The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State is set to lose some of its prominent members as loyalists of its Kano Central senatorial candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, prepare to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development emerged on Tuesday night after members of Gawuna’s political team paid a solidarity visit to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and his deputy, Murtala Garo, as part of consultations ahead of their planned return to the APC.
Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State under the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje, was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election. He lost to Yusuf, who contested on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), before the outcome was challenged in court.
The delegation, led by a close ally of Gawuna, Muhammad Umar, included NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, Ali Yako; Mansur Gawuna; and Uba Mijinyawa, popularly known as Uba Danzainab, among other prominent members of the political team.
Other members of the delegation included Aminu Faruk, Sani Jibrin, Salisu Muhammad, Musa Indabo, Muhammad Bala, Hassan Abdullahi and Abdurrahman Muhammad.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa.
Speaking during the visit, Umar said the delegation’s engagement with the governor and his deputy was driven by their interest in the development and progress of Kano State.
“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 explained that the consultations were aimed at creating an avenue for the group to contribute to the development of the state.
“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,” he said.
Umar further reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting programmes and policies that would improve the welfare 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 added.
Also speaking, Ali Datti Yako, the NDC vice chairman in Kano State, expressed support for the Yusuf administration, saying the governor’s efforts were visible to residents.
READ ALSO: 2027: Borno Commissioner Threatens To Flog Those Who Won’t Support APC
“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 also visited to demonstrate solidarity with Yusuf and Garo and support initiatives aimed at advancing 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 subsequently reaffirmed its interest in supporting initiatives focused on the development of Kano 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 political alliances.
The movement of members of Gawuna’s political camp back to the APC could have implications for the political balance in Kano as parties intensify efforts to strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gawuna had joined the NDC and emerged as the party’s candidate for Kano Central, making the reported movement of some members of his political team back to the APC a notable development in the state’s evolving political landscape.