Political Tension Rises As Tinubu Stops Gawuna’s Planned Switch To ADC

According to party sources, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed top APC leaders to step in and persuade Gawuna to remain in the party.

This follows reports that the former deputy governor is considering aligning with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya movement, with a possible move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gawuna’s alleged plan to collaborate with Kwankwaso to challenge Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the next governorship race has reportedly stirred concern within the APC.

While the development is said to be creating tension within the party, supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement are believed to be welcoming the possibility of his defection.

Speculation intensified after a delegation led by the Chief Imam of Gawuna’s mosque visited Kwankwaso at his residence in Kano during the Sallah period.

Sources within the APC also disclosed that Gawuna has been difficult to reach in recent days, fuelling claims that he is engaged in consultations outside the country. Several party leaders reportedly failed in their attempts to contact him.

Insiders said he travelled to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan to perform Umrah and has yet to return to Nigeria since the fasting period ended. He was also reported to have travelled onward to a North African country for a private vacation.

According to sources, Gawuna placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid mounting pressure and repeated calls from party leaders seeking to prevent his defection.

The situation has reportedly triggered high-level political intervention, with efforts underway to convince him to remain in the APC.

Sources claimed that Governor Abba Yusuf reached out to the presidency over the matter, prompting further action. President Tinubu is said to have assigned a senior senator from Zamfara State alongside a presidential aide to lead negotiations with Gawuna.

There are also indications that the APC may offer him an automatic ticket for the Kano Central Senatorial District in the 2027 elections as an incentive to stay.

A source noted that the presidency is concerned about the potential impact of Gawuna’s exit, both on Governor Yusuf’s second-term ambition and on the APC’s political strength in Kano.

Political analysts believe that any alliance between Gawuna and Kwankwaso could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the next elections.

One analyst, Aminu Bashir, described Gawuna as a formidable contender, noting that he enjoys strong support among youths, religious leaders, and the business community.

He added that a partnership with Kwankwaso could divide the APC’s traditional support base in the state.

Gawuna, who secured over 800,000 votes in the 2023 governorship election, is reportedly growing frustrated within the party, with some members claiming he has been sidelined despite his performance.

An APC stakeholder criticised the party’s internal decisions, arguing that it is unfair to sideline a candidate who delivered significant votes while rewarding others perceived to have contributed less.