Former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has officially withdrawn from the race for the Kano North Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gwarzo announced his decision in a statement issued on Tuesday following what he described as wide-ranging consultations with political stakeholders at the national, state, and zonal levels.
He said the decision was taken in the interest of unity and to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
“In deference to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and following extensive consultations with all concerned, I have reached the decision to step down my senatorial aspiration,” he stated.
According to him, the move is aimed at promoting cohesion within the party and consolidating efforts toward electoral victory.
Sources disclosed that the decision followed a strategic meeting of key APC stakeholders from Kano North held on Tuesday night.
The meeting was reportedly chaired by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Also present at the meeting were the Kano State APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, and the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo.
During the gathering, Gwarzo was said to have formally announced his withdrawal and endorsed Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin as the consensus candidate for the Kano North Senatorial District.
The endorsement is seen as a major step toward avoiding internal party divisions and ensuring a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gwarzo expressed deep appreciation to his supporters, political associates, youths, women groups, elders, religious leaders, and members of his media support community for standing by him throughout his political consultations.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support, goodwill, prayers and encouragement extended to me throughout this journey by constituents, political stakeholders, youths, women, elders, the Ulama and the resilient members of our new media support community,” he said.
The former minister also acknowledged the support and guidance of Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, and Baffa Babba Danagundi.
He described their counsel and leadership as instrumental during the consultation process.
“Their leadership, encouragement and commitment to the growth, unity and stability of our great party continue to serve as a source of inspiration and direction,” he added.
Gwarzo reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued commitment to the party’s progress and electoral success at all levels.
The development comes amid broader political realignments and consensus-building efforts within the Kano APC as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
Kano North Senatorial District is currently represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who is widely expected to seek re-election.
What You Should Know
Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo’s withdrawal from the Kano North senatorial race marks a significant consensus move within Kano APC ahead of 2027.
By endorsing Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, party stakeholders appear focused on avoiding internal rivalry and preserving unity in one of Kano’s most strategic political districts.
The decision followed consultations involving top APC figures, including Governor Abba Yusuf and Abdullahi Ganduje.
This development highlights ongoing efforts by party leaders to streamline candidacies through negotiation rather than contest, a strategy aimed at strengthening the APC’s electoral chances and maintaining stability as political alignments continue to evolve toward the next general elections.
