APC Power Brokers Rally Behind Rurum as Kano Deputy Governor Race Intensifies
A high-stakes political realignment is unfolding within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, as influential stakeholders coalesce around key contenders for the vacant deputy governorship seat, with Kabiru Alhassan Rurum emerging as a leading favourite.
The development followed a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday night, where party heavyweights deliberated on possible replacements for the outgoing deputy governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who recently resigned from office.
Top figures at the meeting—including the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, former APC governorship candidate Salihu Sagir Takai, and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata—reportedly endorsed Rurum as one of the strongest contenders for the position.
Three-Man Shortlist Emerges
The meeting, convened in response to a directive from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, produced a shortlist of three nominees. The governor had earlier instructed stakeholders to submit three names for consideration, from which a final choice would be made.
Those nominated are:
Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current member of the House of Representatives;
Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, former Secretary to the State Government and Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority;
Murtala Sule Garo, a former local government chairman and commissioner.
Party leaders clarified that the process strictly followed the governor’s directive, dismissing circulating reports as “fabricated” and reaffirming that only three names were agreed upon and forwarded.
Intense Political Alignments
The nomination process revealed deep political alignments within the APC. Rurum’s candidacy gained momentum with backing from prominent figures including Barau Jibrin, Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, Sha’aban Sharada, Bashir Garba Lado, and Yahuza Ado Yan Kaba.
Meanwhile, Garo secured support from a formidable bloc led by Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abubakar Bichi, Sani Bala, Hamisu Chidari, Abdullahi M. Gwarzo, Abdullahi Rogo, Yusuf Badau, and Abdulsalam Zaura.
Zoning Debate Resurfaces
Beyond endorsements, the meeting also reignited the long-standing debate over zoning. Both Takai and former Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji, strongly advocated for Kano South to be considered for the position.
They argued that the zone—comprising 16 local government areas and a population exceeding seven million—has been sidelined from both the governorship and deputy governorship positions since 1992, and therefore “deserves fair consideration.”
Decision Awaits Governor
With the three nominees now formally submitted, attention has shifted to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose final decision is expected to shape the political trajectory of Kano State in the coming months.
As internal consultations continue, the contest reflects not only a battle of personalities but also a broader struggle over influence, regional balance, and the future direction of the APC in Kano.