APC Consensus: Barau Emerges for Kano North 2027 as Gwarzo Withdraws

In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, has emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kano North senatorial seat.

The development follows the formal withdrawal of the former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, from the contest.

Reliable sources confirm that Gwarzo’s decision to step down was the result of high-level diplomatic intervention from the Presidency. The request for Gwarzo to withdraw his ambition was reportedly delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu during a closed-door session on Monday.

The move is seen as a strategic effort by the APC leadership to consolidate power in the North-West and avoid internal friction within the party's Kano State chapter.

Following the initial meeting with the Vice President, the final resolution was reached during a high-powered gathering of Kano North APC stakeholders held on Monday at the Kano State Government House.

The meeting, which finalized Barau’s position as the sole candidate, was attended by a rare assembly of the state’s political heavyweights, including Governor Abba Yusuf, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, Kano State APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar (House of Representatives)

By securing a consensus for the Deputy Senate President, the APC aims to present a unified front in what is traditionally a highly contested senatorial district. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo’s decision to yield to the party’s request is being characterized by party insiders as a "sacrifice for party unity."

As at the time of this report, official statements from the offices of the Deputy Senate President and the former Minister are expected to follow, detailing the terms of the political agreement.