Gawuna seeks ADC gov ticket as defection talks advance

Nasiru Gawuna, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kano State, is reportedly on the verge of switching his political allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Negotiations between Gawuna's camp and the ADC leadership in Kano have reached an advanced stage, with a final meeting scheduled to finalize the move.

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The story being circulated that the ADC approached Gawuna is not correct. It was Gawuna who approached us. He sent a delegation to meet us, and discussions have been ongoing since then.

Musa Ungogo, the Kano State chairman of the ADC, confirmed that Gawuna initiated the discussions through emissaries who met with the party leadership over the weekend. Ungogo clarified that contrary to social media speculation, the ADC did not approach Gawuna; rather, the former deputy governor reached out to them. "It was Gawuna who approached us. He sent a delegation to meet us, and discussions have been ongoing since then," Ungogo told The PUNCH.

Gawuna's delegation, which included former Kumbotso Local Government Area Chairman Alhaji Sagir Fanshekara and Hon Kadawa, met with Ungogo and the party's state secretary on Saturday. Key among the demands presented by Gawuna's camp is the ADC's governorship ticket for the 2027 election. Additionally, they are seeking political positions for some of Gawuna's loyalists who intend to contest seats in the state and National Assemblies.

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They came with a number of requests. One of their major demands is that Dr Gawuna should emerge as the party’s governorship candidate. They also requested opportunities for some of their supporters who are interested in the state assembly and National Assembly tickets.

According to Ungogo, Gawuna's team proposed a consensus arrangement, suggesting that other ADC governorship aspirants should withdraw from the race to support him. They cited Gawuna's political strength in several local government areas and his capacity to lead the party to victory as reasons for this request. The ADC leadership has requested a formal written submission detailing all demands and interests before proceeding further.

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They told us that even if the party decides to conduct primary elections, aspirants should step down for him because, according to them, he has political strength in several local government areas and possesses the capacity to lead the party to victory.