Group Alleges Plot to Undermine Barau’s 2027 Re-Election Bid, Urges Respect for Democratic Process
By Our Correspondent
A political pressure group, the Kano State Coalition for Good Governance, has alleged attempts by unnamed actors to sabotage the anticipated 2027 re-election bid of the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Kano, the coalition’s President, Mukhtar Gadanya, claimed that “disgruntled elements” within and outside Kano State are mobilizing resources to disrupt what he described as the widely supported political future of the senator representing Kano North Senatorial District.
The coalition, which said its membership cuts across all 44 local government areas of Kano State, explained that the press conference was convened to alert the public to what it termed a “dangerous and anti-democratic plot” aimed at denying constituents continuity in representation beyond 2027.
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Gadanya further alleged that certain political actors, including what he described as a “failed politician allegedly backed by external interests,” are preparing to challenge Senator Barau through “dubious means” in the next general elections. According to him, the move forms part of a broader attempt to destabilize Kano’s political landscape and undermine the senator’s growing national influence.
“We have credible information that significant resources have been deployed toward this agenda,” Gadanya stated. “However, we remain confident that such efforts will fail given the overwhelming grassroots support enjoyed by Senator Barau.”
Highlighting the senator’s performance, the group outlined what it described as notable legislative and developmental achievements. These include sponsoring or co-sponsoring nearly 50 bills in the Senate, among them the establishment of the North West Development Commission.
The coalition also cited key educational advancements such as the upgrade of the Federal College of Education in Kano to a university and the facilitation of the Federal University of Science and Technology in Kabo, alongside scholarship opportunities for students both locally and internationally.
In addition, the group pointed to various infrastructure and empowerment initiatives, including road construction projects, installation of solar streetlights, establishment of power projects in Bichi, Kabo, and Dawanau, as well as the annual distribution of thousands of bags of fertilizer to farmers across the senatorial district.
Gadanya noted that Senator Barau’s performance and rising national profile could position him for higher leadership responsibilities in the Senate if re-elected, suggesting that this may be a factor driving opposition against him.
“There are clear indications that his performance has earned him national recognition, and this may be unsettling to some political interests,” he added.
The coalition called on all political actors to uphold democratic principles and refrain from actions capable of inciting instability. It urged stakeholders to allow voters in Kano North Senatorial District to freely determine their representation in the 2027 elections.
The group also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for Senator Barau and Kano State.
“Any attempt to override the will of the people will not stand,” Gadanya concluded. “The people of Kano North remain resolute in their support for Senator Barau.”
