ARTICLE AD BOX
Barau Jibrin and Tijjani Gwarzo
Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has withdrawn his bid for the Kano North Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He disclosed the decision in a statement released on Tuesday, saying it followed consultations with political stakeholders at national, state and zonal levels.
Gwarzo said the withdrawal was intended to preserve unity and bolster the All Progressives Congress’s prospects 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 wrote.
He added that the step was taken to promote cohesion and strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
PUNCH Online reports that the announcement came after a meeting of key APC stakeholders from Kano North on Tuesday night.
The gathering was reportedly chaired by Governor Abba Yusuf and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Also present were Kano State APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa and Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo.
During the session, Gwarzo formally withdrew from the contest and endorsed Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin as the consensus candidate for Kano North.
He thanked his supporters, political allies, youth and women groups, elders and members of his media support community for their encouragement and loyalty throughout his campaign.
“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 guidance of Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Bichi Federal Constituency representative Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, and Baffa Babba Danagundi, describing their counsel as invaluable during the 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 loyalty to the APC, pledging continued support for the party’s development and electoral success at all levels.
The development occurs amid ongoing political realignments and consensus‑building within the APC in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections.
PUNCH Online notes that the Kano North Senatorial District is currently represented by Barau Jibrin, who is expected to run for re‑election in 2027.
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