A significant political realignment is taking shape in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections, as a powerful bloc of grassroots politicians has thrown its weight behind a leading contender.
Grassroots Politicians Make Their Choice
Former local government chairmen in Kano State, who served between 2019 and 2022 under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, have formally adopted the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship race.
The adoption took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, during a courtesy visit by the former council bosses to the National Assembly in Abuja. The move signals a major consolidation of support for Senator Barau within the party's structure in the state.
Unanimous Voice Vote and Key Appeals
The process was conducted in a formal manner. A motion for the adoption was moved by Barrister Dahiru Mannir Maigari, the former chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government Area. It was seconded by Hon. Baffa Mohammed Takai, the former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State.
When the former chairman of Madobi LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, put the decision to a vote, all the former chairmen present approved it unanimously through a voice vote. The event was witnessed by two members of the Kano State House of Assembly: Zubairu Hamza Masu (Sumaila) and Garba Yau Gwarmai (Tsanyawa/Ghari).
Following the endorsement, the former chairmen made a direct appeal to Senator Barau. They urged him to declare his intention to run for the governorship as soon as possible. Alhaji Khalid Ishak Diso, former chairman of Gwale LGA, conveyed the urgency, stating, "Kano people are waiting for you to declare for the governorship race... The people of Kano are anxiously awaiting your declaration."
Reasoning Behind the Endorsement and Senator's Response
Explaining their decision, the former ALGON chairman, Baffa Mohammed Takai, cited Senator Barau's outstanding performance in parliament and his immense contributions to Kano's development. "We are here to throw our weight behind you. We are 100 per cent with you. Insha'Allah, you will be the next governor of Kano State, come May 29, 2027. You have the capacity to address the challenges facing our state," Takai declared.
In his response, Senator Barau Jibrin thanked the former local government chairmen for their support, describing them as true grassroots politicians. He then addressed the state of Kano, offering a sober assessment and a promise.
"It's indeed true that Kano was second to Lagos before, in terms of development, in terms of commerce and so on. Unfortunately, Kano is now trailing behind due to a lack of good leadership," he stated. He assured them, "I wish to assure you that by the grace of God, we will take bold steps to bring Kano back to its glorious days."
Additional Support from Constituency Stakeholders
In a related development on the same day, stakeholders from Tsanyawa and Ghari Local Government Areas also declared their support for Senator Barau's candidacy. During their visit, the motion for endorsement was moved by their representative in the State Assembly, Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai, and seconded by Hon. Aminu Yakanawa.
The announcement was met with a thunderous ovation from over 100 stakeholders in attendance. Yakanawa told the Senator, "By the grace of Allah SWT, you are the next governor of Kano State. Our people are solidly behind you."
Responding to this second wave of support, Senator Barau interpreted the massive backing as a signal of what is to come in 2027. He also addressed local security challenges in Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs, assuring that efforts were being made behind the scenes to resolve them. "We are not leaving any stone unturned in tackling this challenge. We are working underground to bring an end to it," he said.
This coordinated endorsement from influential grassroots politicians and stakeholders marks a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Kano 2027 governorship race, positioning Senator Barau Jibrin as a formidable frontrunner for the APC ticket.
