POLITICS in Kano State has never been short of intrigue, power calculations, and strategic alignments. Yet, the emerging contest over who secures the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections appears to reflect something deeper than an ordinary constituency struggle.
At the centre of the unfolding political tension is former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan—a figure whose political legacy continues to generate debate within Kano and beyond.
From all indications, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appears determined to influence who emerges as the APC candidate for the constituency. Political observers believe the governor prefers a loyalist aligned with his own political structure rather than allowing the return of a seasoned legislative figure whose influence extends beyond Kano politics into the national power equation.
But the Bagwai/Shanono contest is no longer merely about local representation. It is increasingly being interpreted as part of a broader struggle over the future direction of legislative politics within the APC and the northern political establishment.
The name Farouk Lawan is not unfamiliar in Nigerian political history. During his years in the House of Representatives under the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan, he earned a reputation as one of the most influential lawmakers of his generation.
Nicknamed “Mr. Integrity” and famously referred to in political circles as “Ka Fi Speaker” (Greater than the Speaker), Lawan symbolised an era when the National Assembly was perceived as more assertive, independent, and institutionally respected.
Supporters of the former lawmaker argue that the legislature during that period maintained a healthier balance with the Executive arm of government. According to them, the National Assembly under leaders and influential members like Farouk Lawan was capable of supporting government policies while still exercising oversight without descending into blind confrontation or political subservience.
Many political analysts still cite the relationship between the Legislature and the Executive during the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration as one of the most stable and constitutionally balanced periods of the Fourth Republic.
This history partly explains why supporters of Lawan see his possible return to the National Assembly as politically significant.
For them, the issue goes beyond personal ambition. It is about restoring legislative experience, institutional memory, and strategic balance at a time when many Nigerians increasingly question the independence and effectiveness of the current National Assembly.
The debate has also revived conversations around the presidential pardon granted to Farouk Lawan by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. To his supporters, the pardon represented more than legal relief; it was viewed as political rehabilitation and recognition of his experience within Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Within northern political circles, many interpret the move as evidence that President Tinubu values tested political actors capable of stabilising legislative processes and managing the delicate relationship between the Presidency and the National Assembly.
This perception has gained traction amid growing criticism that the current Assembly too often appears reactive or excessively compliant to Executive pressure. Critics argue that while the Tinubu administration may have ambitious long-term reforms, weak legislative communication and perceived “rubber-stamping” of policies have contributed to public dissatisfaction—particularly in Northern Nigeria.
In that context, proponents of Lawan’s return believe experienced legislators are needed to help restore confidence in parliamentary processes and improve policy management.
To them, Farouk Lawan represents the kind of institutional tactician capable of navigating complex federal politics, building consensus, and protecting legislative credibility without unnecessary confrontation with the Executive.
Indeed, his supporters increasingly portray him as a “bridge-builder” who understands both the mechanics and culture of the National Assembly.
Yet, the politics surrounding his possible return are far from straightforward.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, despite now operating within the APC structure, is also seeking to consolidate his own loyal political base. Like many governors before him, he faces the pressure of rewarding loyalists, managing competing interests, and strengthening personal influence within the party.
This creates an inevitable tension between state-level political calculations and broader national interests within the APC.
On one side are those who believe the Bagwai/Shanono ticket should be used to reward loyal political allies within the governor’s camp. On the other side are those who argue that national political realities require experienced figures like Farouk Lawan in Abuja—particularly at a time when the Tinubu administration seeks stronger northern legislative support.
The conflict reflects a broader internal challenge facing the APC itself.
While the party continues to project unity publicly, tensions over candidate selection, zoning arrangements, and consensus politics reveal unresolved fractures beneath the surface. Kano, as one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states, naturally sits at the centre of these power struggles.
Supporters of Lawan warn that attempts to impose unpopular candidates in the name of “consensus” could alienate grassroots supporters and inadvertently strengthen opposition forces eager to exploit internal divisions within the ruling party.
Their concern is not entirely misplaced.
Across Nigeria, parties that ignore local political sentiments in favour of elite arrangements often create openings for opposition mobilisation. Political stability within parties is rarely sustained through imposition alone; it requires negotiation, inclusion, and strategic accommodation.
The Bagwai/Shanono contest therefore represents more than a constituency battle. It is a test of how the APC intends to balance loyalty with competence, state influence with national strategy, and political reward with legislative effectiveness.
For many within the party, the argument is simple: in a National Assembly increasingly dominated by first-term lawmakers and shifting alliances, experienced figures remain valuable assets.
Whether Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf eventually aligns with that view or insists on an alternative path may shape not only the politics of Bagwai and Shanono, but also the broader power equation within Kano APC politics ahead of 2027.
What remains clear, however, is that the debate over Farouk Lawan has already evolved beyond one man’s political ambition.
It has become part of a larger national conversation about legislative competence, institutional memory, party cohesion, and the future balance of power between the Executive and the Legislature in Nigeria’s democracy.
- Gwangwazo is a journalist and political analyst based in Abuja.