NDC Crisis: Gawuna in Talks to Join ADC, Seeks 2027 Kano Governorship Ticket

By Tgnews Reporter

Former Deputy Governor of Kano State and 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, is reportedly considering a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to reshape Kano’s political landscape.

Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that negotiations between Gawuna’s camp and the ADC leadership in Kano State have reached an advanced stage, with both parties holding a series of meetings aimed at reaching a final agreement.

Confirming the development, the Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Musa Ungogo, disclosed that the former APC governorship candidate initiated the talks through a delegation that met with party leaders over the weekend.

According to Ungogo, contrary to reports circulating on social media, the ADC did not approach Gawuna to join the party.

“The claim that ADC invited Gawuna is not true. He was the one who approached us through his representatives. Discussions have been ongoing since then,” Ungogo said.

The ADC chairman explained that Gawuna’s delegation included former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Alhaji Sagir Fanshekara, and Hon. Kadawa, who met with party officials to discuss the terms of a possible defection.

One of the key issues raised during the negotiations, according to Ungogo, is Gawuna’s interest in securing the ADC governorship ticket for the 2027 election.

The former deputy governor is also said to be seeking political opportunities for several of his loyalists who are interested in contesting for seats in both the Kano State House of Assembly and the National Assembly.

“They presented several requests. Their major demand is that Dr. Gawuna should emerge as the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 election. They also requested consideration for some of their supporters seeking legislative tickets,” Ungogo stated.

The ADC leadership further revealed that Gawuna’s camp proposed a consensus arrangement that would see other governorship aspirants within the party step down in support of his candidacy.

According to the proposal, Gawuna’s supporters argued that his political influence across many local government areas and his electoral experience place him in a strong position to lead the party into the next governorship election.

“They suggested that other aspirants should support him through consensus. Even if primaries are held, they believe his political structure and popularity make him the strongest candidate,” the ADC chairman added.

However, Ungogo emphasized that no final decision has been taken and that consultations remain ongoing.

He disclosed that the party had requested a formal written submission outlining all demands and political interests of Gawuna’s camp before reaching any conclusion.

“We asked them to provide a detailed document indicating the positions they are seeking and where their interests lie. Once we receive and review it, the party will make its position known,” he said.

Despite the advanced discussions, ADC leaders insist that any agreement reached must be acceptable to all stakeholders within the party.

“Nothing has been concluded. We want an arrangement that will strengthen the party and serve the interests of all members,” Ungogo added.

A close associate of Gawuna also confirmed the ongoing consultations but declined to provide further details, saying he was not authorized to speak on behalf of the former deputy governor.

The latest development comes months after Gawuna resigned from the APC and stepped down as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Following his departure from the ruling party in March, he briefly aligned with the ADC alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement before later joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in May together with the movement’s leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and thousands of supporters.

Upon joining the NDC, Gawuna reportedly accepted the party’s Kano Central Senatorial ticket, while former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo emerged as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for 2027.

Political observers say Gawuna’s possible exit from the NDC and return to the ADC could trigger another major shift in Kano politics, as parties intensify efforts to build alliances and strengthen their structures ahead of the next general elections.

With negotiations still ongoing, attention is now focused on whether both sides can reach an agreement that could significantly alter the balance of political forces in Kano State ahead of the 2027 governorship race.