He also indicated that he remained a member of the APC, despite expressing support for Kwankwaso.

Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and called for support for the party across all levels.

The Deputy Senate President has been involved in efforts to strengthen the APC structure in Kano following Governor Yusuf’s move from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling party.

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Yusuf joined the APC in January 2026 after resigning from the NNPP, the platform on which he won the 2023 Kano State governorship election.

The governor’s movement into the APC brought him into the same political party as Barau and other prominent Kano politicians, while also changing the political alignments surrounding the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Barau had previously been associated with political discussions surrounding the Kano governorship, but his office has more recently maintained support for the APC structure and Governor Yusuf’s position within the party.

The termination of Alhassan’s appointment, however, was specifically linked by Barau’s office to the aide’s social media activity and the language used in the posts.

There was no announcement of criminal proceedings against Alhassan in connection with the posts.

The development has attracted attention because Alhassan is a well-known social media personality in Kano and had served in a legislative support role in the office of one of the National Assembly’s senior presiding officers.

His removal also illustrates the political sensitivities surrounding public statements by political appointees and legislative aides, particularly when such statements appear to conflict with the positions of the officials or institutions they serve.

The controversy comes at a time when political activity is increasing in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections, with different political actors positioning themselves within the APC and other political platforms.

Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC has also altered the relationship between him and his former political allies in the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Kwankwaso, who backed Yusuf’s 2023 governorship campaign, is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of the opposition political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Alhassan’s reported reference to Kwankwaso after losing his appointment has therefore added another dimension to the political discussion surrounding Kano, although his stated APC membership remains his own position.

For now, the immediate consequence of the controversy is the termination of Alhassan’s appointment as a Special Legislative Aide to the Deputy President of the Senate.

Barau’s office has reiterated its commitment to the APC, while Alhassan has continued to express his political views on social media.

The development is expected to generate further discussion within Kano’s political circles as parties, elected officials and their supporters prepare for the next electoral cycle.

Barau Sacks Aide Over ‘Abba Must Go’ Social Media Posts