A former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Kano State, Garba Yusuf Abubakar, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Kano Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Abubakar’s declaration follows endorsements from key political stakeholders and grassroots groups across the senatorial district.
Speaking during the declaration on Sunday, the aspirant said his decision to join the race was influenced by the Tinubu Support Group, TSG, which, according to him, began mobilising support for his candidacy even before he gave his consent.
“After careful reflection, I accepted to contest. I urge all my supporters to engage in politics without bitterness or insults,” he said, pledging to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate if he loses the ticket.
The Campaign Director, Muntari Ishaq Yakasai, said the APC had made it clear that there would be no automatic ticket for aspirants, stressing that Abubakar’s entry into the race was driven by conviction and public demand.
He urged supporters to begin mobilisation immediately, noting that campaign structures would soon be unveiled.
Mr Yakasai also appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to support Abubakar’s candidacy, arguing that the state needed experienced representation in the Senate.
“We believe he will serve with good works,” he said.
Similarly, the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, NPC, Baffa Babba Dan-Agundi, described Abubakar’s endorsement by TSG as a recognition of his long-standing contributions to public service.
He noted that the aspirant had served as commissioner in nearly five ministries under the administrations of former Governors Ibrahim Shekarau and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
In recent weeks, political groups operating under the Garba Yusuf Abubakar Coordinating Committee have intensified calls for his candidacy, holding meetings across the 15 local government areas that make up Kano Central.
At one of such meetings in Gezawa Local Government Area, a former Education Secretary of Kano Municipal and APC ward chairman in Tudun Wuzirci, Abdulkadir Muhammad Kabara, said the endorsement was backed by the TSG structure, including clerics, social media influencers, and grassroots mobilisers.
“This movement is united. For the senatorial seat, we have our candidate in Alhaji Garba Yusuf Abubakar, and we will support him to success,” Mr Kabara said.
He emphasised the group’s commitment to party unity, noting that the movement would avoid internal conflicts within the APC.
Popularly known as Garba Izala, Mr Abubakar is regarded as a seasoned politician with extensive experience in governance. He has served in multiple strategic ministries, including Information, Environment, Works and Housing, Finance and Economic Development, and Water Resources.
His public service career spans the eight-year administration of Shekarau and continued into the latter part of Ganduje’s tenure.
Political observers say the growing endorsements and coordinated grassroots mobilisation signal an early buildup to what could become a highly competitive contest for the Kano Central senatorial seat.
With internal party processes yet to commence, stakeholders note that the coming months will shape alignments within the APC and determine the eventual flagbearer for the 2027 election.
