Kano 2027: A High-Stakes Showdown Between NNPP and APC
As the 2027 general elections approach, political heavyweights in Kano State are already strategizing for a fierce showdown between the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the major opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The battle for Kano’s governorship seat is expected to be one of the most closely contested in recent memory, with both parties currently receiving high-profile defections.
The incumbent Governor, Abba Yusuf of the NNPP, is set to leverage the power of incumbency to secure a second term. On the other hand, the APC plans to use its federal influence to wrest control of the state.
The NNPP will field Governor Abba Yusuf for his re-election bid, while the APC may either field a new candidate or bring back Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who was the party’s 2023 governorship candidate. The stage is set for intense political maneuvering, with both parties eyeing the highly influential Kano electorate.
Key Contenders in the APC
The APC’s potential candidates include Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Abba Bichi, Murtala Sule Garo, and Inuwa Waya. Barau Jibrin has been positioning himself for the governorship seat, carrying out several interventions across the state that have earned him the support of many. His efforts to welcome prominent figures, including defections from the NNPP, have given him a notable edge.
Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who was the deputy to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has the backing of Ganduje, now the National Chairman of the APC. However, Gawuna’s concession of defeat after the 2023 election and his low public profile since then could hinder his chances.
Abubakar Bichi, a member of the House of Representatives, has emerged as a strong contender with the backing of key APC figures such as Ganduje and the Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abass.
Murtala Sule Garo, who was the running mate to Gawuna in 2023, and Inuwa Waya, who had initially sought the governorship ticket in 2023 before being sidelined by Ganduje’s choice of Gawuna, are also expected to challenge for the seat.
Governor Abba Yusuf’s Incumbency Advantage
Governor Abba Yusuf holds the advantage of incumbency and has the full support of his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who leads the Kwankwassiyya movement and the NNPP in Kano. His popularity, particularly among the youth, could solidify his position for a second term. However, internal strife within the party, including conflicts regarding Kwankwaso’s influence and the demolition exercise early in Yusuf’s tenure, could present challenges.
The suspension and resignation of key figures like Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and Muhammad Diggol have caused unrest within the party, and some members have left, expressing dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
Challenges for the APC
The APC faces its own set of hurdles in Kano, particularly the ongoing battle for control between Ganduje and Barau Jibrin. The party’s internal divisions, combined with dissatisfaction over the policies of the APC-led federal government, could negatively impact its chances. Some APC stakeholders admit that internal disunity contributed to the party’s loss in the 2023 governorship race.
How the APC addresses these challenges in the coming years will play a pivotal role in determining its success in 2027.
