Gwarzo Withdraws from Kano North Senate Race, Endorses Barau Ahead of 2027

Fresh political realignments are emerging within the All Progressives Congress in Kano State as former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has withdrawn from the Kano North Senatorial race and endorsed Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development followed a strategic meeting of key APC stakeholders from Kano North held on Tuesday night as party leaders intensified consultations aimed at strengthening unity and consolidating support ahead of the next election cycle.

Among those reportedly present at the meeting were former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa, Kano Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting focused on party cohesion, consensus building and the need to avoid internal rivalry within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Following the consultations, Gwarzo formally stepped down from the Kano North Senatorial contest and declared support for Barau as the preferred APC candidate for the district.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the former minister said the decision was taken after extensive consultations with political stakeholders and supporters across the state.

According to him, the move was in the broader interest of party unity and political stability.

“In deference to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and following extensive consultations with all concerned, I have reached the decision to step down my senatorial aspiration,” Gwarzo stated.

He explained that the withdrawal was part of efforts to strengthen the APC and minimise internal divisions ahead of the 2027 polls.

Gwarzo also thanked his supporters, political associates, youths, women groups, religious leaders and members of his media team for their support throughout the consultation process.

The former minister further acknowledged the support and guidance of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ganduje, Bichi Federal Constituency lawmaker Abubakar Kabir Abubakar and Baffa Babba Danagundi.

Observers say the endorsement is expected to further strengthen Barau’s political standing in Kano North as negotiations and consensus arrangements continue within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.