VIDEO: What Ganduje says about Senator Barau Jibrin

Former Governor of Kano State and immediate past Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has issued a stern warning to party members fueling internal rancour, declaring unwavering support for the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

Ganduje made the remarks at his residence while addressing a high-powered delegation of APC Local Government women leaders. He praised Senator Barau Jibrin “to the skies,” stressing his political relevance and national ranking.

According to Ganduje, “The Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin is the Deputy President of the Senate, the fifth in hierarchy of power in Nigeria. Anybody who does not support him or utters any vituperative word against him is unequivocally against us.”

The former governor’s comments appear to be a direct response to a recent wave of criticisms and media commentaries by some APC members in Kano, whom he described as “misguided and misinformed.” He accused them of spreading confusion via radio, television, and social media platforms.

Political observers say Ganduje’s declaration has effectively silenced internal critics and reasserted his influence within the party. One analyst described his remarks as “the roar of the political lion,” signalling the end of public attacks on key stakeholders such as Senator Barau Jibrin and former governorship candidate Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.

Ganduje emphasised that party members are free to assess the political strengths of both Barau Jibrin and Gawuna, but must refrain from maligning any of them. He insisted that unity is critical as the party prepares ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Kano State.

Supporters argue that Senator Barau Jibrin stands out among potential contenders due to his strong grassroots connections, which many attribute to his political mentorship under the late Governor Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi. They say his philanthropic activities and development initiatives are widely felt across all senatorial districts — from Kabo in Kano North to communities in Kano Central and Kano South.

Unlike politicians accused of relying on “devious strategies” to win elections, Senator Barau is said to enjoy broad acceptability due to his humanitarian activities and longstanding relationship with voters even before holding public office.

Analysts believe Ganduje’s subtle endorsement of Barau Jibrin may be strategic, aimed at preventing a repeat of the APC’s loss in the 2023 governorship election. The former governor is reportedly keen on presenting a strong, widely accepted candidate capable of reclaiming the state from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in 2027.

The views were captured in a clip by SHU’AYB MUSTAPHA, a Kano-based freelance writer and political observer.