Former Kano South Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya has been denied a return to the Senate as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) picked Alkasim Ibrahim Batayya as its candidate for the 2027 election in the Kano South Senatorial District. The decision, reached through a consensus process, marks a significant political shift for Gaya, who had recently defected to the NDC after leaving both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The selection took place during a meeting held at the Miller Road residence of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Sunday, underscoring the party’s preference for internal unity over competitive primaries.
Gaya, who served as Senator for Kano South from 2015 to 2023 and also held the office of Governor of Kano State during the Third Republic, had actively sought the NDC’s nomination. However, the party leadership chose Batayya, a former National Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), citing his experience and influence in the transport sector and broader political landscape. The decision was confirmed by Mansur Kurugu, spokesperson for Kwankwasiyya, who stated that Gaya has accepted the outcome and pledged full support for Batayya’s campaign.
Kurugu emphasized that the consensus-driven approach will continue for all elective positions within the NDC, avoiding the need for formal primary elections. This method reflects the party’s strategy to maintain cohesion and avoid internal conflicts ahead of the 2027 general elections. A video shared by Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to Kwankwaso, later showed Gaya publicly endorsing the decision, reinforcing his commitment to party unity.
Batayya is now set to contest against incumbent Senator Sumaila, who won the seat in 2023 under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before switching allegiance to the APC. Sumaila has already secured the APC’s ticket for the 2027 election, making the race a direct contest between two prominent political figures from different parties. The outcome of this senatorial race could influence the broader political dynamics in Kano State, a key electoral battleground in northern Nigeria.
This development highlights the evolving nature of Nigerian politics, where party loyalty, strategic alliances, and consensus-building are increasingly shaping candidate selections. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the NDC’s decision to support Batayya signals a shift in focus toward candidates with strong grassroots and sectoral connections. The political landscape in Kano South is now poised for a competitive battle, with implications for both party strength and voter sentiment in the region.
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