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Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, including the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, former governorship candidate Salihu Sagir Takai, and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, have reportedly thrown their weight behind Kabiru Alhassan Rurum as one of the leading contenders for the position of deputy governor of Kano State. The endorsement followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday night, where three nominees were selected to fill the vacant deputy governorship seat following the resignation of Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo. The meeting was convened in line with a directive reportedly issued by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, asking party stakeholders to forward three names for consideration. The stakeholders, however, clarified that contrary to reports in circulation, some of the information about the meeting had been “fabricated,” insisting that the directive was strictly adhered to. Read Also: Mu’azu Magaji Suggests Bichi, Rurum as Strong Deputy Governor Options for Kano They said the governor directed that “three names be proposed and submitted to him, from which one may be considered as the next Deputy Governor.” The three nominees are Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, who is also the former Secretary to the State Government; and Murtala Sule Garo, former local government chairman and commissioner. Rurum’s nomination was moved by the immediate past APC state secretary, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, and seconded by Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmud Bunkure. For Bichi, the motion was moved by the former APC chairman in the state, Abdullahi Abbas, and seconded by the deputy state chairman, Salisu Maje Ahmad Gwangwazo. Garo was nominated by Alhassan Ado Doguwa and seconded by Labaran Abdul Madari. During the meeting, Salihu Sagir Takai and former Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji, argued that Kano South should be given consideration for the position, saying the zone has been excluded from both the governorship and deputy governorship slots since 1992. They noted that Kano South, with 16 local government areas and over seven million population, “deserves consideration.” The stakeholders also witnessed strong political alignments, with Rurum reportedly enjoying the backing of top figures including Barau Jibrin, Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, Sha’aban Sharada, Bashir Garba Lado, Yahuza Ado ‘Yan Kaba, and other prominent stakeholders. Similarly, Murtala Garo was said to have the support of Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abubakar Abba Bichi, Sani Bala, Hamisu Chidari, Abdullahi M. Gwarzo, Abdullahi Rogo, Yusuf Badau, Abdulsalam Zaura, and others. The stakeholders said the list of nominees has been forwarded and now awaits the final decision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano A prominent legal practitioner and former senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Inuwa Waya, has endorsed the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while calling for greater youth inclusion and responsible political engagement. Waya made the remarks during an interaction with online journalists under the auspices of the Online Media Chapel in Kano, where he also announced his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race. He explained that his decision to step down was informed by the emergence of aspirants with similar vision, as well as his assessment of the current administration’s performance, noting that many of his campaign ideas in 2023 are being implemented by the Yusuf-led government. Describing the governor as a “valuable political asset,” Waya said the defection to the APC was a strategic move that would enhance governance, improve federal collaboration, and accelerate development in Kano State. According to him, the crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), characterised by factional disputes and protracted litigations, made it politically risky for the governor to remain. He added that aligning with the ruling party at the centre provides the necessary stability and synergy for effective governance. Read Also: Kano in Tight Corner as Deputy Governor Nomination Sparks Divisions “Governor Yusuf’s decision is a product of political calculation. It frees him from distractions and allows him to concentrate on delivering dividends of democracy to the people,” Waya said. He further noted that the move has helped to calm political tensions in Kano, reducing rivalry and creating a more stable environment for governance. Waya highlighted several achievements of the current administration, including reforms in land administration, infrastructure development, urban renewal, and efforts to address water scarcity through international partnerships. He also cited improvements in education, healthcare services, civil service efficiency, and local government administration as indicators of progress. He commended the government’s steps to sanitise the land system, curb fraudulent practices, and prosecute offenders, describing land reforms as critical to societal stability and economic growth. On youth development, Waya issued a strong warning against the exploitation of young people for political thuggery, urging politicians to instead invest in their education, employment, and overall development. He stressed that youth must reposition themselves as drivers of positive change rather than instruments of disruption. “Politics should be about service and development, not a means to amass wealth without impact. Young people must rise, participate responsibly, and shape the future of this country,” he said. Drawing a global comparison, Waya referenced the political rise of Julius Malema in South Africa, noting that youth-driven political movements can transform governance when properly guided. He concluded by urging Kano residents to support Governor Yusuf’s administration, stating that the government has shown commitment to restoring the state’s lost glory and deserves collective backing to achieve its vision. Waya reiterated that building a functional political system requires patience, discipline, and a shared commitment to people-centred development.