‘How Governor Yusuf resolved tussle for Kano North APC senatorial ticket’

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Former Deputy Governor of Kano state Abdullahi Gwarzo has bowed to pressure by Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and other All Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders and chieftains to step down his senatorial ambition for the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Barau I. Jibrin.

Governor Yusuf resolved the lingering political dispute within the APC in Kano North Senatorial District after a series of meetings with party stakeholders, at Government House, Kano.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The reconciliation effort received the intervention and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The meetings led to a consensus arrangement between Hon. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo (ATM) and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

As part of the agreement reached, ATM Gwarzo officially withdrew his senatorial ambition in support of Senator Barau ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a formal withdrawal letter submitted to the party leadership, ATM Gwarzo reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the APC.

Speaking after the meeting, ATM Gwarzo described himself as a loyal party member who would always respect the collective decision of the party leadership.

He said he could not reject the appeal and intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to him, the three leaders worked tirelessly to ensure peace and consensus within the APC in Kano State.

Responding, Senator Barau said ATM Gwarzo had demonstrated maturity, respect and a strong sense of mutual understanding.

He added that they had always remained friends and political associates.

The Deputy Senate President assured that they would continue to work together for the unity and progress of the APC.

Governor Yusuf commended both leaders for showing sacrifice, understanding and commitment to the unity of the party.

He said the resolution would further strengthen the APC in Kano and across the country.

The Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive leadership among party members and stakeholders.

Confirming his withdrawal on his verified Facebook page, ATM Gwarzo who is the immediate-past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development wrote: “In deference to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GCFR, and His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and following extensive consultations with all concerned, as well as critical stakeholders at the National, State, and Zonal levels, I have reached the decision to step down my senatorial aspiration in the overall interest of unity, progress, and the comprehensive success of our great party in the 2027 general elections.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support, goodwill, prayers, and encouragement extended to me throughout this journey by constituents, political stakeholders, youths, women, elders, the Ulama, and the resilient members of our new media support community. Your loyalty, sacrifices, steadfastness, and belief in our shared vision have been deeply inspiring and profoundly appreciated.

“I remain humbled by the confidence reposed in me and profoundly grateful for the solidarity demonstrated at every stage of this aspiration.

“May I also specially acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, and Hon. Baffa Babba Danagundi, whose wisdom, guidance, experience, and counsel have remained invaluable throughout this period.

“Their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to the growth, unity, and stability of our great party continue to serve as a source of inspiration and direction.

“I remain fully committed to the ideals and aspirations of our party, and shall continue to contribute toward its growth, stability, and electoral success at all levels.”

Earlier, Governor Yusuf had resolved the Kano Central Senatorial tussle where former Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, emerged as the APC consensus candidate for the zone.