All Progressives Congress Strategizes to Counter Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s Political Stronghold in Kano Ahead of 2027 General Elections

APC leader Adamu Aliyu admits the party is strategizing to counter Rabiu Kwankwaso's influence in Kano while backing President Tinubu for a 2027 re-election.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 4:24 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

The Recognition of a Formidable Northern Influence

The ruling All Progressives Congress, or APC, has formally acknowledged the significant political weight carried by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the nation begins its early preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle. Speaking on a national current affairs program on Wednesday night, APC chieftain Hon. Adamu Aliyu characterized the former Kano State governor as a force that the party cannot afford to ignore. According to Aliyu, the APC is currently in a state of high alert, actively developing counter strategies to address Kwankwaso's enduring relevance in Kano State. The chieftain noted that the party is wary of the senator's ability to mobilize a massive followership, particularly following his recent strategic defection to the African Democratic Congress.

Efforts to Weaken the Opposition Base

Despite expressing respect for Kwankwaso’s established political structure, Aliyu made it clear that the APC is committed to a systematic dismantling of the senator's support system. According to the chieftain, the ruling party is employing various legal and political tactics to win over Kwankwaso’s traditional supporters and consolidate its own strength in a region known for its high voting density. This strategy involves a blend of grassroots engagement and high level political maneuvering aimed at thinning the opposition's ranks before the official campaign period begins. Aliyu emphasized that while the senator's followership is respected, the APC intends to do everything possible to shift those loyalties toward the ruling government.

The Impact of Gubernatorial Defections

A key component of the APC’s confidence in the region stems from the recent defection of the Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, to the ruling party. Aliyu pointed out that Governor Yusuf brought a significant administrative structure with him, which includes forty four local government chairmen who were originally installed through Kwankwaso’s influence. According to the APC leader, these chairmen are now aligned with the governor under the APC banner, creating a significant shift in the local power dynamics. This internal realignment is seen as a major blow to Kwankwaso’s direct control over the state's political machinery, potentially leaving his remaining camp isolated as the 2027 polls approach.