The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State is facing a major internal shift, as reports indicate that Dr Nasiru Gawuna, the party's senatorial candidate and former Deputy Governor of Kano State, is preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The claim was made by Bashir Ahmad, a prominent APC chieftain and former presidential aide, in a social media post on Wednesday, September 2.
Gawuna's Team Visits Governor Yusuf Ahead of Defection
According to Ahmad, Gawuna's team has already taken a significant step toward the defection by paying a solidarity visit to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Ahmad framed the visit as a precursor to Gawuna's formal switch, suggesting the meeting was intended to smooth the path ahead of an official announcement.
This development, if confirmed, would mark a significant blow to the NDC's foothold in Kano, one of Nigeria's most politically consequential states. Gawuna, as a former deputy governor and active senatorial candidate, represents a considerable figure within the party's structure in the region. His reported exit would leave the NDC without one of its most prominent voices in the state.
NDC's Position in Kano Under Pressure
Kano has long been a fiercely contested political terrain, with loyalties shifting frequently between cycles. The reported defection adds to a picture of internal strain within the NDC at the state level, raising questions about the party's ability to retain candidates as the political season intensifies.
No official statement from Dr Gawuna or the NDC had been issued in response to Ahmad's claims at the time of this report. Recall that Kano is the home state of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the NDC in the 2027 elections and a prominent political godfather in the state.
The reported move underscores the fluidity of political alliances in Kano, where party loyalty often shifts ahead of elections. For the APC, securing a figure like Gawuna could bolster its position in the state, while for the NDC, it represents a potential setback in its efforts to build a strong electoral base.
As the political season intensifies, the NDC's ability to retain its candidates will be closely watched. The party's leadership has yet to publicly address the reports, leaving room for speculation about the internal dynamics that may have led to Gawuna's reported decision.
Observers will be looking for official confirmation from Gawuna or the NDC in the coming days, as well as any further moves by the APC to solidify its gains in Kano. The outcome of this reported defection could have implications for the broader political landscape in the state as parties position themselves for upcoming elections.
