By Ibrahim Aliyu Karaye
The political atmosphere in Kano State has recently been thick with rumors and “jubilations” regarding the potential defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While some elements within our party are celebrating this as a strategic move to “block” certain ambitions, it is crucial to temper this excitement with a dose of hard political reality. In the hierarchy of power and party leadership, some seem to have forgotten that the APC is a party of order, respect, and established leadership.
First and foremost, it must be stated clearly: Senator Barau Jibrin is not just a member of the APC; he is the No. 5 Citizen of Nigeria and the Deputy President of the Senate. By virtue of this high office, he is the highest political office holder from Kano State. In the eyes of the National Leadership and the Presidency, Senator Barau remains the most influential political leader and the primary point of call within the Kano APC fold—take it or leave it.
To those busy jubilating with the belief that a serving governor’s arrival will truncate Senator Barau’s 2027 aspirations, we see you. We are fully aware of the “secret romance” many of these detractors have maintained with the NNPP since the 2023 elections. These elements, who were neither here nor there during our party’s hours of need, now believe they can dictate the terms of engagement. However, they should realize they are not part of the top-level decision-making process. When the time comes for high-level negotiations regarding any return or defection to the APC, it is Senator Barau Jibrin, along with other elected party leaders, who will facilitate the process. Your “paymasters” will likely find themselves waiting on the balcony while the real decisions are made inside.
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Senator Barau Jibrin has proven himself to be a patient, focused, and strategic leader. He is not in a desperate hurry to realize his political dreams. While others play “spoiler” games, he is busy building the party, recently facilitating the defection of high-ranking NNPP officials into the APC. The APC is a big tent, but no one should mistake a new entry for a takeover. Senator Barau remains the primary gatekeeper of the party’s interests in Kano, and those celebrating his perceived “setback” should save their tears for later. The future of Kano APC will be negotiated by those who have stayed loyal, led by the Deputy President of the Senate himself.
Ibrahim Aliyu Karaye
APC Member, Kano State
ibrahimkaraye27@gmail.com
