Former Deputy Governor of Kano State and 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has stepped down as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), ahead of his anticipated defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a resignation letter dated March 27, 2026, Gawuna stated that his decision takes immediate effect and is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that political appointees with electoral ambitions must resign in accordance with the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” Gawuna said, while expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve. He described his tenure as a privilege, which allowed him to contribute to the development of the bank and the country.
He also assured that he would ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and added that he was placing his future “in the hands of Allah (SWT)” as he plans his next political steps. Prior to resigning from the FMBN board, Gawuna had formally left the APC, signalling a major shift in his political trajectory.
Sources within the ADC confirmed that Gawuna is set to join the party as part of a broader wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Musa Shuaibu Ungogo, ADC Kano State Chairman, said discussions with Gawuna have concluded and arrangements are being made for his formal reception into the party.
Ungogo also revealed that the ADC is finalising plans to formally receive Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former NNPP presidential candidate, and Gawuna’s defection would follow shortly afterward.
“Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna has expressed his intention to join the ADC, and we are pleased. Once Kwankwaso’s formal reception is completed, Gawuna will follow. We will announce a date for his defection soon,” Ungogo said.
He added that both Gawuna and Kwankwaso are motivated by a desire to address Northern Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges. “They are committed to finding solutions to the region’s pressing issues and believe that the ADC provides a platform to effectively tackle these problems,” he said.
Gawuna, a close ally of former Kano State governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, contested the 2023 governorship election under the APC but lost to NNPP candidate Abba Yusuf. His upcoming defection is viewed by political analysts as part of a strategic realignment among northern politicians ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ADC has recently seen growing interest from high-profile political figures, prompting speculation that the party could emerge as a significant opposition platform if it successfully consolidates these defections. Analysts caution, however, that internal competition, particularly over the party’s presidential ticket, may pose challenges.
Potential aspirants for the ADC ticket include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi. Recent interactions among these leaders - such as Obi’s Sallah visit to Kwankwaso in Kano and Kwankwaso’s visit to Atiku - indicate ongoing consultations and alliance-building ahead of the next general election.
The developments underscore the evolving and fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, with realignments and strategic defections shaping the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Leave a Reply