I have rarely encountered a politician who is genuinely loved by ordinary people the way Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya is. Two qualities particularly endear him to the people: humility and compassion. It may not be an exaggeration to describe him as the Aminu Kano of our time.
Poverty remains one of the greatest challenges confronting our democracy, and in Gaya, I have seen a politician who is deeply committed to addressing this social crisis.
Since his election into office, he has prioritised empowering ordinary people and helping them become self-reliant.
At a time when thousands of youths remain unemployed, Hon. Abdullahi has distributed hundreds of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, hand water pumps, generators, and other items to support women and youths in securing sustainable livelihoods.
He has also empowered hundreds of women through various skills acquisition programmes. In particular, he trained thousands of women in modern goat-rearing techniques and provided each beneficiary with a ₦20,000 start-up grant. An additional 2,000 women later benefited from the same programme.
Beyond empowerment initiatives, he invested significantly in infrastructure by constructing motorised boreholes with overhead tanks in several wards, building and rehabilitating healthcare facilities across the constituency, and distributing thousands of solar lights to improve living conditions.
The welfare of the people remains central to the success of any democratic system. Democracy should not be measured by the number of luxury cars or mansions owned by political leaders. No politician can truly claim success while poverty continues to afflict the people.
It is therefore unsurprising that Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya made poverty alleviation a central focus during his two consecutive terms in the House of Representatives. His close relationship with ordinary people forms the foundation of his enduring political strength. The people trust him because they see him as a sincere politician who invests in their welfare.
Even after withdrawing from the race for the APC ticket to represent the Ajingi, Gaya, and Albasu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya has remained politically relevant — a feat few politicians can achieve. The reason for this enduring influence is simple: he continues to enjoy the genuine love and support of the masses.
The true source of his political strength lies in the trust and affection of the people. Despite stepping down from the race, his residence remained a gathering point for supporters and constituents, who continued to visit him in large numbers.
During one of such meetings, he stated that he had accepted the outcome of recent developments within the party following consultations with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Hon. Abubakar Abba Bichi, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, all of whom visited him at his Abuja residence.
He explained that he withdrew his aspiration in the interest of peace and unity within the party.
“In the interest of peace, unity, and the continued progress of the party, I have decided to withdraw in good faith,” he said. “At this critical moment, I will never let you down. I hear your concerns, value your prayers and advice, and remain fully committed to the development of my party and constituents.”
He further reiterated that his decision was taken in the overall interest of the APC and its supporters, stressing that reconciliation and cooperation are essential at this crucial moment.
