Former Kano State governor and ex-Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya has lost his bid to return to the Senate on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Gaya, who represented Kano South in the 9th National Assembly, had sought the party’s ticket to contest the Kano South senatorial seat in the 2027 election. However, he lost the ticket to former Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, Alkasim Ibrahim Batayya.
Gaya’s Defection and Ticket Loss
Gaya recently joined the NDC after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His defeat in the primary marks a major political setback for the veteran politician, who served as Kano State governor during the Third Republic and remained a key figure from Kano South.
The Spokesperson II of Kwankwasiyya, Mansur Kurugu, confirmed that Batayya emerged through a consensus arrangement held on Sunday at the Miller Road, Kano residence of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Kurugu stated that Gaya accepted the outcome and pledged to work for Batayya’s victory in the election.
Consensus and Endorsement
“Kabiru Gaya has already accepted the decision and has promised to give his maximum support for Batayya to win the seat,” Kurugu said. He added that the consensus meeting will continue on Monday until all seats are decided, avoiding the need for direct primaries.
A video of Gaya was shared by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, on Facebook. In the video, the former senator endorsed the decision and pledged support for the party’s chosen candidate.
Political Implications for 2027
The loss of the NDC ticket is a significant blow to Gaya, who served in the Senate from 2015 to 2023. Meanwhile, the current occupant of the Kano South seat, Senator Sumaila, won in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) but has since defected to the APC, where he secured the party’s 2027 ticket.
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