APC women’s protest against Zaura’s exclusion deepens rift over Kano consensus deal

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Kano chapter of the ruling APC following a controversial consensus arrangement that reportedly favoured former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, for the Kano Central Senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, as hundreds of women loyal to businessman and party chieftain, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, staged a protest march in Kano on Wednesday.

The protesters, under the aegis of the AA Zaura Women Mobilisation Forum, stormed major streets within Kano metropolis chanting “No Zaura, no vote,” in what observers described as a direct challenge to the recent reconciliation and consensus deal brokered by Abba Kabir Yusuf and other political stakeholders.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for AA Zaura,” “Reward loyalty,” and “Kano women stand with Zaura,” the demonstrators insisted that the APC leadership must provide what they called a fair political opportunity for Zaura ahead of the next general elections.

The development comes amid growing tension within the Kano APC over the battle for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, following reports that several aspirants were persuaded to step down in favour of Shekarau during a reconciliation meeting aimed at unifying aggrieved factions within the party.

Addressing journalists during the rally, the coordinator of the forum, Binta Rabiu Zaura, said the women were dissatisfied with the manner Zaura was allegedly sidelined in the political arrangement.

“We are here to tell the leadership of the APC that AA Zaura has sacrificed so much for this party and for the people of Kano. He deserves justice and fair treatment,” she said.
According to her, Zaura has built strong grassroots support through empowerment initiatives targeting women and youths across the state.

“He has touched many lives, especially among women and young people. We cannot sit quietly and watch him being pushed aside,” she added.

The women also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership to intervene in the Kano political crisis to ensure what they described as an inclusive and transparent process ahead of 2027.

One of the protesters, Amina Musa, warned that frustration among grassroots supporters could negatively affect party mobilisation if Zaura’s supporters continued to feel alienated.
“We are loyal party members, but loyalty should also be rewarded. If there is no justice for AA Zaura, many supporters may lose interest in participating,” she said.

The protest is the latest sign of resistance against the consensus arrangement within the Kano APC, despite efforts by party leaders to reconcile contending interests ahead of future elections.

Zaura had recently alleged that his ambition to contest for the Kano Central Senatorial seat was “taken away” from him without his consent. The APC chieftain also claimed he was excluded from the reconciliation meeting where some aspirants reportedly agreed to support Shekarau.

Political observers say the latest protest may further complicate efforts to maintain unity within the Kano APC, especially as rival camps continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 political contest.