The political landscape in Kano State is witnessing another major realignment as former Deputy Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, is reportedly preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Politics Nigeria understands that the development followed a solidarity visit by members of Gawuna’s political camp to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, amid consultations over their anticipated move to the APC.
The delegation’s visit was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.
The team was led by Muhammad Badaru Umar, a close associate of Gawuna, and included the NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, Ali Datti Yako; Mansur Isa Gawuna; Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, popularly known as Uba Danzainab; Aminu Umar Faruk; Sani Jibrin; Salisu Muhammad; Musa Sani Indabo; Muhammad Kabir Bala; Hassan Abba Abdullahi; and Abdurrahman Muhammad.
Speaking during the meeting, Umar said the delegation was motivated by its commitment to the development of Kano State.
He explained that the engagement with Governor Yusuf and his deputy was part of consultations aimed at exploring ways of contributing to the state’s progress.
Yako, who also spoke during the visit, praised the governor’s administration, saying residents of Kano 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,” he said.
The visit has heightened speculation that Gawuna, an ally of NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and members of his political structure could soon formally leave the NDC for the APC.
Gawuna’s expected defection comes as political parties and prominent politicians intensify consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move could have significant implications for the political strength of the APC in Kano, particularly if Gawuna’s allies and supporters follow him into the ruling party.
Reacting to the development in a post on X on Wednesday, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad said the NDC was increasingly facing difficulties in Kano.
“Last night, Dr. Gawuna’s team paid a solidarity visit to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of their eventual defection,” Ahmad wrote.
The anticipated defection comes days after Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, resigned his membership of the NDC.
Hanga announced his resignation in a letter dated August 3, 2026, addressed to the NDC Ward Chairman in Dakata Ward, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The senator said the decision took immediate effect, attributing it to “careful reflection and personal deliberation” as he sought to pursue other personal commitments and career paths.
“I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), effective from today, 3rd August 2026,” Hanga stated in the letter.
The lawmaker thanked the ward leadership and party members for their support and cooperation during his time in the NDC.
He also directed the party to remove his name from its membership register, attaching his official NDC membership card to the resignation letter.
The resignation came shortly after Hanga with President Bola Tinubu, further fuelling speculation about possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
