Barau, ex-Kano APC chairman back Bichi for deputy governor

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, have pledged their support for Rabiu Bichi for the position of deputy governor of the state.

Their endorsement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Organising Secretary of the APC Legacy Group, Indo Albarka, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Albarka described Bichi’s nomination as a strategic step toward strengthening unity within the party, particularly in the North-West.

According to the statement, the motion endorsing Bichi for the role was moved by Abbas during a stakeholders’ meeting and seconded by the state’s Deputy Chairman of the party, Salisu Gwangwazo.

The statement noted that Bichi’s emergence is seen by party leaders as critical to consolidating cohesion among APC members in Kano ahead of future political contests.

It read in part, “Bichi’s choice remains the only option to knit together APC supporters in Kano,” adding that his candidacy would enhance internal harmony within the party.

Highlighting his track record, the APC Legacy Group said, “Engr Bichi is widely regarded as a nominee of exceptional maturity and experience, possessing a rare ‘trifecta’ of leadership across state, federal, and development sectors.”

The group further outlined his public service credentials, stating, “Bichi’s distinguished career includes serving as the Managing Director of the Urban Development Bank of Nigeria, Managing Director of KNUPDA, Honourable Commissioner, and Secretary to the State Government under two administrations.”

It added that his broad experience positions him to effectively complement the governor in delivering governance and development outcomes.

The statement concluded that Bichi’s profile reflects “the age, academic credentials, and administrative sagacity required for this exalted position,” urging party stakeholders to rally behind his candidacy in the overall interest of the APC in Kano State.

The group also dismissed reports suggesting that a vote was conducted during recent enlarged stakeholders’ meetings, describing such claims as false.

It clarified that three names, including Bichi’s, were forwarded to the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, who is expected to make the final selection.

Albarka said the clarification was necessary to counter “a desperate attempt by some groups to blackmail and hoodwink the general public on the facts of what transpired.”

The position of Deputy Governor of Kano State became vacant following the resignation of Aminu Gwarzo, owing to political differences with Governor Abba Yusuf.

Since the Deputy Governor’s Office became vacant, consultations have intensified within political circles, particularly among stakeholders of the APC, who are keen on presenting a candidate capable of stabilising party dynamics and strengthening its position in Kano’s evolving political landscape.