2027: Ganduje Makes Political Comeback, Rallies Kano APC Leaders

Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has made a significant political comeback, holding his first major engagement since stepping down from office three months ago.

Ganduje met with Kano APC stakeholders in Abuja on Thursday for a high-level closed-door meeting focused on rebuilding party strength and strategizing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting was attended by key figures including Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senator Kawu Sumaila, several members of the House of Representatives, and other influential party chieftains.

Building Momentum for 2027

Discussions centered on fortifying the party’s structure in Kano, a state widely considered the stronghold of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) since Governor Abba Yusuf’s 2023 victory. Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano, emphasized the need for unity and coordination, urging members to focus on grassroots mobilisation.

“Let’s see how we can encourage our people to go and register. So far, we are doing very well, and we want to assure the people of Kano State that our members will register, so that during the election, we come out in large numbers and win,” Ganduje said.

Party leaders resolved to prioritise voter sensitisation, mobilising supporters to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise as a crucial first step toward reclaiming Kano in 2027.

Deputy Senate President Barau used the occasion to reaffirm Kano APC’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.

“What the President is doing and what he has done for our nation, we are solely behind him,” Barau said, listing federal projects and institutions approved for the state. “We have never asked for anything from him that he has not done for us.”

This show of support was widely interpreted as a signal that Kano APC intends to align closely with the Tinubu-led administration, hoping that federal backing will help the party consolidate its position in the state.

Ganduje’s Political Journey

Ganduje resigned as APC National Chairman on June 27, 2025, citing “urgent and important personal matters.” In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the party for the opportunity to serve, saying his tenure was focused on sustaining party unity despite internal zoning debates.

Following his resignation, Ali Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North), briefly took over party leadership until Nentawe Yilwatda was elected as substantive National Chairman on July 24, 2025.

Despite criticisms during his chairmanship, Ganduje maintained party influence and played a key role in APC’s internal negotiations and national electoral strategy. His appointment as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in July 2025 was seen by analysts as a way of keeping him politically relevant.

Eyes on Kano 2027

Thursday’s meeting marks Ganduje’s clear re-entry into the political scene, signaling his determination to shape APC’s strategy for the upcoming elections.

Party stakeholders expressed confidence that the APC could wrestle power back from the NNPP, describing the meeting as a “fresh start” for Kano politics.

With Ganduje’s renewed involvement, a coordinated grassroots drive, and continued alignment with the presidency, Kano APC appears poised to mount a strong challenge ahead of 2027, potentially setting the stage for one of the most competitive gubernatorial battles in Nigeria’s next election cycle.

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