A high-ranking member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Seyi Olorunsola, has stated that the party can secure victory in the 2027 elections for President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the state without relying on Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s involvement. Olorunsola, who serves as the Convener of the Tinubu/Barau/Atah Movement, made this assertion during a press conference in Kano on Sunday.
According to Olorunsola, the APC in Kano has developed a winning strategy that does not depend on Kwankwaso’s influence. He accused President Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, of giving Kwankwaso undue attention. Olorunsola argued that Kwankwaso’s influence is outweighed by the combined strength of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of State for Housing Yusuf Abdullahi Atah, and Senator Kawu Sumaila.
The Tinubu/Barau/Atah Movement is backing Barau Jibrin as the APC governorship candidate for 2027, with Atah as his running mate. Olorunsola claimed that Kwankwaso is aware of this arrangement and is attempting to disrupt it due to Barau’s growing popularity in the state. He also revisited the 2023 governorship election in Kano, maintaining that the APC originally won before the Supreme Court overturned the decision.
Olorunsola warned President Tinubu not to overestimate Kwankwaso’s political value, stating that Tinubu should not assume Kwankwaso will deliver him in Kano. He emphasized that Tinubu is the leader of the party and president of the country, but he cannot dictate how to win Kano. Olorunsola added that if Kwankwaso wants to join the APC, he must follow the party’s rules and regulations.
The development highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics, particularly in Kano State, where alliances and rivalries are constantly shifting. As the 2027 elections approach, the APC and its candidates will need to navigate these dynamics to achieve success. With Olorunsola’s statement, it is clear that the party is confident in its ability to win without Kwankwaso’s involvement, but it remains to be seen how this will play out in the coming months.
