Former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development and ex-Deputy Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, on Tuesday evening, withdrew his aspiration for the Kano North Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gwarzo announced his decision in a statement issued on Tuesday after what he described as extensive consultations with political stakeholders at the national, state and zonal levels.
According to him, the decision was taken in the interest of unity, progress and the overall success of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
“In deference to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and following extensive consultations with all concerned, I have reached the decision to step down my senatorial aspiration,” he stated.
He added that the move was aimed at promoting cohesion and strengthening the party ahead of the polls.
Reports gathered that the development followed a meeting of critical APC stakeholders from Kano North held on Tuesday night.
The meeting was reportedly led by Governor Yusuf and the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
Others at the meeting included the Kano State APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, and the Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo.
During the meeting, Gwarzo was said to have formally withdrawn from the race and endorsed the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, as the consensus candidate for the Kano North Senatorial District.
Gwarzo expressed appreciation to his supporters, political associates, youths, women groups, elders and members of his media support community for their encouragement and loyalty throughout the period of his aspiration.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support, goodwill, prayers and encouragement extended to me throughout this journey by constituents, political stakeholders, youths, women, elders, the Ulama and the resilient members of our new media support community,” he said.
The former minister also acknowledged the support and guidance of Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Kano State Governor Ganduje, the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Abubakar Bichi, and Baffa Babba Danagundi.
He described their counsel and leadership as invaluable throughout the period of political consultations.
“Their leadership, encouragement and commitment to the growth, unity and stability of our great party continue to serve as a source of inspiration and direction,” he added.
Gwarzo reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, pledging continued support for the party’s growth and electoral success at all levels.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments and consensus moves within the APC in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Kano North Senatorial District is currently represented by Barau, who is expected to seek re-election in 2027.