In a significant political development, more than 200 serving and former members of the Kano State House of Assembly have thrown their weight behind Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin for the 2027 governorship election in Kano State.
Massive Endorsement from Legislative Veterans
The endorsement came during a courtesy visit led by former Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulaziz G. Gafasa, who served between 2007 and 2011. The delegation comprised lawmakers who have served in the state assembly from 1999 to the present day, representing a broad spectrum of political experience across Kano's political landscape.
The group described Senator Barau as the most marketable candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, citing his track record and widespread appeal. This endorsement carries substantial weight given the influential positions these lawmakers have held and their understanding of grassroots politics in Kano State.
Three Key Reasons Behind the Support
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, former Speaker Gafasa outlined three primary reasons for their collective support. First, they acknowledged Senator Barau's positive impact on lives across all three senatorial districts in Kano State, demonstrating his statewide appeal beyond his Kano North Senatorial District constituency.
Secondly, the lawmakers praised his role as a lifeline to the APC, highlighting his contributions to strengthening the party's presence and effectiveness in the state. Thirdly, they noted how he has positively touched their lives personally, even though some of them represent constituencies outside his immediate political zone.
This cross-district support suggests the deputy senate president has built bridges across geographical and political divides within the state, potentially giving him an advantage in a future gubernatorial contest.
Senator Barau's Response and Vision
In his response, Senator Barau expressed gratitude for the endorsement while urging the group to continue promoting the ideals of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The federal lawmaker emphasized the need for collective effort to rescue and restore Kano State to its former glory.
"We have to work hard and make sacrifices to restore the glorious days of our state," Senator Barau stated. "It is a thing of joy that you have come together to salvage our state from the ongoing misgovernance. Let us continue to work together to rescue our beloved state."
His comments clearly positioned the potential gubernatorial bid as a mission to address what he characterized as current misgovernance, setting the stage for what could become a central campaign theme in the coming years.
Senator Barau currently represents Kano North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly and serves as Deputy President of the Senate. His legislative experience and current high-profile position likely contribute to his perceived electability among the endorsing lawmakers.
This early endorsement for the 2027 election signals the beginning of political realignments in Kano State and suggests that Senator Barau is positioning himself as a frontrunner for the APC gubernatorial ticket. The substantial show of support from legislative veterans indicates he may have significant grassroots backing that could prove crucial in a competitive primary election.
