Kano is fast shaping into one of Nigeria’s fiercest political battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 general elections, with an emerging clash pitting former governors and entrenched political structures against one another in what observers describe as a war of heavyweights.
At the centre of the unfolding contest is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya Movement, now repositioning under the ADC, against a growing alignment within the APC involving Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and newly decamped Ibrahim Shekarau.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, former Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau dismissed criticism of his frequent political movements, arguing that his decisions are guided by principle rather than personal ambition.
You see, my concern is that people think this is unprincipled, but it is the same principle that makes us move,” he said.
He explained that his decisions are never unilateral but are the product of consultations across party structures.
If you check the records, we make it public. We consult widely. We have a structure of consultation at the state and local government levels,” he noted.
Shekarau stressed that his core concern remains internal democracy within political parties.
“A situation whereby people are denied their right to participate in free and fair internal democracy, and the leadership turns out to be very selfish and not attentive to such complaints is unacceptable,” he said.
His return to the APC has added a new layer to Kano’s political permutations, raising questions about whether his influence can strengthen the party’s chances.
Kwankwasiyya Movement Dismisses Growing APC Alliance in Kano.
Despite the growing coalition against Kwankwaso, members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement remain defiant.
Mansur Umar Kurugu, Spokesperson II of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who spoke exclusively to newsmen, downplayed the strength of the emerging APC alignment.
“I think the reality is that APC is not getting any stronger by bringing the likes of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Abba Kabir Yusuf onto the same platform,” he said.
He argued that similar alliances had failed in the past and that his principal, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, remains as strong as ever and deeply rooted in Kano politics.
“This is not the first time. We saw it in 2019, we saw it in 2023, and Kwankwaso never disappointed the people in defeating this kind of coalition,” Kurugu added.
Projecting confidence ahead of 2027, he declared: “Kwankwaso is super ready, Kwankwasiyya is super ready, and we are going to defeat this group of self-centred politicians.”
APC Loyalists Back Yusuf, Question Kwankwaso’s Relevance
On the other side, APC supporters insist that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains a formidable force whose performance could secure victory for the party.
Kabir Dakata, a strong supporter of Yusuf and the chairperson of KASA, expressed optimism about the APC’s chances.
“We are the original Kwankwasiyya members, and we are sure to win the 2027 polls,” he said.
He also welcomed Kwankwaso’s move to the ADC, suggesting it validates claims of internal issues within his former camp.
Dakata further argued that Kwankwaso’s influence may be overstated.
With Ganduje’s political machinery, Shekarau’s grassroots network, and Yusuf’s incumbency on one side, and Kwankwaso’s “cult political followership” on the other hand, Kano’s 2027 race is increasingly being defined by competing legacies and political structures.
