The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has chosen a new candidate for the Kano South senatorial district ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively ending former Senator Kabiru Gaya's ambition to return to the Senate.
Gaya's Defection and Failed Comeback
Gaya, a former two-term senator, had recently aligned with the NDC after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling plans for a political comeback. However, his return bid was stalled when the party opted for a different consensus arrangement. The former lawmaker resigned from the APC on 5 April before initially moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and later joined the NDC alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Batayya Emerges as Consensus Candidate
During a meeting held at Kwankwaso's Miller Road residence in Kano, the party settled on Kassim Batayya as its consensus candidate for the senatorial race. The announcement was made by Kwankwaso's media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, who confirmed the decision in a social media post. He also shared a video clip showing Gaya endorsing the decision, although the former senator noted he was not present when the final selection was made. 'He was not in the meeting when the decision was taken,' Hassan said in the post.
Internal Primaries Ongoing
The NDC in Kano is currently conducting its primary congresses for senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions ahead of the 2027 elections. Party officials say the process is part of efforts to streamline candidate selection and reduce internal divisions.
Gaya's Political Journey
Kabiru Gaya previously served as Governor of Kano State during the short-lived Third Republic between 1992 and 1993. He later represented Kano South in the Senate but lost his seat in the 2023 elections to Kawu Sumaila of the then New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP). Sumaila has since defected to the APC and is also positioning for the 2027 elections, adding further complexity to Kano's shifting political landscape.
NDC Screens Peter Obi
In related news, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has been screened by his new party, the NDC, to fly the party's ticket in the 2027 general elections. Obi, a former governor of Anambra, was screened by the NDC's 17-member screening committee headed by Sam Egwu, former governor of Ebonyi State.
