Kano’s political landscape is experiencing turbulence as key figures signal potential party realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is reportedly preparing to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while speculation mounts over the possible moves of Nasiru Gawuna and Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam, popularly known as Gwarzo.
Kwankwaso’s anticipated defection, following discussions with prominent opposition leaders including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, and recently former Minister of Interior and Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has sent ripples across the state’s political hierarchy, particularly within Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s APC camp. Sources indicate that Kwankwaso is expected to formalize his move to ADC next week, consolidating support from other former NNPP officials.
Political observers say Gawuna, who served as Kwankwaso’s former Commissioner and later Deputy Governor under Governor Ganduje, may follow suit.
“Gawuna can contest an election under Kwankwaso or secure the future of his followers under Kwankwaso – he has all the opportunities; the sky’s the limit,” said political analyst Umar Labaran Danga. Another commentator, also noted that politics is all about interest and that nothing is impossible in Nigerian politics if Gawuna eventually decides to pitch tent with Kwankwaso.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, popularly known as Gwarzo, tendered his resignation, citing constraints in fully discharging his responsibilities. A statement from the Kwankwasiyya Movement emphasized that his decision reflects “statesmanship and a commitment to peace, political maturity, and the avoidance of unnecessary tensions that may hinder governance and development in the state.”
The statement added that Gwarzo would now focus on strengthening the movement’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The possible exits of Gawuna and Gwarzo are viewed in political circles as a serious setback to the APC’s power in Kano. According to sources, Abdussalam was already more closely aligned with Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya Movement, so Governor Yusuf’s attempts to maintain loyalty were ineffective.
Analysts believe that these defections might change the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race as well as the state’s governorship contest as Kano’s political players reassess. Party loyalty and political allegiances are still shaky due to Kwankwaso, Gawuna, and Abdussalam’s scheming, highlighting the high stakes for both the government and opposition parties in the run-up to the elections.
