Fresh Worry for Kwankwaso as Kano NDC Moves to Join APC After Visit to Gov Yusuf

Political realignments in Kano State intensified on Tuesday as prominent members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) loyal to the party’s Kano Central senatorial candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, signaled plans to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a solidarity visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The development has raised fresh concerns for Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 elections and a longstanding political force in Kano.

Members of Gawuna’s political team visited Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Garo, as part of consultations ahead of a potential return to the APC.

The delegation was led by close ally Muhammad Umar and included NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State Ali Yako (also referred to as Ali Datti Yako), Mansur Gawuna, Uba Mijinyawa (Uba Danzainab), Aminu Faruk, Sani Jibrin, Salisu Muhammad, Musa Indabo, Muhammad Bala, Hassan Abdullahi, Abdurrahman Muhammad, and others.

In a statement from the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, Umar explained that the visit stemmed from a desire to contribute to Kano’s progress.

Speaking during the visit, Umar, who led the delegation, said their decision to engage Yusuf and Garo was motivated by their desire to see Kano make further progress.

“We are here because of our passion for the development and progress of Kano State. Our interest is in anything that will move Kano forward and improve the lives of its people,” Umar said.

He said the delegation’s consultations with the state leadership were intended to create an avenue for them to contribute to the development of Kano.

“Our consultations are aimed at engaging the leadership of the state and contributing our own quota to the development of Kano. We believe that by working together, we can support initiatives that will benefit the people of the state,” Umar said.

Umar further stressed that the group remained committed to supporting programmes and policies capable of advancing the interests of Kano residents.

“We are committed to supporting anything that will bring development and progress to Kano State. What matters to us is the advancement of Kano and the wellbeing of its people,” he said.

Also speaking, Ali Datti Yako, the NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, expressed support for the Yusuf administration, saying its performance was visible to residents across the state.

“Everyone knows that Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly to transform Kano State. His efforts towards transforming the state are visible, and the people of Kano are aware of what his administration is doing,” Yako said.

Yako said the delegation’s visit was also intended to demonstrate its solidarity with Yusuf and Garo and support efforts directed at the development of the state.

“We are here to express our solidarity with the governor and his deputy and to support the progress being made in Kano. We believe in initiatives that will bring development and progress to our people,” he said.

The delegation expressed solidarity with Yusuf and Garo and reaffirmed its interest in supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the state.

The anticipated defection comes amid renewed political realignments in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and their supporters reassessing their affiliations and alliances.

The development could further alter the political balance in Kano, particularly as the APC seeks to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gawuna’s move into the NDC followed his emergence as the party’s candidate for Kano Central, making the reported movement of members of his political team to the APC a potentially significant development ahead of the 2027 elections.