Political tensions have flared in Kano State following allegations that Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin is responsible for the defection of former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Yusuf Gawuna to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The development has sparked criticism from a faction within the APC known as the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum, which accused Barau of sidelining Gawuna after his 2023 gubernatorial loss to Abba Kabir Yusuf. The forum, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator Hafiz Idris, claimed that Gawuna was denied key political roles and support after the election, leading to his frustration and eventual exit from the APC.
The group argued that Gawuna’s departure was not just a personal decision but a direct result of perceived marginalization within the party structure. They emphasized that without meaningful inclusion or recognition, Gawuna felt compelled to seek political relevance elsewhere. The forum also raised concerns about the future of Gawuna’s former running mate, Murtala Sule Garo, who is currently being considered for the position of deputy governor following the resignation of Aminu Abdulsalam. Despite Garo’s long-standing loyalty to Barau, including serving as Director-General of his campaigns in 2015 and 2019, the forum alleges that Barau is now working to block his emergence.
The statement highlighted that Garo stood by Barau during political challenges in 2015, even when others distanced themselves. The forum described the current efforts to prevent Garo’s appointment as unfair and warned that such actions could deepen internal divisions within the APC in Kano. These divisions, they argue, may weaken the party’s chances in upcoming elections. However, sources within the Kano State Government House revealed that Governor Yusuf has already finalized plans to appoint Garo as deputy governor. The governor reportedly views Garo as a strong grassroots leader with broad support across the state.
Insiders confirmed that Garo’s selection followed a thorough vetting process and was influenced by his role as the APC’s deputy governorship candidate in 2023. Despite this, the appointment is facing resistance from influential political figures outside the state. The forum alleges that Barau is “deeply uncomfortable” with Garo’s possible emergence and is quietly backing another candidate for strategic reasons. As the political landscape in Kano continues to shift, the outcome of this internal struggle could have lasting implications for party unity and future electoral prospects in the state.
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