EXCLUSIVE: ADC woos Gawuna with Kano governorship ticket, campaign funding

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has intensified efforts to persuade former Kano State governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, to contest the 2027 governorship election on its platform, amid ongoing push to gain momentum in key states.

Sources familiar with the development told DAILY NIGERIAN that influential figures within the party have been holding consultations with Mr Gawuna’s top political associates in a bid to convince him to accept the ADC governorship ticket.

According to the sources, the party has offered far-reaching political concessions, including nominations for State House of Assembly and House of Representatives seats for some of Mr Gawuna’s loyalists.

The sources added that ADC leaders have also assured the former deputy governor of adequate financial backing for his campaign should he agree to join the race.

Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Ambassador Faruk Yabo, are said to be among prominent political figures spearheading the efforts to bring Mr Gawuna into the party.

Although Mr Gawuna has previously given assurance of his loyalty and commitment to the Kwankwasiyya movement, insiders said the sustained pressure and attractive political offer from the ADC have prompted fresh considerations within his camp.

Recall that the national leadership of the ADC has yet to announce the winner of the party’s Kano governorship primary contested by Ibrahim Khalil and Ibrahim Little.

Party sources said the delay was to enable the party seal a deal with Mr Gawuna, candidature is believed to strengthen the party’s chances in the state.

M. Gawuna, who served as deputy governor of Kano State and was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, has remained one of the most influential opposition figures in the state.

Political observers note that he has continued to command a sizeable following across Kano, making him an attractive prospect for parties seeking a formidable challenger to incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in the next election cycle.

He was also widely tipped as a potential governorship candidate of the NDC before the party’s leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, settled for longtime ally and immediate-past deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam, as the party’s preferred standard-bearer.

Neither Mr. Gawuna nor officials of the ADC had publicly commented on the reported negotiations as of the time of filing this report.