By Mercy Gadia Adi
Former local government chairmen in Kano State have unanimously adopted the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, as the sole governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election.
The endorsement was announced during a courtesy visit to Senator Barau at the National Assembly on Wednesday by the former chairmen who served between 2019 and 2022, under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The motion for adoption was moved by the former chairman of Rimin Gado LGA, Barrister Dahiru Mannir Maigari, and seconded by former ALGON chairman, Hon. Baffa Mohammed Takai. When the former Madobi LGA chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, conducted a voice vote, the adoption was affirmed unanimously.
Two members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu (Sumaila) and Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai (Tsanyawa/Ghari) were present at the meeting.
In a statement issued by Senator Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, the former chairman urged the Deputy Senate President to officially declare his interest in the race “as soon as possible.”
Alhaji Khalid Ishak Diso, former chairman of Gwale LGA, said anticipation is high across the grassroots.
“Kano people are waiting for you to declare. We recently organised an event where we urged you to do so. The people are anxious. When are you declaring? Please answer the call to serve,” he appealed.
Also speaking, Hon. Baffa Takai said the decision was informed by Senator Barau’s legislative record and contributions to Kano’s development.
“We are 100 per cent with you. Insha’Allah, you will be the next governor of Kano State come May 29, 2027,” he said.
Responding, Senator Barau thanked the group, describing them as seasoned grassroots mobilisers. He lamented the state’s declining fortunes, saying Kano must reclaim its former status as a leading economic hub.
“Kano was once second only to Lagos in commerce and development. Sadly, the state has fallen behind due to poor leadership. We must confront this truth. By God’s grace, we will take bold steps to restore Kano’s glory,” he said.
In a separate visit, stakeholders from Tsanyawa and Ghari LGAs also endorsed Senator Barau’s governorship ambition.
The motion for endorsement was moved by Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai and seconded by Hon. Aminu Yakanawa, drawing loud approval from more than 100 stakeholders in attendance.
Yakanawa declared the support of their constituencies:
“By the grace of Allah, you are the next governor of Kano State. Our people stand firmly with you,” he said.
Senator Barau, in his response, said the growing support across the state was a pointer to the outcome of the 2027 polls. He also addressed security concerns affecting parts of Tsanyawa and Shanono.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned. We are working underground to resolve the security issues. Steps have already been taken, even if we are not announcing them on radio,” he assured.