The political landscape in Kano may be heading for another major shake-up as former Deputy Governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, an NDC senatorial candidate and ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a move to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Speculation over Gawuna’s political future intensified after members of his political camp visited Kano […]
The political landscape in Kano may be heading for another major shake-up as former Deputy Governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, an NDC senatorial candidate and ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a move to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speculation over Gawuna’s political future intensified after members of his political camp visited Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, in what has been described as part of consultations over their anticipated movement.
The visit was disclosed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Muhammad Badaru Umar, a close associate of Gawuna, and included NDC Kano Vice Chairman Ali Datti Yako, Mansur Isa Gawuna, Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, popularly known as Uba Danzainab, and other members of Gawuna’s political structure.
Umar said the delegation was committed to the development of Kano State and explained that its engagement with Governor Yusuf and his deputy was aimed at discussing ways of contributing to the state’s progress.
Yako, who also spoke during the meeting, commended the governor’s administration and said Kano residents were aware of what he described as Yusuf’s efforts to transform the state.
“Everyone knows that Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly to transform Kano State,” Yako said.
The engagement has nevertheless raised questions about Gawuna’s political direction because of his reported association with Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate and a prominent political figure in Kano.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad further fuelled the speculation in a post on X on Wednesday, saying Gawuna’s team had visited Governor Yusuf ahead of what he described as their eventual defection.
“Last night, Dr. Gawuna’s team paid a solidarity visit to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of their eventual defection,” Ahmad wrote.
Despite the growing speculation, Gawuna has not publicly confirmed a decision to leave the NDC for the APC. The anticipated defection therefore remains unconfirmed, with the current developments pointing only to consultations and possible political realignment.
The development also comes days after Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, resigned his membership of the NDC.
Hanga announced his resignation in a letter dated August 3, 2026, saying the decision followed careful reflection and personal deliberation as he sought to pursue other personal commitments and career paths.
He also directed the party to remove his name from its membership register and submitted his official NDC membership card. His resignation came shortly after he met with President Bola Tinubu, further adding to speculation about political movements ahead of the 2027 elections.
Should Gawuna eventually confirm a move to the APC, his defection could have significant consequences for the political balance in Kano, particularly if members of his political structure and supporters follow him into the ruling party.