In what has been described as an unprecedented political gathering in Kano State, thousands of supporters from all the 44 local government areas gathered to publicly urge the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The event held on Sunday, which was attended by a wide range of political, civic and community groups, is the first of its kind in the political history of the state – a spontaneous, people-driven movement calling for a leader to seek the governorship.
Speaking at the rally, Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the Senate, Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, described the event as “a historic occasion” and a reflection of the tremendous confidence the people have in the leadership of Senator Barau.
Abdullahi said, “This is the first time in the history of this state that people from every corner have come together to ask one person to run for governorship.” “Representatives from all 44 local governments, NGOs, civic organizations, former political office holders and countless aid groups are united in one voice – asking His Excellency Senator Barou Jibrin to answer their call.”
Abdullahi stressed that the widespread appeal was driven by Senator Barau's many interventions in key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, women and youth empowerment and security.
“His generosity and development initiatives transcend party lines,” he said. “Even people outside APC are beneficiaries of his scholarships, hospital projects and employment opportunities.”
Groups represented included Kano North Tricycle Association, Northwest Youth. Advancement Network, Renewed Kano with Barau, Tinubu-Barau Winning Team 2027, and APC Ex-Councillors and Consultative Forum, among others.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Abdullahi Iben Maji, lauded Senator Barau's role in the establishment of the commission and described him as a visionary leader whose contributions extend beyond Kano State to the entire Northern Region.
“Barou initiated the idea of the Northwest Development Commission in 2019,” Maji said. “It took years of persistent efforts, but through his leadership and the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Act was finally signed into law. Today, the North-West and other regions are the beneficiaries of his foresight.”
Maji, who is a professor, also highlighted Senator Barau's investment in human capital, citing his sponsorship of over 1,000 students in tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria, including 70 students currently studying in India with monthly stipends.
“Every higher institution in Kano State has felt his influence,” he said. “Most recently, he facilitated a scholarship of ₦50,000 for each student in Kano North. Equally noteworthy are his interventions in the health sector, which include the construction of a state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Center and Pediatric Facility at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital – the first of its kind in West Africa.”
Maji also praised Barau's leadership within the APC and his contribution to security in the area. “He has donated 1,000 motorcycles to the police for community surveillance and continues to support party structures in 484 wards,” he said.
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The crowd, waving banners and singing songs of solidarity, pledged continued mobilization to persuade Senator Barau to announce his intention to contest for the governorship.
“This is just the beginning,” Abdullahi concluded. “There will be more meetings, and the message will be the same – the people of Kano want Senator Barau Jibrin to lead.”
As the rally dispersed, it was clear that a powerful political movement was taking shape – one that could redefine Kano's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
