Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Fresh political alignments have begun to emerge within the All Progressives Congress in Kano State after key party stakeholders moved to consolidate support for the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest development saw former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, withdraw his ambition to contest the Kano North Senatorial District seat and endorse Barau for another term in the Senate.
The decision followed a strategic meeting of influential APC figures from Kano North held on Tuesday night as consultations intensified over the party’s electoral plans in the state.
Those present at the meeting included former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa, Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting centred on party unity, consensus building and avoiding internal rivalry ahead of the next election cycle.
Following the consultations, Gwarzo formally stepped aside from the race and backed Barau as the preferred candidate for the senatorial district.
In a statement issued afterward, the former minister said his decision came after extensive consultations with political stakeholders at different levels.
According to him, the move was taken in the broader interest of party cohesion and electoral stability.
“In deference to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and following extensive consultations with all concerned, I have reached the decision to step down my senatorial aspiration,” he stated.
Gwarzo described the move as part of efforts to strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 polls and reduce internal divisions within the party.
He also expressed gratitude to supporters, political associates, youths, women groups, elders and members of his media support team for their backing throughout his political consultations.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support, goodwill, prayers and encouragement extended to me throughout this journey by constituents, political stakeholders, youths, women, elders, the Ulama and the resilient members of our new media support community,” he said.
The former minister further acknowledged the support and guidance of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ganduje, Bichi Federal Constituency lawmaker Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi and Baffa Babba Danagundi.
“Their leadership, encouragement and commitment to the growth, unity and stability of our great party continue to serve as a source of inspiration and direction,” he added.
The endorsement is expected to further strengthen Barau’s position within Kano North as political negotiations and consensus arrangements continue to shape APC calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
