Kano NDC Members Eye APC Return After Meeting Yusuf

A political realignment may be underway in Kano as some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) loyal to its Kano Central senatorial candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, prepare to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The possible defection followed a meeting between members of Gawuna’s political camp and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Garo, on Tuesday night.

The delegation, led by Muhammad Umar, a close associate of Gawuna, visited the state leaders as part of consultations ahead of the group’s anticipated return to the APC.

Among those on the delegation was the NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, Ali Datti Yako, alongside Mansur Gawuna, Uba Mijinyawa, popularly known as Uba Danzainab, Aminu Faruk, Sani Jibrin, Salisu Muhammad, Musa Indabo, Muhammad Bala, Hassan Abdullahi and Abdurrahman Muhammad.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the meeting in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Umar said the delegation was seeking closer engagement with the state government because of its interest in Kano’s development.

According to him, the group wants to contribute to initiatives that would improve the welfare of residents, regardless of political affiliation.

Yako also praised the Yusuf administration, saying its activities and efforts to transform the state were evident to residents.

He said the visit was intended to show support for the governor and his deputy and encourage policies that would advance the interests of Kano residents.

The reported move could have political implications as parties reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano and the APC’s governorship candidate in 2023, lost the election to Yusuf, who contested on the NNPP platform. The election outcome was later subjected to legal challenges.

Gawuna subsequently became the NDC’s candidate for Kano Central, while the latest engagement between his associates and the Kano government has fuelled speculation about another shift in political allegiance.

The development comes as the APC works to strengthen its structure in Kano ahead of 2027, while rival political camps continue to negotiate new alliances.