The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has explained that the viral videos showing him acting like a first-time tourist in London touching objects, waving at residents were deliberate acts meant to send a message to his political opponents.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa, Doguwa said his behaviour in the videos was a playful way of communicating with his rivals back home, particularly those from his constituency in Doguwa/Tudun Wada, who he said often engage in divisive politics.
“I came to London at a time when I wanted to send a message to some politicians, especially our political enemies who have turned politics into bitterness and hatred,” he said. “Particularly, those from Doguwa and Tudun Wada who play politics blindly.”
He added, “I made those videos to relax and also to show them that whether they like it or not, I remain their representative. It was just a light-hearted way of passing a message, and it has been received.”
LEADERSHIP reports earlier in the week, videos of Doguwa strolling through London streets, tapping structures, and waving cheerfully at passersby went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions.
In one clip, he was seen walking from the front of a hotel to a flower garden, holding prayer beads and umbrella while smiling widely at onlookers.
In another clip, Doguwa was seen inside his hotel room runnig his hands across different surface areas in amazement and munching on an apple.
Many Nigerians, especially from Kano State, criticised the videos, while some social media users mocked his conduct, calling it “villager-like.”
Reacting to the backlash, Doguwa dismissed the criticism, saying his intention was misunderstood.
“I’m not new to travelling abroad. But this time, I felt it was necessary to send a subtle message to my political rivals for them to see me clearly, standing tall and confident,” the lawmaker said.
When asked if he felt embarrassed knowing that his family also saw the videos, Doguwa replied that his relatives understood his personality. “My family knows me well. They know I have a playful and humorous side. When they see those videos, they just laugh because they understand it was part of my political message,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasised that politics must be tailored to local realities. “Politics, as the British say, is always local. You must play it according to the mindset of the people you represent. So if I’m addressing my people, I’ll speak and act in a way that connects with them. But when I’m representing Nigeria internationally, you’ll see how I switch and speak fluent English,” he explained.
Doguwa also credited his success in life to his parents, who ensured he received both Western and Islamic education. “I thank my parents for giving me both modern and religious education. My experience and exposure make it hard for anyone to mock me for speaking English. I’m proud to be among the few politicians from Kano who can confidently represent the state anywhere in the world,” he added.
