2027: Kano APC stakeholders urge Senator Jibrin to join governorship race
In what has been described as an unprecedented political gathering in Kano State, thousands of supporters from across all 44 local government areas converged to publicly urge the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The event, attended by a wide range of political, civic, and community groups, on Sunday, is the first of its kind in the state’s political history — a spontaneous, people-driven movement calling on a leader to seek the governorship seat.
Speaking at the rally, Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, chief of staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, described the event as “a historic occasion” and a reflection of the people’s overwhelming confidence in Senator Barau’s leadership.
“This is the first time in the history of this state that people from every corner have come together to ask one person to run for governor,” Abdullahi said. “Representatives from all 44 local governments, NGOs, civic organisations, former political office holders, and countless support groups are united in one voice — asking His Excellency Senator Barau Jibrin to answer their call.”
Abdullahi emphasised that the widespread appeal was driven by Senator Barau’s numerous interventions across key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, and security.
“His generosity and development initiatives cut across party lines,” he added. “Even those outside the APC are beneficiaries of his scholarships, hospital projects, and employment opportunities.”
Among the groups represented were the Kano North Tricycle Association, Northwest Youth. Advancement Network, Renewed Kano with Barau, Tinubu-Barau Winning Team 2027, and the APC Ex-Councillors and Advisers Forum, among others.
In his remarks, Abdullahi Iben Maji, chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, commended Senator Barau’s role in the establishment of the commission, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions extend beyond Kano State to the entire northern region.
“Barau initiated the idea of the Northwest Development Commission in 2019,” Maji noted. “It took years of persistent effort, but through his leadership and with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support, the Act was finally signed into law. Today, the Northwest and other regions are beneficiaries of his foresight.”
Maji, who is a profeseor, also highlighted Senator Barau’s investments in human capital, citing the sponsorship of over 1,000 students to tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria, including 70 students currently studying in India with monthly stipends.
“Every higher institution in Kano State has felt his impact,” he added. “Just recently, he facilitated scholarships of ₦50,000 each for students across Kano North. His intervention in the health sector is equally remarkable, with the construction of a state-of-the-art cardiovascular centre and pediatric facility at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital — the first of its kind in West Africa.”
Maji further praised Barau’s leadership within the APC and his contributions to security in the region. “He has donated 1,000 motorcycles to the police for community surveillance and continues to support party structures across 484 wards,” he said.
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The crowd, waving banners and chanting solidarity songs, pledged continued mobilisation to persuade Senator Barau to declare his intention to run for governor.
“This is just the beginning,” Abdullahi concluded. “More gatherings will follow, and the message will be the same — the people of Kano want Senator Barau Jibrin to lead.”
As the rally dispersed, it was clear that a powerful political movement was taking shape — one that may redefine Kano’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
