By Almustapha Ibrahim (PhD)
Recent developments and public statements from some officials within the Kano State Government continue to raise questions about whether the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is fully committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The concerns have become more pronounced following the emergence of statements by some government officials, particularly those connected to the media, suggesting that they may not be willing to openly promote or support President Tinubu’s political agenda.
What has attracted even greater attention is the perception that the state government has not taken decisive disciplinary action against officials whose public comments appear inconsistent with the political interests of the President and the governing APC.
One recent example involved Hon. Aliya Abba Gidagida, a Senior Special Reporter to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the Ministry of Monitoring and Evaluation.
Given her proximity to the Governor, her reported comments attracted considerable public attention and further fuelled discussions about the level of commitment within the Kano State Government towards President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Beyond this development, several political factors suggest that unless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu adopts a different political strategy in Kano, his chances of securing a stronger electoral performance in the state could face serious challenges.
First Factor: The Governor’s Relationship with the Old APC Structure
Since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf joined the APC, there has been a noticeable lack of political integration between his administration and members of the old APC structure that existed in Kano before his arrival.
The issue is not entirely new. Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has on several occasions publicly referred to the political differences between Governor Abba and members of the former APC structure, describing the relationship as one characterised by tension and mistrust.
The inability to effectively bring the different political tendencies within the APC under one coordinated structure remains a major concern as the 2027 elections approach.
Second Factor: Senator Barau’s Political Standing
Another major concern is the relationship between Governor Abba and Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who occupies one of the highest political positions held by a Kano indigene within the APC structure.
Despite Senator Barau’s extensive political activities and support for APC members across different levels, there is a perception among his supporters that the Governor has not given him the level of political recognition and engagement expected of a leader of his stature.
This perceived lack of recognition could have wider political consequences. Senator Barau commands a significant political following, and many of his supporters may find it difficult to fully mobilise behind an administration they believe has not accorded their leader the importance they expect.
Third Factor: The Role of Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo
The situation surrounding the newly appointed Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, is another issue attracting political attention.
Since assuming office, there has been a perception that the Deputy Governor has not been given a sufficiently defined executive responsibility within the government.
Unlike the traditional arrangement in which a deputy governor is often assigned responsibility for supervising a ministry or specific government portfolio, Murtala Sule Garo appears to have had limited official responsibilities beyond attending social engagements, including wedding ceremonies and condolence visits.
This has reportedly created frustration among some of his supporters and political associates. If such sentiments persist, they could have implications for the political mobilisation required ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fourth Factor: The Recent Tinubu Support Groups Mobilisation in Kano
The recent visit to Kano by the leadership of the Tinubu Support Groups to inaugurate its state leadership and commission a major campaign office and mobilisation centre for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also provided an indication of the political atmosphere within the state.
The event brought together a significant number of political actors and supporters, particularly from the old APC structure.
Observers who attended the gathering could easily sense the level of political distance between some members of the support groups and the state government.
Despite efforts by the leadership of the Tinubu Support Groups to unite different political interests under one platform, the developments surrounding the event appeared to highlight the need for greater political reconciliation and coordination within the APC family in Kano.
Fifth Factor: Marginalisation of Major APC Stakeholders
Before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf joined the APC, the party had several influential political figures in Kano, including former Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Senator Kawu Sumaila; Senator Barau I. Jibrin; Nasiru Aliko Koki; Prince Abdullahi Abbas; and several other prominent stakeholders.
However, since the Governor joined the party, there has been a growing perception that many of these influential figures have not received the level of engagement and political recognition they expected from the state government.
Some stakeholders are said to have limited access to the Governor, including difficulty in reaching him directly even by telephone.
As a result, many have reportedly chosen to remain silent, watching developments from a distance rather than actively participating in political discussions within the state.
This situation could become increasingly problematic for the APC as the 2027 elections draw closer, particularly because political parties require the collective efforts of their major stakeholders to build an effective electoral structure.
Sixth Factor: The Kano Emirate Dispute
The Kano Emirate issue remains one of the most politically sensitive matters in the state.
Many supporters of the old APC structure are widely perceived to be sympathetic to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. Some of these political actors continue to view Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as responsible for the changes made to the traditional institution.
There has also been a longstanding claim among some political circles that the Governor had previously promised not to interfere with the Kano Emirate structure before eventually pursuing changes to the system.
Although the matter has gone through several stages of litigation, the political consequences of the dispute remain significant.
The continued public mobilisation of supporters who accompany Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to various engagements across Kano demonstrates the emotional and political weight of the issue.
A new slogan has also reportedly gained popularity among some of his supporters: “Sarki Aminu Ado Bayero is our vote.” The message reflects the extent to which the Emirate dispute has become intertwined with political loyalty for some segments of the population.
A Call for a New Political Strategy
Against this background, some influential stakeholders from the old APC structure are reportedly calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to consider a different political strategy for Kano ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Their argument is that the President should develop a broader political engagement framework that allows the original APC stakeholders and other influential political actors in Kano to work directly and effectively towards his re-election.
According to this school of thought, relying entirely on the existing relationship between the Federal Government and the Kano State Government could be politically risky if the state administration does not provide the level of support expected for the President’s re-election campaign.
They further argue that if the current situation continues unchecked, the political challenges within Kano could affect President Tinubu’s electoral performance in the state, potentially making it difficult for him to replicate—or even approach—the level of support he received in Kano during the 2023 presidential election.
For President Tinubu and the APC, Kano remains too politically important to be treated as an ordinary battleground.
The state’s large electorate and influential political structures make it essential for the party to build a broad-based coalition that brings together the government, old and new APC stakeholders, support groups, traditional political networks and other influential actors.
Ultimately, the success of the APC in Kano in 2027 may depend not only on the popularity of President Tinubu but also on the party’s ability to manage internal differences, rebuild trust among its stakeholders and establish a coordinated political structure capable of delivering votes at the grassroots.
