APC’s growing political strength puts Kwankwaso’s Kano dominance to test in 2027
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The political dominance of former Kano State governor and National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is facing its biggest challenge ahead of the 2027 general elections as prominent political figures continue to move into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
For years, Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya movement, symbolised by the famous red cap, have remained a formidable political force in Kano, helping the former governor secure a commanding victory in the state during the 2023 elections.
However, the recent inauguration of the national, state and local government structures of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, has highlighted the growing strength of the APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
The gathering attracted several influential Kano politicians, including former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Kabir Gaya and other prominent political actors, signalling what could become a major realignment of political forces in the state.
One of the significant setbacks for Kwankwaso’s camp is the defection of Senator Rufa’i Hanga, who represented Kano Central in the National Assembly and was the only senator elected on the platform of the Kwankwaso-backed New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state.
Another major political development is the alignment of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau with the APC. Shekarau remains an influential figure in Kano politics and has a history of defeating Kwankwaso at the polls, including during the 2003 governorship election.
The APC has also benefited from the combined political structures of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, both of whom command significant support across Kano’s political landscape.
Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, is another influential politician whose grassroots presence is expected to strengthen the APC’s position, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Perhaps the most significant political blow to Kwankwaso’s camp, however, was the defection of his political ally and incumbent Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the APC.
Governor Yusuf’s political style, which emphasises reconciliation and respect for political opponents, has also been seen as an advantage for the ruling party. His administration’s projects and programmes, including road construction, education reforms and employment initiatives, are expected to feature prominently in the 2027 political contest.
The emerging political configuration has led to speculation that the 2027 governorship election could develop into a contest not only between political parties but also between Kano’s metropolitan and rural constituencies.
Governor Yusuf, the APC governorship candidate, is from the metropolitan area, while his running mate, Murtala Sule Garo, comes from a rural constituency.
The NDC, on the other hand, is fielding candidates from the rural areas for both the governorship and deputy governorship positions.
The choice of Mustapha Musa Kwankwaso, son of Senator Kwankwaso, as the party’s deputy governorship candidate has also generated political debate over its potential impact on the party’s electoral prospects.
With influential figures such as Ganduje, Barau Jibrin, Kawu Sumaila, Shekarau, Rufa’i Hanga and Kabir Gaya now within or aligned with the APC, the ruling party appears to be mounting a formidable challenge to Kwankwaso’s long-standing political influence in Kano.
While various appointments given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ to the high ranking politicians of the state ,as no fewer than 43 Kano indigene were placed at the helm of notable parastatals ,also notable projects been executed by the ruling party also posing a serious threat to the popularity of Senator Kwankwaso’
The developments suggest that the 2027 election could be one of the most fiercely contested political battles in Kano in recent years.
However, Kano’s political history is replete with surprises. The electorate has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to shift political loyalties and upset established calculations during elections.
Consequently, while the APC’s growing political structures may have altered the balance of power ahead of 2027, the final outcome will ultimately be determined by Kano voters at the ballot box.