Tinubu Orders APC Leaders To Halt Murtala Gawuna’s Move To ADC, Block Alliance With Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Former Kano State Deputy Governor and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, has reportedly emerged as a focal point of political intrigue in Kano amid speculation over a possible defection from the ruling party. According to Ireporter Online, sources within the APC disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed key party leaders to engage Gawuna and persuade him to remain within the party.

The development follows increasing reports that Gawuna may be considering an alliance with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement, with a potential move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. His alleged plan to collaborate with Kwankwaso in a bid to challenge Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reportedly unsettled stakeholders within the APC, while supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement are said to be optimistic about the possibility.

Tensions heightened following a Sallah visit by a delegation led by cleric Ahmed Sabo Usman to Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, a move seen by observers as politically symbolic. Party insiders further revealed that Gawuna has been largely unreachable in recent days, intensifying speculation that he is engaged in strategic consultations abroad.

According to sources familiar with his movements, the former deputy governor travelled to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan for Umrah and has yet to return to Nigeria. It was further gathered that he subsequently proceeded to a North African country for a private stay. Sources indicated that he may have deliberately limited communication, including placing his phone on restricted mode, amid mounting pressure from party leaders.

The situation has reportedly triggered high-level political intervention, with indications that Governor Yusuf has also made moves to involve the presidency in efforts to retain Gawuna within the APC. Although details remain sketchy, insiders disclosed that President Tinubu has delegated a prominent senator from Zamfara State alongside a presidential aide to initiate dialogue with Gawuna.

There are also suggestions that the APC may consider offering him an automatic senatorial ticket for Kano Central in the 2027 elections as part of efforts to secure his loyalty. A source noted that the president is concerned about the broader political implications of Gawuna’s potential defection, particularly its impact on both the governor’s re-election prospects and the party’s support base in Kano.

Political analysts have warned that any alliance between Gawuna and Kwankwaso could significantly reshape the state’s political dynamics. Analyst Aminu Bashir described Gawuna as a formidable political figure with considerable influence among youths, religious leaders, and the business community, noting that such a partnership could pose a serious challenge to the APC.

Gawuna, who secured over 800,000 votes in the 2023 governorship election, is believed to be increasingly dissatisfied within the party, with some members alleging that he has been sidelined despite his electoral performance. A party stalwart criticised what he described as internal inconsistencies, questioning why individuals perceived to have worked against the party were rewarded while loyal figures were relegated.