By:Abdullahi Inuwa
In Kano politics, silence is never empty—and loyalty is never permanent. As whispers grow louder about a widening rift between Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and key APC powerbrokers after the bruising 2023 governorship race, a question now hangs over the ancient city like harmattan dust: what happens if Gawuna joins forces with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso?
It would not just be a defection. It would be a political tremor.
A Gentleman in a Ruthless Arena
Dr. Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 gubernatorial flagbearer, is widely regarded as one of Kano’s most decent political figures—soft-spoken, humble, and famously kind. Even his opponents admit it. In a political culture often defined by bare-knuckle tactics, Gawuna stood out as a gentleman.
But in Kano politics, gentleness can be mistaken for weakness.
The Three “Sins” That Changed Everything
Among APC insiders, three moments are often cited as Gawuna’s original sins:
First was his now-famous remark during the BBC Hausa debate, where he prayed publicly that if the governor’s seat was not good for him, Allah should deny him. To many supporters, it sounded noble. To hardened party strategists, it sounded like surrender dressed as faith.
Second came his swift concession after INEC announced the results. No protests. No consultations. No midnight meetings. Just a calm acceptance and goodwill message to the winner. For a party primed for battle, it felt like abandonment.
Third—and most damaging—was his refusal to go to court after conceding. Even when party stakeholders pleaded, Gawuna stood firm: a defeat accepted should remain accepted. The APC went ahead with a legal challenge without him, a move that symbolically sealed the crack between candidate and party machinery.
Party insiders now whisper that these decisions cost him dearly—his ministerial prospects, his standing within APC Kano, and possibly his 2027 ticket.
Enter Kwankwaso: The Master Strategist
Now imagine this: Gawuna crosses over to Kwankwaso’s political family.
Kwankwaso, a master mobilizer with an almost cult-like following in Kano, thrives on symbolism. Picking Gawuna would be a masterstroke—uniting Kwankwaso’s fiery grassroots base with Gawuna’s clean image and cross-party appeal.
For Kwankwaso, Gawuna would represent reconciliation, maturity, and a direct challenge to APC’s internal fractures. For Gawuna, Kwankwaso’s structure offers what APC may no longer guarantee him: unwavering loyalty and electoral machinery.
Shockwaves Across Kano
Such an alliance would instantly redraw Kano’s political map.
APC would face a credibility crisis, having sidelined a candidate many voters still admire. NNPP—or any Kwankwaso-led platform—would gain instant legitimacy beyond its traditional base. Voters tired of political warfare might rally behind a ticket that blends discipline with humility.
Yet risks remain. Gawuna’s calm style may clash with Kwankwaso’s combative brand. And some of Gawuna’s supporters may struggle to follow him into a camp once considered rival territory.
The Bigger Lesson
At its core, the Gawuna saga exposes a hard truth about Nigerian politics: character is admired, but strategy decides survival. Gawuna chose peace where others wanted war—and may now be paying the price.
If he joins Kwankwaso and emerges as a candidate, Kano would witness one of the most dramatic political comebacks in recent memory. If not, his story may serve as a cautionary tale for future aspirants: in politics, conceding defeat can sometimes be the most unforgivable act of all.
One thing is certain—Kano is watching. And the next move could change everything.
