Seven leading aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Kano Central Senatorial District seat have withdrawn from the race and unanimously endorsed former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, in a move party stakeholders say is aimed at preventing internal divisions and strengthening the APC’s chances ahead of the next general election.
The decision followed hours of closed-door deliberations at a strategic meeting held in Abuja and convened by Abba Kabir Yusuf, amid growing political realignments within Kano’s political landscape. The endorsement is being viewed as a significant development within the APC in Kano, where competition for key political positions has continued to intensify ahead of 2027.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the aspirants said they collectively agreed to step aside in the interest of party unity, stability, and political harmony in Kano State. Those who endorsed Shekarau include Usman Bala Mohammed, Sha’aban Sharada, Muhammad Zango, Danyaro Yakasai, Abbas Abbas, Garba Abubakar, and Shehu Isa Driver.
The aspirants noted that their decision was not borne out of political pressure but from consultations and a shared conviction that presenting a consensus candidate would strengthen the APC and reduce the likelihood of internal rancour that could weaken the party’s electoral fortunes in the state.
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According to them, Shekarau possesses the political experience, grassroots appeal, and leadership capacity required to unite party members and effectively represent Kano Central at the national level if eventually elected. They described the former governor as a respected political figure whose influence cuts across various blocs within the state’s political structure.
One of the aspirants who spoke on behalf of the group said the endorsement was necessary to demonstrate maturity and discipline within the party, stressing that Kano’s political future should be prioritised above personal ambition.
The development is expected to reshape the political calculations within the APC in Kano, especially as the party continues efforts to consolidate its base and regain momentum in the state following recent electoral contests. Political observers believe the emergence of a consensus arrangement this early may help the party avoid the prolonged primary battles and factional disputes that have historically weakened political parties in the state.
Shekarau, a former minister of education and one of Kano’s most influential political figures, remains a dominant force in the state’s politics years after leaving office as governor. His endorsement by multiple aspirants is already generating discussions across political circles, with supporters describing it as a strategic step toward rebuilding internal cohesion within the APC.
Although Shekarau has yet to formally declare his intention to contest the Kano Central senatorial seat, sources within the party said discussions are ongoing among stakeholders to rally broader support around his candidacy before the official commencement of political activities for the 2027 elections.
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The APC in Kano has in recent months witnessed intense consultations and alignments among major political actors as the race for key elective offices gradually gathers momentum. Analysts say the latest endorsement could trigger further alliances within the party and potentially influence the broader political dynamics in Kano State ahead of the 2027 polls.
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