The political tension in the Kano North Senatorial District ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries has been resolved as major contenders agreed on a consensus candidate for the 2027 election. Former Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, withdrew from the race to pave the way for Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, to return to the National Assembly.
Resolution Brokered by Governor Yusuf
The resolution was brokered by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside top APC chieftains including former National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. An earlier consensus meeting at the Government House had failed to produce a positive outcome.
In a video clip released by state government officials, Gwarzo announced his withdrawal, stating it was in the interest of peace and unity within the party. Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, expressed confidence in Governor Yusuf's leadership and pledged to support Barau's candidacy for APC's victory in Kano.
Appreciation for Presidential Intervention
The former minister also applauded the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top APC stakeholders, which led to his final decision to step down. He promised to mobilise support for the President's re-election in Kano.
Responding to the withdrawal, Senator Barau commended Gwarzo's sacrifice and praised Governor Yusuf for restoring peace and harmony within the party. Barau pledged to rededicate himself to the development of the APC.
Earlier Stalemate Overcome
The consensus meeting, which was expected to favour the ranking senator Barau Jibrin, who had secured President Tinubu's support for an automatic ticket, initially ended in a stalemate due to counter opposition. The opposition included a majority of APC chieftains in Kano North, such as members of the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly from the district, all united behind Gwarzo's candidature. Gwarzo was also believed to have the backing of Ganduje and Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo.
Gwarzo, who had obtained the party's nomination form for the Kano North Senatorial District, had vowed to reclaim the seat from Senator Barau at the party primaries. He accused Barau of orchestrating his replacement in the Federal Executive Council with former Speaker Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
