THE political landscape of Kano State witnessed a major shift on Tuesday as former Deputy Governor and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasiru Gawuna, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
News Point Nigeria reports that Gawuna completed his registration and received his membership card at his Gawuna Ward in Nasarawa Local Government Area, in an event that drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters and key political stakeholders.
Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna served as the Deputy Governor of Kano State under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for approximately 4 years and 8 months, fromSeptember 19, 2018 to May 29, 2023.
The high-profile ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, and the state chairman of the ADC, Musa Ungogo.
Speaking shortly after his formal induction into the party, Gawuna expressed gratitude to his supporters and party leaders, pledging to work tirelessly to strengthen the ADC’s presence in Kano State.
His defection follows his recent resignation from the APC, a move he described as “voluntary and personal” in a letter addressed to his ward chairman. The transition signals a calculated political repositioning as alliances continue to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Prior to his defection, Gawuna had stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), effective March 31, 2026. His resignation was in compliance with the directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requiring political appointees seeking elective office to resign in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
In his resignation letter, Gawuna expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, noting that his tenure across various public roles was both an honour and a privilege.
Gawuna’s move is widely interpreted as aligning him more closely with Kwankwaso, whose political influence in Kano remains formidable. The presence of the former governor at the registration event further underscores the growing synergy within the ADC and the broader Kwankwasiyya political bloc.
The defection comes amid a wave of political recalibrations across Kano State, as major actors reposition themselves in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
