By Reportcircle Abuja
Kano’s political landscape tilted sharply on Tuesday as more than 200 serving and former members of the Kano State House of Assembly stormed Abuja to throw their weight behind the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election and describing him as the “most marketable candidate” for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The delegation spanning lawmakers who served from 1999 to date was led by former Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulaziz G. Gafasa, and their message was unmistakable: Barau is the party’s best shot at reclaiming Kano.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Gafasa declared that their endorsement was grounded in evidence, not sentiment.
“We are here to tell you that we are solidly behind you for three reasons,” he said.
“One, you have positively impacted the lives of our people across the three senatorial districts. Two, you have been a lifeline to our party, APC. Thirdly, you have touched our lives personally even those of us not from your senatorial zone. This makes you the most marketable candidate.”
The lawmakers praised Barau’s development projects, political maturity and consistent support for the APC, saying his decade-long record in the National Assembly has set him apart from other contenders.
A serving lawmaker, Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai of Ghari/Tsanyawa Constituency, said the coalition of legislators is ready to hit the ground running.
“We will mobilise our people at the grassroots for Senator Barau in 2027,” he said. “Your track record speaks for you. You have touched lives across every part of the state. This is why we want you to lead Kano.”
In his response, Senator Barau expressed gratitude but stopped short of formally declaring his candidacy. Still, his comments were telling.
“It is a thing of joy that you have come together to salvage our state from ongoing misgovernance,” he said. “We must work hard and make sacrifices to restore the glorious days of Kano State.”
He urged the lawmakers whom he described as “true grassroots politicians” to remain committed to the ideals of the APC and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Although Barau has not formally entered the race, the steady stream of endorsements from powerful political blocs in Kano suggests a strong momentum.
As First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and a ranking senator with national visibility, Barau is increasingly emerging as the candidate to beat in what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governorship contests in 2027.
Political observers say the endorsement by 200 lawmakers could significantly shift the dynamics within Kano’s APC, strengthening Barau’s hand against other aspirants and signalling a growing consolidation of support.
With Kano’s vast voter population and its pivotal role in national politics, the stakes could not be higher. And as 2027 approaches, Tuesday’s endorsement may go down as the moment the race officially began.
