2027: Ganduje, Barau close ranks with Kano gov

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, including former national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, have moved to close ranks with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following his defection to the ruling party, setting the stage for a complex political contest with his former ally and estranged godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Yusuf’s return to the APC had triggered intense political recalculations in Kano, a state long regarded as one of Nigeria’s most electorally significant battlegrounds. His move raised fundamental questions about how rival power blocs within the party, anchored by Ganduje, Barau, Yusuf himself and other ambitious figures, will coexist within the same political fold, manage personal ambitions and reconcile competing histories, while also forging a united front capable of delivering the state for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The governor’s defection has also thrown up broader permutations, particularly regarding the political future of Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and Yusuf’s former political benefactor, whose relationship with the governor collapsed dramatically in recent weeks.

Governor Yusuf on Monday formally announced his defection to the APC after weeks of speculation that culminated in his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) last Friday. He described the decision as one taken in the best interest of Kano State and its people, insisting that governance, rather than partisan rivalry, must take precedence.

The announcement was made at a well-attended ceremony at the Coronation Hall of the Government House in Kano, signalling a major political realignment in the state. The event attracted an array of APC leaders from across Kano and beyond. Among those present were Ganduje, Barau (Kano North), Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), several members of the House of Representatives including Sagir Koki (Kano Municipal), Abubakar Bichi (Bichi), Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Bunkure/Bunkure) and the Kano State House of Assembly, former governorship candidates, ministers, presidential aides and party chieftains. Their collective presence was widely interpreted as an effort to project unity and reassure party supporters amid lingering concerns over internal rivalry.

Ganduje: ‘You will win your second term’

In a speech that set the tone for the direction and resolutions of the power brokers in the party, Ganduje assured Governor Yusuf of the party’s full backing for a second term in office, declaring that all governorship aspirants within the APC had agreed to support him.

“You will win your second term in 2027. We have spoken to all aspirants, and they have agreed to support you,” Ganduje said to loud applause.

He described Yusuf’s return as both historic and beneficial to the party and the state, framing it as a homecoming rather than a defection. Ganduje recalled that Yusuf had been part of the APC during its formative years before leaving amid political disagreements and shifting alliances.

“This is a memorable and historic occasion. Your Excellency, you are welcome back home to the APC. When the party was formed, you were with us, but later political differences and misconceptions led you away. Now you are back,” he said.

The former Kano governor portrayed Yusuf as a progressive politician whose outlook aligns with the ideological orientation of the APC.

“We know you as a progressive politician from your perception, utterances and disposition. APC is perfect with you,” Ganduje added.

Perhaps most significantly, Ganduje invoked party tradition to declare Yusuf the undisputed leader of the APC in Kano State.

“In APC, all serving governors are leaders of the party in their respective states. Therefore, you are the leader of the APC in Kano State,” he said.

The statement was seen by observers as a strategic signal aimed at calming internal tensions and clarifying the party’s power structure following the governor’s return.

Ganduje further assured Yusuf of fairness and equal treatment within the party, expressing confidence that the APC would record sweeping victories in future elections.

“As you are coming in, we assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will also win the 2027 election. APC will stand solidly with you,” he said.

Barau pledges cooperation

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin welcomed Governor Yusuf to the party and pledged to work closely with him and other stakeholders to advance Kano’s development.

In a symbolic moment that drew cheers from the crowd, Barau, who is considered as the aspirants to beat for the party’s governorship ticket in 2027, raised Yusuf’s hand aloft, an action widely interpreted as a public endorsement of the governor’s re-election bid. The gesture was later reinforced by Ganduje’s declaration that all aspirants had agreed to step aside.

Barau said Yusuf’s return marked a significant political development and stressed that his own long engagement in politics had always been driven by a desire to serve the people of Kano and Nigeria.

Recalling more than three decades in public life, the Deputy Senate President said his political journey had been guided by service to humanity and the public good.

“By the grace of Allah (SWT), I have remained committed to serving our people and will continue to work for the unity, progress and development of Kano State and our dear country,” he said.

He described the APC as the largest political party in Africa and expressed optimism that collaboration between the governor and party leaders would yield tangible benefits for the state.

“I welcome His Excellency, the Governor of our beloved state, Kano, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to our great party, the APC,” Barau said.

The Deputy Senate President also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and pledged continued support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I also want to reassure the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of my unalloyed commitment to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as we work together to take our country to the next level, where governance truly works for all,” he added.

Why I returned to APC – Gov Yusuf

Addressing the gathering after his formal return to the APC, Governor Yusuf said his decision was informed by the need to promote unity, political stability and accelerated development in Kano State.

“Kano has suffered because of politics. The Federal Government has not been supporting us due to political differences. Do you want us to continue like this?” he asked.

The governor argued that closer alignment with the Federal Government would enable his administration to attract more resources and deliver dividends of democracy to residents.

“How do we help our people if we isolate ourselves? How do we get enough resources to work for you? This is the time to rescue Kano. We must come together for the progress of our state,” he said.

Yusuf assured residents that his administration would prioritise unity, development and youth empowerment, describing 2026 as a critical year for young people in the state.

“By the grace of Allah, you will see change, unity and progress. This year is for the youth of Kano State,” he said.

He explained that the defection followed wide consultations and careful reflection on the realities facing the state.

“Moments arise when leadership must rise above sentiment and politics and make decisions guided by responsibility, history and the future. Today is one of such moments,” Yusuf said.

The governor confirmed that he defected alongside key political office holders, including 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, members of the National Assembly and chairmen of local government councils.

Deputy governor’s stance, impeachment talk

However, Yusuf’s move was not without internal complications. His deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who was conspicuously absent at the event, declined to defect to the APC with him, deepening political uncertainty within the state executive.

Sources said discussions were ongoing among lawmakers loyal to the governor on the possibility of initiating impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor should he refuse to resign.

With 13 existing APC members in the House of Assembly and the anticipated defection of 22 lawmakers alongside the governor, the APC is expected to command a comfortable majority of 35 members in the chamber which has a total of 40 members.

Political analysts said such numerical strength would make it easier for any move initiated by the governor’s allies to succeed, including impeachment proceedings if pursued.

Kano has witnessed a similar scenario in the past. In August 2018, Professor Hafiz Abubakar resigned as deputy governor following a breakdown in his relationship with then governor Ganduje. His resignation came amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him, a process that had not been concluded before he stepped down.

Kano APC is one, united – Kano chairman

Also speaking at the event, the APC chairman in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, described Yusuf’s return as a significant political moment that signalled renewed cohesion within the party.

“On behalf of the APC in Kano State, I warmly welcome the governor to the APC family. Your decision to join the APC is not just a political movement but a step taken in the interest of peace and unity of Kano State,” Abbas said.

He said Yusuf’s vision and commitment to governance were well known, adding that by joining the APC, the governor had chosen a platform conducive to development and effective governance.

According to Abbas, the development sent a strong signal that the APC in Kano was now united and prepared to work as one political family.

“This moment sends a signal that APC in Kano is one and united. I want to assure you of our loyalty, support and cooperation, one hundred per cent,” he said.

He added that alignment with the Federal Government under President Tinubu would benefit Kano in tangible ways.

“APC in Kano is ready to work with the centre, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Abbas said.

Striking a personal note, Abbas described Yusuf as his relative and pledged unwavering support.

“It is now a done deal in Kano. Abba is my relative and we will protect him in this state. We will win elections in Kano, whether one likes it or not,” he declared.

Analyst: Defection may not spark major crisis in Kano

A political analyst, Dr Kabiru Sufi, said Governor Yusuf’s return to the APC may not be as turbulent as earlier predicted, judging by the disposition of key party stakeholders at the ceremony.

Speaking while analysing the political implications of the defection, Dr Sufi noted that the presence of influential figures such as Ganduje, Barau and Senator Kawu Sumaila suggested a willingness within the party to accommodate the governor.

“Looking at the faces of the people at the ceremony Today,  I don’t think it will be as tough as people were predicting,” he said.

He described Ganduje’s assertion that a sitting governor automatically becomes the party leader in the state as particularly significant.

“That statement is very key. It signifies that most of the critical politicians within the APC ranks are probably ready to accommodate the governor,” Dr Sufi said.

The analyst also pointed to Yusuf’s indication that he may constitute a committee of elders in the state as a positive signal of reconciliation.

“That shows on his own part that he is ready to take wise counsel from elders,” he said, adding that although the composition of such a committee remains unclear, it suggests an openness to bridge divides.

Dr Sufi, however, cautioned that underlying tensions could resurface as the 2027 election draws closer.

“For now, the water seems to be coming down. It doesn’t look very stormy,” he said. “But as we get closer to the election year, interests may begin to manifest.”

He observed that the presidency may eventually need to play a balancing role in managing competing interests within the APC structure in Kano.

According to him, if the assurances and public displays of unity at the ceremony are sustained, a significant aspect of the party’s internal crisis may have been addressed.

“However, we should not forget that the governor has severed relations with his former benefactors,” Dr Sufi said. “That means it may not be the end of all political crises in the state, as he may now have to contend with opposition from his former political base.”

Kwankwaso’s son, 2 other commissioners resign from cabinet

Meanwhile, the political realignment in the state widened on Monday as three members of Governor Yusuf’s cabinet resigned, signalling growing tension between the governor and his former political mentor, Senator Kwankwaso.

Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor’s son and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, announced his resignation, expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve and urging continued focus on youth empowerment and sports development.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the people of Kano State. I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving,” he said, adding prayers for the state’s progress.

The wave of resignations also included the Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, who thanked the governor for the trust reposed in him and pledged to ensure a smooth transition, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (rtd), who cited political developments and loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya Movement as reasons for stepping aside.

Similarly, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu, resigned, citing evolving political circumstances and continued allegiance to Kwankwaso.

These departures follow earlier exits by the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, and underscore the widening gulf between Governor Yusuf and the Kwankwasiyya political family. Analysts view the resignations as largely symbolic but indicative of the broader realignment in Kano politics, as the governor consolidates his position within the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

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