A former Deputy Governor of Kano State and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has reportedly become unreachable amid growing speculation over a possible defection from the ruling party.
The development comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is said to have directed key party stakeholders to engage the former deputy governor in a bid to halt his alleged move toward the Kwankwasiyya political movement, with potential alignment to the African Democratic Congress.
Political observers in Kano say the unfolding situation has placed Gawuna at the centre of intense political interest, as both the APC and Kwankwasiyya camps closely monitor his next move.
Reports indicate that Gawuna’s alleged plan to align with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections is gaining traction within political circles, raising concerns within the APC while energising supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
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Adding to the speculation, a group led by Sheikh Ahmed Sabo Usman, Chief Imam of Gawuna’s residential mosque, recently paid a Sallah homage to Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence in Kano — a move widely interpreted as a signal of possible political realignment.
Sources within the APC disclosed that efforts by party leaders to reach Gawuna have so far been unsuccessful, with his phone reportedly placed on “Do Not Disturb” mode. Insiders suggest he travelled to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan for Umrah and has yet to return, with indications that he may currently be on a private visit to a North African country.
The situation has reportedly unsettled party structures in Kano, prompting renewed consultations at the national level. According to sources, the presidency has mandated a high-level delegation, including a prominent senator from Zamfara State and a presidential adviser, to persuade Gawuna to remain within the APC fold.
Party insiders further revealed that discussions may include offering Gawuna a senatorial ticket for Kano Central in the 2027 elections as part of efforts to retain his loyalty.
Analysts warn that Gawuna’s potential defection could significantly alter Kano’s political landscape. Having secured over 800,000 votes in the 2023 governorship election, he is widely regarded as a formidable political figure with strong grassroots support.
A political analyst, Aminu Bashir, noted that a possible alliance between Gawuna and Kwankwaso could reshape electoral dynamics in the state.
“If such a political alignment materialises, it could substantially influence voter behaviour, particularly among youth, religious leaders, and sections of the business community,” he said.
Within APC circles, concerns have also been raised over what some supporters describe as Gawuna’s marginalisation since the 2023 elections, including limited inclusion in federal appointments and strategic party roles.
There are also reports of dissatisfaction among his loyalists regarding unresolved entitlements following his tenure as deputy governor, a factor some observers believe may be contributing to the current political uncertainty.
As developments continue to unfold, the coming weeks are expected to provide clearer direction on Gawuna’s political future and its broader implications for Kano politics ahead of 2027.