By Joy Odor, Abuja
The race for the soul of Kano politics has burst wide open nearly two years ahead of the governorship election after a powerful bloc of former local government chairmen dramatically adopted the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, as the sole governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for 2027.
The political declaration, made in Abuja on Wednesday during a high-stakes courtesy visit to the National Assembly, has sent shockwaves through Kano’s political establishment and signaled the start of an intense battle for control of one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.
The former Council Chairmen, who served between 2019 and 2022 under ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, closed ranks behind Barau in a move that effectively redraws the internal power equation of the APC in Kano.
In a sweeping show of unity, the motion endorsing Barau was moved by the former Chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Barrister Dahiru Mannir Maigari, and seconded by the immediate past Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, Hon. Baffa Mohammed Takai.
When the former Chairman of Madobi LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, put the decision to a voice vote, the hall erupted in unanimous approval, an unambiguous political signal that the grassroots machinery is already switching on.
Two serving members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu (Sumaila) and Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai (Tsanyawa/Ghari) stood as live witnesses to the moment that may redefine Kano’s 2027 contest.
With the adoption sealed, the delegation threw down the gauntlet, urging Senator Barau to formally declare his ambition without delay.
Former Chairman of Gwale LGA, Alhaji Khalid Ishak Diso, spoke with the urgency of a restless political base.
“Kano people are waiting for you to declare. We’ve organized events calling on you already. You are yet to officially come out. The people are anxious. Please answer the call to serve,” he said.
Leading the delegation, ALGON’s former Chairman, Baffa Takai, said Barau’s adoption was rooted in his legislative performance and deep footprint in Kano’s development.
“We are throwing our full weight behind you 100 percent. By the grace of Allah, you will be sworn in as Governor of Kano State on May 29, 2027. You have the capacity to fix the state,” he declared.
In a sober but defiant response, Senator Barau accepted the political embrace with a sharp assessment of Kano’s current direction.
“Let us not live in denial,” he said. “Kano used to be second only to Lagos in commerce and development. Today, Kano is trailing due to poor leadership. This is the truth.”
He vowed that a new political order must rise to restore the state’s lost dominance.
“By the grace of God, we will take bold steps to return Kano to its glorious days. We will stand for truth and for the people,” he assured.
Even as the dust was settling from the LG chairmen’s adoption, the political tide surged again, this time from Tsanyawa and Ghari Local Government Areas.
Over 100 stakeholders stormed Abuja to declare their unflinching support for Barau.
The motion was moved by Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai and seconded by Hon. Aminu Yakanawa, triggering thunderous applause that echoed a widening coalition.
“By the grace of Allah, you are the next Governor of Kano State. Our people are solidly behind you,” Yakanawa proclaimed.
Barau responded by describing the growing endorsements as a preview of what lies ahead in 2027.
“This wave of support across Kano is a signal of what is coming,” he said.
On rising security concerns in parts of Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs, Barau dropped a rare behind-the-scenes reassurance.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned. We are working quietly and strategically to end this challenge. These are not matters we announce on radio,” he said.
The early consolidation of power around Senator Barau has radically altered the political map of Kano long before official campaigns begin.
From grassroots politicians to state lawmakers, the signs point to a rapidly forming political juggernaut.
What began as a “courtesy visit” has now become a full-blown declaration of succession intent one that places Barau at the very center of Kano’s 2027 power struggle.
With endorsements swelling, pressure mounting to formally declare, and rival camps already watching nervously, one fact is now undeniable:
The battle for Kano has started and Senator Barau has fired the opening shot.
