2027: Can Sen. Barau Jibrin’s magic deliver Kano for APC 
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Ahead of the 2027, observers and Political Analysts are beginning to identify factors that might likely shape the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in Kano State.
Kano occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s political landscape as it’s seen as the political nerve centre of the country.
Kano, also known as the Centre for Commerce, was under the grip of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before falling into the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 General Election.
Political observers, therefore see the 2027 governorship race as a direct clash between the Kwankwasiyya led NNPP which currency controls the state and the APC which controls power at the centre, ruling out other political parties like the PDP from the contest.
A school of thought believes that the Kwankwasiyya led administration would triumph at the governorship election, going by its rising influence in the state, especially at the metropolis and other urban centres across the state.
However, another school of thought views the situation from a different perspective. To this group, the Gov. Abba Yusuf led administration in the state has failed to live up to the expectations of the people, as it failed to deliver on its campaign promises.
Members of this group believe that the administration has been unable to cash on its popularity in 2023 by executing developmental projects across the state.
The group pointed out that the inability of the administration to tackle numerous challenges facing the people, especially its inability to address the perennial water shortage and other necessary infrastructure would work against its reelection in 2027.
It also believes that the persistent internal wrangling within the NNPP, resulting in the defection of many chieftains would also affect the party’s chances at the 2027 general election.
But beyond all these, there is also the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin’s factor.
The rising influence of Jibrin, who represents Kano North at the National Assembly, is seen as one of the factors that will shape the political landscape, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Even though, the senator has yet to declare his intention known on the governorship seat, his numerous actions, including strategic engagements across the state, could be seen as an indication that he intend to run for the governorship election in 2027.
It is on record that Jibrin has in the last couple of months, turned around the fortunes of the APC in the state, from that of a passive opposition to a vibrant opposition party, winning so many top government officials, high ranking party officials and hundreds of party faithful from both the NNPP, the PDP and other parties into the APC.
Jibrin, since becoming the Deputy President of the Senate, has used his office to attract numerous developmental projects into the state, resulting in some socio-economic development.
It is worthy of mention to state that the senator played vital role in the passage of the North West Development Commission(NWDC) Bill as well as the citing of its headquarters in Kano State.
Jibrin, also called Maliya, is credited with the recent conversation of the Federal Polytechnic, Kabo into a Federal University by the Federal Government.
Aside from attracting developmental projects into the state, Jibrin has also won the heart of many people in the state, through his various interventions and assistance to the people in need, either as result of natural or man made disasters.
Recently, the senator donated N22 million to the families of the deceased Kano athletes who died on their way home after representing the state at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Earlier in the year, the Deputy Senate President, donated 1,037 motorcycles and 63 cars to grassroots supporters of the APC in the state.
Speaking at the event, Jibrin, said the gesture was aimed at empowering members of the party with a view to achieving the set objectives.
He said the motorcycles would be distributed to all the wards and local government APC chairmen of Kano State.
Jibrin also visited Bunkure Local Government Area of the State to offer condolences and financial assistance to the families of the 16 hunters killed in Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State.
The senator donated N16 million to the families of the victims to cushion their hardship.
“I am here to express my deepest sympathies for the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and provide a swift recovery to those injured,” he said.
The senator also donated 61 vehicles and 1137 motorcycles to the state chapter of the APC.
He also donated 1,000 motorcycles to the Kano State Police Command as part of an effort to support the police to enhance security in the state.
Jibrin has also made other donations, too numerous to mention.
But aside of the rising influence of Jibrin, there are other minor factors in the APC that could shape the choice of it 2027 governorship candidate in the state, for example, the long absence and silence of Dr Nasiru Gawuna, the state 2023 governorship candidate is seen as an indication that the latter is no longer interested in the seat.
Gawuna, also the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state and his running mate, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, have remained in active in the state political landscape, since losing the 2023 governorship election.
Although it is unclear whether Jibrin belongs to the same camp with Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, but what is certain is that the senator might end up getting the party’s governorship ticket for 2027 going by current developments in the state.
Ali Baba-Inuwa, is a journalist, political analyst, a sociologist and an author.
Baba-Inuwa, a former Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Head of Politics Desk, with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) writes from Kano.
