MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE LATE ALHAJI BALARABE MUSA – WOLE ADEDOYIN

The name Alhaji Balarabe Musa is synonymous with Nigerian politics, deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. My initial introduction to this towering figure came through my father, himself a committed socialist and politician. Additionally, my government textbook provided insights into his significance. Little did I know that I would eventually establish a meaningful political connection with the late statesman. In the realm of progressive politics and politicians in Nigeria, Alhaji Balarabe Musa takes a preeminent position.
My inaugural interaction with the illustrious statesman and former Governor of the former Kaduna state traces back to 2010, coinciding with my formal enrollment into the People's Redemption Party (PRP). My entry into the party was facilitated by the late Comrade Laoye Sanda, who extended a personal invitation to me and entrusted me with the position of State Secretary of the party. Over time, I also assumed the role of State Publicity Secretary.
Upon my association with the Oyo State Chapter of the People's Redemption Party (PRP), the party's membership was sparse, to say the least. Nevertheless, a modest party Secretariat existed at Labiran.
Guiding the party then were Elder Ibrahim Gazali as the Chairman, while Comrade Laoye Sanda assumed the role of Southwest Chairman.
The People's Redemption Party, under the leadership of the late Balarabe Musa as National Chairman, exemplified principled values and a commitment to the welfare of the masses.
Upon my entry into the party, I introduced a cohort of dedicated young politicians and assumed responsibility for correspondence. The late Alhaji Ibrahim Gazali entrusted me with considerable autonomy, and I upheld this privilege responsibly.
Within the People's Redemption Party, it was solely Comrade Laoye Sanda who engaged directly with Alhaji Balarabe Musa on matters pertaining to the party's requirements or significant actions to be taken in its name.
On a particular occasion after a swift party Secretariat meeting in Labiran, where a crucial matter necessitated discussion with Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Ibrahim Gazali and I journeyed to Comrade Laoye Sanda's residence. There, Comrade Laoye Sanda connected with Alhaji Balarabe Musa via phone, conveying our message. Following the meeting, Comrade Laoye Sanda presented me with Alhaji Balarabe Musa's contact, granting me direct communication privileges. He explained that further visits were unnecessary and encouraged me to engage with him personally.
This marked the genesis of my amicable rapport with Alhaji Balarabe Musa. Whenever information required transmission to the PRP's national headquarters, and with Chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Gazali's consent, I briefed Alhaji Balarabe Musa accordingly.
One day, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and I engaged in an extensive phone conversation that lasted nearly an hour. Our dialogue revolved around topics of socialism and progressive politics, and the insights I gained from that discourse profoundly altered my perspective on Nigerian politics.
I was taken aback when I discovered that Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whom I had known primarily through phone conversations, was actually a farmer. Despite often telling me he was in his farm and would call back later, he consistently followed through on his promises to call.
While fulfilling my role as the Oyo State Secretary of the Coalition for a New Nigeria (CNN), the Late Alhaji Balarabe Musa would often reach out to me to inquire about the progress of the Coalition within Oyo State. He consistently displayed eagerness to hear updates about our efforts in advocating for the liberation of the masses, who were placed at risk by the actions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the political leadership of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In addition to his responsibilities with the Coalition for A New Nigeria, Alhaji Balarabe Musa was also actively coordinating the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP).
Throughout my political engagement spanning the People's Redemption Party (PRP), Coalition for A New Nigeria (CNN), and Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), I shared a robust political relationship with the late Alhaji Balarabe Musa. He imparted invaluable wisdom and knowledge, contributing significantly to my understanding of Northern Politics.
Following the 2011 governorship election, Alhaji Balarabe Musa contacted me with a proposal to encourage Comrade Laoye Sanda to contest on the PRP platform in Oyo state. Given that Comrade Laoye Sanda had retired from active service, both the late Alhaji Ibrahim Gazali and I encouraged him to run under our party, PRP. However, Comrade Laoye Sanda declined our persuasion, revealing later that he had provided substantial support to the previous Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi in 2011. Notably, Comrade Laoye Sanda was subsequently appointed as a member of the governing council of the Polytechnic Ibadan by the late former governor.
The decision of the late Comrade Laoye Sanda to decline the opportunity to become the governorship candidate for the People's Redemption Party in Oyo state caused significant distress to Alhaji Balarabe Musa. He expressed to me his dissatisfaction with Comrade Laoye Sanda's choice to not contest under the party's banner during the 2011 elections.
After the Coalition for A New Nigeria concluded its mission, Alhaji Balarabe Musa encouraged us to embrace the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and carry forward our endeavor. At that time, he held the position of national Chairman within CNPP. Subsequently, I had the privilege of being appointed as the Oyo State Secretary of the Conference.
The late Alhaji Balarabe Musa provided continuous support, serving as both a mentor and a source of political guidance during my time in PRP and CNN. His passing on November 11, 2020, deeply saddened me, leading me to reflect that his departure marked the conclusion of an era of progressive politics in Nigeria.
I feel fortunate to have been mentored by such a prominent and forward-thinking political figure whose impact on Nigerian politics will always be remembered in history.