Fresh controversy has erupted within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that powerful forces within the party are allegedly working behind the scenes to prevent Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, popularly known as (Ruwa Baba), from contesting the Kano North Senatorial primary against the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.
A highly placed source at the APC National Headquarters, who spoke to our correspondent under strict conditions of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, disclosed that there are strong indications that Engr. Tijjani Gwarzo may be disqualified during the party’s screening process ahead of the APC senatorial primaries scheduled for 18 May 2026.
According to the source, the alleged move is aimed at clearing the path for Senator Barau to secure the APC ticket without facing any serious opposition in Kano North Senatorial District.
“The pressure on the screening committee is enormous,” the source claimed. “There are influential figures pushing for ATM Gwarzo’s disqualification to guarantee Senator Barau an easy ride to the ticket.”
The source further alleged that even if Gwarzo survives the screening committee stage, there are fears within some party circles that his name could still be omitted from the final list of cleared aspirants before the primary election.
The development, according to insiders, has heightened political tension among APC stakeholders in Kano, with many closely monitoring the unfolding events ahead of the crucial primaries.
Meanwhile, reliable sources revealed that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, recently hosted a closed-door meeting involving key APC stakeholders in Kano, including former Governors Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, respectively.
During the meeting, ATM Gwarzo point-blank accused Senator Barau Jibrin of orchestrating his disqualification from the screening process during the previous election held under the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s tenure.
According to our reporter, if ATM Gwarzo’s candidacy is rejected this time around, it would mark the second time this is happening, with Senator Barau Jibrin being accused of playing a role in his disqualification during the APC primary election for the Kano North Senatorial seat.
Despite the mounting pressure, Gwarzo was said to have vowed not to withdraw from the contest, insisting that the APC should allow a free, fair, and transparent primary election in line with democratic principles and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Efforts by our correspondent to obtain Senator Barau’s official reaction to the allegations proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him were not responded to at the time of filing this report.
Similarly, repeated attempts to reach Isma’il Mudassir, Special Adviser on Media to Senator Barau I. Jibrin, also failed, as he did not respond to calls placed to his line.
The APC is expected to conduct its senatorial primary elections nationwide on 18 May 2026, a contest already generating intense political interest across several states, particularly in Kano North, where the looming face-off between Gwarzo and Senator Barau is attracting widespread attention.
