By Bashari Habib Tarauni
I have followed Kano politics closely for years, and if there is one thing I know, it is that no election in this state comes easy. Kano is a political heavyweight in Nigeria, and every party that wins here gains not just numbers, but national influence.
For the APC, Kano has been a stronghold, but as we inch closer to 2027, I am genuinely worried. Not because the party lacks strong leaders, but because the rivalry that may brew between the camps of Senator Barau Jibrin, and Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna could cost us dearly.
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Let me be clear. Both Senator Barau and Dr. Gawuna are politicians I deeply respect. Senator Barau has put Kano on the national map with his position as Deputy Senate President, using his office to push for the state’s interests. Dr. Gawuna, on the other hand, has proven himself as a loyal party man, carrying the APC flag in the last gubernatorial election with commitment and courage. They are both assets to the party.
But the truth is, politics is not just about the achievements of individuals, it is also about the unity of their followers. Right now, the rivalry between their supporters is becoming more intense, and I fear it could divide the party in ways that might be hard to repair before 2027. A divided APC in Kano is an open invitation for the opposition to exploit, and we simply cannot afford that risk.
This is why I believe the party needs to look at an alternative, that is, a neutral figure who can bridge the gap and calm these tensions. For me, that person is Hon. Engr. Kabir Abubakar Bichi, the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Now, I know some may say that Kabir Bichi has shown no interest in this race. And that is true. In fact, that is one of the reasons I think he is the right man for the job. He has consistently resisted attempts to drag him into political rivalries, choosing instead to focus on his work in the National Assembly and his commitment to his people. He is not driven by ambition for power, and that is precisely why the APC should convince him.
Hon. Bichi represents a fresh, less divisive option. He is not an antagonist to either of the two figures. Rather, he stands as a respected party man whose politics has been defined by moderation, accessibility, and genuine service to his people.
And unlike politicians whose support is tied to election seasons, Bichi’s goodwill is continuous and organic. His reputation is that of a leader who touches lives, not one who thrives on rivalry.
Just look at his record. Under his leadership, Bichi has been transformed into what many now call a “mega local government.” The lawmaker has delivered tarred roads, extended electricity to rural communities, and implemented water projects that changed lives.
He has invested heavily in education, offering scholarships to hundreds of students, both at home and abroad. Only recently, he commissioned a solar-powered project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, benefiting not just his constituency but the entire state.
And then there is his philanthropy, which cuts across boundaries. People from different parts of Kano will tell you how Kabir Bichi has touched their lives directly or indirectly. His goodwill is not seasonal, it is steady and genuine. That kind of leadership, in my opinion, is what the APC needs right now, a unifier, not a divider.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that Senator Barau or Dr. Gawuna should be sidelined. Far from it. Their contributions to the party are too valuable to be ignored. However, it is important to stress that elevating Hon. Bichi as a consensus option is not about undermining the roles of two strongmen. Both remain indispensable to the party.
Their political strengths, networks, and experiences will be crucial for APC’s fortunes in 2027. But insisting on one or the other as the sole flagbearer while rivalry festers could weaken the party at its very foundation. Unity must come before individual ambition, and consensus must trump division.
Kano’s size and significance make it too valuable for APC to gamble with. A fractured house could easily lose the confidence of voters, especially the youth who are becoming increasingly decisive in elections. By convincing Hon. Kabir Abubakar Bichi to take up a more central role, APC would be sending a message that it values inclusivity, balance, and the common good above factionalism. His neutrality, achievements, and people-first politics make him uniquely positioned to bring all sides together.
As I see it, the party should step in now and persuade Hon. Bichi to play a more central role. He may not be asking for it, but sometimes leadership is about stepping up when the people need you most. If unity is what APC needs to secure Kano in 2027 and I firmly believe it is, then Kabir Bichi is our best bet.
This is my candid opinion, one born out of love for my party and my state. APC cannot afford to go into 2027 divided. We need someone who can rise above rivalry, and in my eyes, that person is Hon. Kabir Abubakar Bichi.
Bashari Habib Tarauni can be reached via [email protected]
