Kano: Gawuna’s Loyalists Dump NDC, Set To Return To APC

The Kano State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) may be facing a major political realignment as prominent members and associates of its Kano Central senatorial candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, have reportedly commenced moves to leave the party and return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to reports, the development gained momentum on Tuesday night when members of Gawuna’s political camp visited Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Garo, during consultations over their political future.

The delegation, led by Muhammad Umar, included senior NDC figures and political associates of Gawuna who used the meeting to declare their support for the NNPP-led administration in Kano.

The group said its interest was centred on the development and progress of the state, expressing readiness to work with the government on initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.

Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State under former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, contested the 2023 governorship election as the APC candidate but lost to Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Those who accompanied Umar to the meeting included Kano State NDC Vice Chairman Ali Datti Yako, Mansur Gawuna, Uba Mijinyawa, popularly known as Uba Danzainab, Aminu Faruk, Sani Jibrin, Salisu Muhammad, Musa Indabo, Muhammad Bala, Hassan Abdullahi and Abdurrahman Muhammad.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, confirmed the meeting in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit, Umar said the delegation was motivated by its desire to contribute to the development of Kano State.

He said, “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.

“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.

“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 well-being of its people.”

Yako, who also spoke during the meeting, praised the Yusuf administration, saying its development efforts were visible 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,” he said.

Yako added that the delegation was at the Government House to express solidarity with the governor and his deputy and support initiatives that would promote development in Kano.

The latest political engagement has fuelled speculation of an impending realignment among Gawuna’s loyalists, with the group’s support for the NNPP-led government raising questions about their next political move and possible return to the APC.