Kano 2027: Gawuna snubs Tinubu pressure, moves to align with Kwankwaso, ADC

A former Deputy Governor of Kano State and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, has emerged as a key political figure ahead of the 2027 elections, amid reports of a planned defection.

Sources indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed top APC leaders to halt Gawuna’s alleged move to the Kwankwasiyya movement, with a possible alignment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Gawuna is said to be considering a political alliance with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in a bid to challenge Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the 2027 governorship race — a development already generating tension within the APC and excitement among Kwankwasiyya supporters.

The situation has been further fuelled by Gawuna’s recent absence from the country. Party insiders say he travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah during Ramadan and later proceeded on a private vacation to a North African country, making him largely unreachable amid mounting pressure from party stakeholders.

Efforts by APC leaders to contact him have reportedly failed, with sources claiming he placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid persistent calls.

In response to the looming defection, the APC is said to be weighing political concessions, including the possibility of offering Gawuna an automatic ticket for the Kano Central Senatorial District in 2027 to retain his loyalty.

“The president is concerned about Gawuna’s defection plan… not only Governor Yusuf’s second term ambition is at stake but also the president’s support base in Kano,” a source disclosed.

Political observers believe Gawuna remains a formidable force in Kano politics, citing his performance in the 2023 election where he secured over 800,000 votes. Analysts warn that a potential alliance between him and Kwankwaso could significantly reshape the political landscape in the state.

“If Kwankwaso gives Gawuna the governorship ticket, it could be decisive. Combining their support bases may result in a landslide victory,” a political analyst noted.

However, dissatisfaction appears to be growing among Gawuna’s supporters, who allege marginalisation within the APC since the 2023 elections, including a lack of major appointments and unresolved entitlements.

With political consultations ongoing behind the scenes, attention now turns to whether Gawuna will remain within the APC or proceed with a defection that could alter the balance of power in Kano ahead of 2027.

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