The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has said his defection from the APC to the African Democratic Congress was driven by the collective interest of his supporters rather than personal ambition.
Gawuna, who spoke to The PUNCH on Sunday through his close associate, Hon. Ahmad Gogel, said the decision followed extensive consultations with family members, political supporters and close associates.
“After wider consultations with family, supporters and close associates, I decided to dump the APC and join the ADC,” he said on behalf of Gawuna.
He explained that Gawuna’s political decisions have consistently been guided by the aspirations and interests of his political base, stressing that his latest move was in line with that tradition.
According to him, “his politics is always determined by the ambition and interest of his people.”
Gogel further said Gawuna remains committed to party unity and would support any candidate that emerges through the ADC’s selection process, regardless of the mode adopted.
He maintained that whether the party adopts direct primaries or consensus in selecting its governorship candidate, Gawuna would fully abide by the outcome.
“If the party decides to pick and give him the governorship ticket, fine. If not, whoever emerges, he will support him,” he said.
He added that Gawuna is willing to work within any procedural arrangement adopted by the party to ensure cohesion and electoral success.
“He will embrace whatever selection process the party adopts—whether primary or consensus,” Gogel added.
However, the APC has expressed confidence that Gawuna’s exit would not affect its chances in the 2027 general elections.
A senior chieftain of the party in Kano State, Alhassan Garba Yarya, said the APC remained a formidable political force in the state despite recent defections.
“The APC remains a formidable political force in Kano. Elections are not won by individuals alone but by the strength of the party structure, grassroots support, and the credibility of its leadership,” he said.
Yarya added that while Gawuna’s defection was a personal decision, it did not weaken the party’s structure or resolve.
“Gawuna’s exit is his personal decision, and we respect that. However, it does not in any way weaken our capacity to win Kano in 2027. The APC still commands massive support across the state,” he said.
He further noted that the party had begun efforts to reposition itself ahead of the next election cycle.
“We are reorganising, strengthening our internal structures, and engaging our members at all levels. The APC is focused, united, and determined to reclaim Kano State in 2027,” Yarya added.
