A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum, has accused the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, of being responsible for the defection of the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kano State, Yusuf Gawuna, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the group alleged that Barau frustrated Gawuna’s chances of securing a strategic political appointment after his defeat in the 2023 governorship election to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

According to the group, this development ultimately led to Gawuna’s decision to leave the APC for the ADC.

The forum further accused the Deputy Senate President of plotting to block the nomination of Gawuna’s former running mate, Murtala Sule Garo, as the next Deputy Governor of Kano State following the resignation of Aminu Abdulsalam.

It recalled that Garo previously served as Barau’s campaign director-general during the 2015 and 2019 elections, describing it as a sign of long-standing political loyalty.

The statement also referenced controversies surrounding Barau’s political trajectory in 2015, noting that Garo, who hails from the same senatorial district, stood firmly by him during that period.

Meanwhile, sources within the Kano State Government House revealed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has concluded plans to appoint Garo as Deputy Governor, citing his strong grassroots appeal and his role as the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.
The governor is said to have narrowed his choice to the Kano North politician after evaluating several contenders, viewing Garo as a strategic option to strengthen political cohesion across the state.

However, the anticipated appointment is reportedly facing stiff resistance from influential figures in Abuja.

The group claimed that Barau is “deeply uncomfortable” with Garo’s possible emergence and is allegedly working behind the scenes to block his nomination, while favouring an alternative candidate based on political considerations, including regional balance and influence.

Political analysts say the situation reflects a broader struggle for dominance within Kano’s political structure, especially as alignments begin to take shape ahead of future elections.
Despite mounting pressure, insiders insist that Governor Yusuf remains firm in his decision and is unlikely to reverse course unless confronted with significant political consequences.

As tensions rise, observers warn that the standoff could deepen divisions within the political class and trigger a wider power tussle in the state.