Shekarau’s Possible Return Sparks Tension in Kano APC Senatorial Race

Shekarau’s Possible Return Sparks Tension in Kano APC Senatorial Race

Panic is reportedly mounting within the camp of All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant for Kano Central, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, amid growing indications that former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau may enter the race for the 2027 Senate election.

Political sources say Zaura, who hails from Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, had been confident of securing the APC senatorial ticket until recent developments suggested renewed political mobilisation around Shekarau’s possible return to active electoral politics.

Party insiders claim Shekarau’s re-entry into the APC has altered early political calculations in Kano Central, especially as stakeholders debate how best to counter the influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the district.

Some political observers argue that only a figure of Shekarau’s stature could effectively challenge Kwankwaso’s dominance in Kano Central, warning that fielding Zaura alone could present a difficult electoral challenge for the APC.

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Meanwhile, youth groups sympathetic to Zaura have publicly appealed to Shekarau not to join the senatorial race, insisting that such a move could undermine Zaura’s longstanding loyalty and commitment to the party.

The youths, led by Inyass Mohammed Auwal, also criticised any suggestion of automatically handing the APC ticket to Shekarau, describing it as unfair to dedicated party members who have worked for the party over time.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, they argued that loyalty and sacrifice should be rewarded within the party structure, warning that sidelining long-serving members could create internal dissatisfaction ahead of the elections.

They further maintained that consistency should be a key factor in candidate selection, stressing that replacing a committed aspirant with a returning heavyweight could send the wrong signal to party loyalists.

Although Shekarau has not officially declared his intention to contest, his spokesperson, Sule Yau Sule, confirmed that the former governor is being encouraged by supporters to consider joining the race.

Political analysts say the development has intensified behind-the-scenes manoeuvring within the APC in Kano State, as aspirants and stakeholders reposition themselves ahead of party primaries for the 2027 elections.

The situation highlights growing internal competition within Kano Central politics, where negotiations, endorsements, and alliance-building are already shaping the early phase of the senatorial race.

As consultations continue, the APC is expected to face increasing pressure in balancing loyalty, political influence, and electoral strength in determining its eventual candidate for the highly competitive senatorial district.

Shekarau’s Possible Return Sparks Tension in Kano APC Senatorial Race