As conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across Shiroro Constituency, public attention is gradually shifting from campaign promises to questions about previous service. Increasingly, many voters are asking a simple but important question: What has an aspirant done before seeking elective office?
Among the names attracting public attention is Hon. Babangida Wassa Kudodo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Niger State House of Assembly representing Shiroro Constituency.
While political opinions about his aspiration naturally differ—as is expected in every democracy—many of his supporters point to years of community engagement, youth development, and humanitarian interventions as evidence of a longstanding commitment to public service.
According to Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Erena, former Spokesperson of the Lakpma Youth Forum (LYF), Kudodo’s record of service predates his political ambition and spans community development, youth empowerment, education, water supply, livelihood support, and advocacy.
One area frequently highlighted is his contribution to the ILO ACCEL Africa Project, where he supported initiatives aimed at eliminating child labour in Niger State. His work reportedly included advocacy, livelihood support for vulnerable households, promotion of income-generating activities, and occupational safety and health awareness. He was also involved in educational support initiatives and efforts to rescue children engaged in child labour within the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) value chain, helping to create opportunities for them to return to school and pursue a better future.
Before his current political aspiration, Kudodo also served as the Assistant Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Shiroro Local Government Chapter. During that period, he participated in youth advocacy and collaborated with development partners, government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and sister organisations on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of young people.
One notable outcome of those engagements, according to Comrade Suleiman, was the inclusion of Galkogo Community in the HYPPADEC Rural Housing Scheme, an intervention that brought development support to the community.
Many residents, however, associate Kudodo most closely with his role as the Founder and Pioneer President of the Lakpma Youth Forum (LYF). Under his leadership, the forum evolved into a platform dedicated to youth mobilisation, community development, and self-reliance.
Supporters recall that the forum provided assistance to security personnel stationed across the Lakpma axis of Shiroro Local Government during challenging periods. It also reportedly empowered 55 young people through training in machine tools handling while promoting borehole repairs, water hygiene awareness, and business development initiatives.
Recognising the importance of sustainable economic opportunities, Kudodo also facilitated the formation and registration of the LYF Water Solution Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, providing members with a platform for collective economic growth and community-based enterprise.
Education remained another area of focus. According to Comrade Suleiman, Kudodo contributed to the re-accreditation of the WAEC examination centre at Day Secondary School (DSS), Erena, enabling students within the area to write their examinations closer to home and reducing the burden of travelling to distant centres.
His supporters further credit him with supporting the establishment and empowerment of women cooperative societies, facilitating empowerment programmes for women, youths, and vulnerable members of Shiroro Local Government, and assisting farmers with agricultural inputs through Niger Foods and other intervention programmes.
They also attribute to him efforts in lobbying for employment opportunities that reportedly enabled several young people to secure appointments in state institutions, federal establishments, and the private sector.
Following his appointment as Coordinator of the Ward Development Project under the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Comrade Suleiman recalls that Kudodo reportedly used his first salary to finance the repair of boreholes across Galkogo Ward, restoring access to potable water for several communities. He also oversaw the implementation of Ward Development Projects across Zone B, ensuring they were executed in line with government objectives.
Another initiative frequently mentioned by beneficiaries is his reported decision to support several young people with monthly stipends while facilitating vocational training in trades such as hairdressing, welding, tailoring, computer studies, and machine repairs. According to those who benefited from the programme, many have since become self-reliant and are earning sustainable livelihoods from the skills they acquired.
Beyond these individual projects, those who have worked closely with Kudodo describe him as someone who believes leadership begins with service rather than position. Whether through youth advocacy, community mobilisation, livelihood support, or development partnerships, they argue that his contributions have consistently reflected a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people.
As Shiroro Constituency prepares for another electoral cycle, political debates will undoubtedly continue, and the electorate will ultimately determine who earns its mandate. Yet one lesson remains timeless: campaign promises matter, but a candidate’s previous record of service often provides valuable insight into the kind of representation people can expect.
For supporters of Hon. Babangida Wassa Kudodo, that record is one they believe deserves thoughtful consideration as the people of Shiroro look ahead to 2027.
Author’s Note
This article is based primarily on information provided by Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Erena, former Spokesperson of the Lakpma Youth Forum (LYF), alongside publicly shared accounts of Hon. Babangida Wassa Kudodo’s community engagements. It is not intended to be an exhaustive account of his contributions, as there may be additional initiatives and acts of service beyond the scope of this article.
About the Author
Abubakar el-Kurebe is a Librarian and Information Scientist, writer, and media/public communications practitioner. He serves as an Information Officer with the Shiroro Local Government Council, Niger State, and is actively involved in community development, civic engagement, and public affairs communication. His writings focus on governance, leadership, community development, youth empowerment, and social issues.
For comments, feedback, or enquiries, he can be reached via: sadeequllah19@gmail.com.
