As supporters of its Kano Central senatorial candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, intend to rejoin the All Progressives Congress, the National Democratic Congress in Kano State is expected to lose some of its notable members.
As part of discussions prior to their intended return to the APC, members of Gawuna’s political team made a solidarity visit to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Garo, on Tuesday night.
In the 2023 election, Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State under Abdullahi Ganduje, ran as the APC’s candidate for governor.
Before the outcome was contested in court, he lost to Yusuf, who ran on the New Nigeria Peoples Party platform.
The mission, which comprised Mansur Gawuna, Uba Mijinyawa, also known as Uba Danzainab, Ali Yako, the NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, and other notable team members, was headed by Muhammad Umar, a close associate of Gawuna.
Aminu Faruk, Sani Jibrin, Salisu Muhammad, Musa Indabo, Muhammad Bala, Hassan Abdullahi, and Abdurrahman Muhammad were among the other members of the delegation.
Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, made a statement on the visit on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, Umar, the delegation’s leader, stated that their wish to see Kano advance further drove them to speak with Yusuf and Garo.
“We are here because we are passionate about Kano State’s growth and development. Anything that can advance Kano and enhance the quality of life for its citizens is of importance to us,” Umar stated.
According to him, the delegation’s discussions with the state leadership were meant to give them a way to support Kano’s development.
“Our consultations are intended to involve the state’s leadership and contribute our fair share to Kano’s growth. We think that by cooperating, we can promote programs that would help the state’s citizens,” Umar stated.
Umar emphasized that the group was still dedicated to promoting policies and initiatives that may further the interests of Kano citizens.
“We are dedicated to supporting any initiative that helps enhance Kano State. The development of Kano and the welfare of its citizens are important to us,” he stated.
Speaking as well, Ali Datti Yako, the NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, endorsed the Yusuf government, claiming that the state’s citizens could see its effectiveness.
Everyone is aware of Governor Yusuf’s ceaseless efforts to change Kano State. The people of Kano are aware of what his administration is doing, and his efforts to change the state are evident,” Yako stated.
According to Yako, the delegation’s visit was also meant to show support for initiatives aimed at the state’s development and to show solidarity with Yusuf and Garo.
“We are here to support the advancements being made in Kano and to show our sympathy with the governor and his deputy. We support programs that will help our people grow and advance,” he stated.
The delegation reiterated their desire to support state-advancing activities while expressing solidarity with Yusuf and Garo.
The expected defection coincides with fresh political realignments in Kano ahead of the national elections in 2027, with politicians and their followers reevaluating their alliances and loyalties.
In light of the APC’s efforts to strengthen its organization in front of the 2027 elections, the development may further tip the political scales in Kano.
The rumored transfer of members of Gawuna’s political team to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections could be a major step because Gawuna joined the NDC after being the party’s candidate for Kano Central.
