Kano North: Relief for DSP Barau as ex-deputy governor abandons quest for APC ticket

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

What analysts have described as a looming titanic tussle for the All Progressive Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Kano North senatorial District has been averted.

This followed the decision of former Deputy Governor, Muhammad Tijjani Gwarzo to abandon his quest to wrestle with the incumbent and Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin for the ticket.

Gwarzo, the immediate-past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, had vowed to challenge Senator Barau at the APC primaries for Kano North senatorial ticket.

Before now, the two political heavyweights were believed to be political enemies.

But the latest development confirmed a twist to the calculations of some pundits, as Gwarzo has officially withdrew his intention to contest for Kano North senatorial seat and declared total support for Senator Barau.

Gwarzo’s latest decision has put to an end what many described as
a fierce political contest over the Kano North Senatorial District seat.

Our Correspondent learnt that Gwarzo’s latest decision followed a series of closed-door meetings, involving prominent political figures, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other key stakeholders in the state.

The political rivalry between Senator Barau and Gwarzo had generated political tension within the APC in Kano, with supporters of both camps engaged in a open confrontation and struggle for control of the party’s Kano North structure.

Announcing his decision to withdraw from the race, Gwarzo said the move was made, ” in the interest of unity and stability within the party ahead of future elections.

“After several meetings with stakeholders and interventions by our leaders, especially Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, I have decided to step down for my brother, Senator Barau Jibrin.”

Gwarzo further stated that, “preserving peace within the APC is more important than personal ambition. Party members must remain united to strengthen our electoral chances across all levels.

“We must continue to see ourselves as one family. Our collective interest should be the success of the APC and the progress of Kano State.”

Gwarzo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a fatherly role in the reconciliation process, while appreciating Governor Yusuf and other party leaders for their efforts in resolving the dispute.

Responding to the development, Jibrin commended Governor Yusuf, Dr. Ganduje, and other stakeholders for facilitating the reconciliation, saying the outcome would further strengthen the APC in Kano.

The Deputy Senate President said the party would remain united and focused on ensuring victory for President Tinubu, Governor Yusuf, and other APC candidates in the 2027 general election.

Senator Barau is now the sole aspirant for APC Kano North Senatorial District ticket for the 2027 general election.