Fresh concerns have reportedly emerged within the All Progressives Congress following the screening of aspirants for National Assembly seats in Abuja, as several politicians allegedly rejected earlier consensus arrangements linked to Kano State political stakeholders.
Sources within the party disclosed that many aspirants who were expected to step down after internal consultations eventually purchased nomination forms and appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja, a development said to have generated reactions among some national leaders of the APC.
According to party insiders, the situation has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the consensus arrangements earlier facilitated among aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A source familiar with developments within the party structure in Kano described the situation as politically sensitive, especially considering Kano’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
The development was said to be more visible in constituencies where multiple aspirants appeared for screening despite earlier reports of reconciliation and consensus efforts. Political observers believe the trend may signal growing internal contestation within sections of the Kano APC ahead of the party primaries.
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Particular attention has reportedly focused on the Kano North Senatorial contest involving Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, both of whom were said to have participated in the screening process despite reconciliation efforts.
Attention has also been drawn to the case involving Sanusi Sa’id Kiru, a former Kano State Commissioner for Education and currently Director of Training and Programmes at The Progressive Institute, who is aspiring to represent Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency.
Party sources claimed that several stakeholders and aspirants had reportedly aligned behind Sanusi Kiru after withdrawing their interests in the race, a development that was said to have shifted political momentum within the constituency.
However, the emergence of the name of the serving House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, as the alleged consensus candidate reportedly generated fresh controversy within political circles in the constituency.
The situation has since fueled intense political discussions, with indications that the matter could eventually end up in court over alleged non-compliance with provisions guiding consensus arrangements under the Electoral Act.
Party sources claimed that some national stakeholders expected certain high-profile office holders and lawmakers to emerge unopposed through consensus arrangements. However, the appearance of multiple aspirants at the screening exercise reportedly altered earlier expectations.
There were also indications that some stakeholders expressed reservations over how the consensus process was handled, particularly regarding inclusiveness and consultations among different political blocs within the Kano APC structure.
Sources further alleged that complaints had reached the national leadership of the party concerning the emergence of some aspirants, with aggrieved politicians reportedly encouraged to participate in the primary elections if dissatisfied with the consensus arrangements.
The situation has continued to generate political discussions within APC circles, with analysts warning that unresolved internal disagreements could affect party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
When contacted for reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, said he was not in a position to comment on the developments, explaining that he did not attend the screening venue in Abuja as he was occupied with official engagements in Kano.
He, however, advised to seek clarification from Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, whose telephone line could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.