T£nsions in APC as senator Kwankwaso backed his deputy governor to take over power from ABBA Yusuf in 2027 

Former Kano State Deputy Governor and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, has reportedly emerged as a focal point of political intrigue in Kano amid speculation over a possible defection from the ruling party. According to Ireporter Online, sources within the APC disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed key party leaders to engage Gawuna and persuade him to remain within the party.

The development follows increasing reports that Gawuna may be considering an alliance with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement, with a potential move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. His alleged plan to collaborate with Kwankwaso in a bid to challenge Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reportedly unsettled stakeholders within the APC, while supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement are said to be optimistic about the possibility.

Tensions heightened following a Sallah visit by a delegation led by cleric Ahmed Sabo Usman to Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, a move seen by observers as politically symbolic. Party insiders further revealed that Gawuna has been largely unreachable in recent days, intensifying speculation that he is engaged in strategic consultations abroad

According to sources familiar with his movements, the former deputy governor travelled to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan for Umrah and has yet to return to Nigeria. It was further gathered that he subsequently proceeded to a North African country for a private stay. Sources indicated that he may have deliberately limited communication, including placing his phone on restricted mode, amid mounting pressure from party leaders.