Kano State’s Political Drama: A New Chapter in 2027
Kano State has once again proven to be a hotbed of political drama, unpredictability, and shifting alliances. The recent developments involving key figures such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Abdullahi Musa Ganduje, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, and Abba Kabir Yusuf have introduced fresh twists in the race for the 2027 governorship. These changes have left both political observers and citizens intrigued by the evolving landscape.
In 2023, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna was the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), standing alongside then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. On the other hand, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf rode on the back of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s influence and the Kwankwasiyya movement to win the governorship under the New Nigeria Political Party (NNPP) banner. However, three years later, the political tides have shifted dramatically.
Gawuna has now defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligning himself with Kwankwaso, while Governor Yusuf has abandoned his former mentor and joined Ganduje’s APC. This reversal has stunned many, highlighting the ever-changing nature of Nigerian politics.
Analysts believe that this shift could lead to a repeat of the 2023 scenario, where the two main contenders for the governorship were Kabir Yusuf and Gawuna. The only difference this time would be the reversal of godfathers, with Kwankwaso now supporting Gawuna, the very person he had opposed in 2023, while Ganduje would likely back Yusuf, whom he had also opposed in the last elections.
Although it is uncertain whether Gawuna will receive the ADC ticket, all signs point to Yusuf potentially receiving the APC ticket, as part of an agreement made with party leaders before his defection.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has long been a dominant figure in Kano politics, known for his mass following and ability to bounce back after losing the governorship in 2003. His performance during the APC primaries ahead of the 2015 elections, where he came second behind Muhammadu Buhari, further solidified his reputation. The NNPP’s victory in both the governorship and presidential elections in Kano in 2023 has only elevated his political standing.
If Gawuna secures the ADC ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, they would face formidable opponents, including former governor Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and sitting governor Yusuf, who enjoys strong support from Abuja. Analysts suggest that this would place significant resources in the hands of APC stalwarts, while some argue that the ADC’s growing membership could enable it to mobilize its own campaign resources.
Yusuf’s relationship with Kwankwaso deteriorated over governance style and party control. By early 2026, Abba formally joined the APC, citing the need to “work with those who can deliver development to the state.” Meanwhile, Gawuna, who had been serving as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, resigned and announced his defection to the ADC, citing neglect and lack of support from the APC.
His move was not just a personal decision but a symbolic embrace of Kwankwaso, the very man he had opposed in 2023. At his formal registration ceremony into the ADC, Gawuna told supporters, “I have come to ADC not as a stranger but as a brother. Together with Kwankwaso, we will build a platform that truly serves the people of Kano.”
He also promised never to lie or betray Kwankwaso, as he alleged Governor Yusuf did. “We entered this party for people and what we think is their best interest. All our stakeholders have welcomed this move and it is for everybody.”
Kano APC officials have expressed concern over Gawuna’s defection. Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari and an APC stalwart in Kano, described it as a “big blow” to their party. Another APC stalwart, Barrister Ismael Ahmed, called the defection “regrettable” and questioned whether it could have been avoided.
Mansur Kurugu, Spokesperson II of the Kwankwasiyya movement, stated that the new realignment was neither shocking nor destabilizing for their camp, noting that Gawuna had previously been part of Kwankwasiyya.
Professor Kamilu Sani Fage, a political scientist at Bayero University Kano, highlighted that shifting alliances are common in Nigerian politics. He noted that the current situation in Kano reflects a broader trend, where today’s friend may become tomorrow’s enemy.
The similarities between Kano’s current political shifts and the Edo State 2019 election dynamics further underscore the cyclical nature of political realignments in Nigeria.
Efforts to obtain a response from Governor Yusuf’s side have been unsuccessful, with calls to his Chief Press Secretary remaining unanswered.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the 2027 governorship race in Kano promises to be one of the most intriguing chapters in the state’s political history.
