Ahmad Gogel, an associate of the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has said that Gawuna’s move from the APC to the African Democratic Congress was motivated by the collective interests of his supporters, not personal ambition.
Gogel made this known during a phone interview on Sunday, explaining that the decision came after thorough consultations with family members, political allies, and supporters.
“After wide consultations with family, supporters, and close associates, he decided to leave the APC and join the ADC,” Gogel said.
He noted that Gawuna has always based his political choices on the wishes and expectations of his supporters, adding that the recent defection follows that pattern.
“His political decisions are always guided by the ambitions and interests of his people,” Gogel stated.
Gogel also said Gawuna remains committed to unity within his new party and is ready to back any candidate that emerges through its selection process.
According to him, whether the party adopts direct primaries or a consensus approach, Gawuna will respect and support the outcome.
“If the party decides to give him the governorship ticket, fine. If not, whoever emerges, he will support the candidate,” he said.
He further explained that Gawuna is prepared to work with any system the party chooses in order to promote unity and achieve electoral success.
“He will embrace whatever selection process the party adopts—whether direct primaries or consensus,” Gogel added.
Meanwhile, the APC has expressed confidence that Gawuna’s defection will not impact its prospects in the 2027 general elections.
A senior party figure in Kano State, Alhassan Garba Yarya, said in a separate phone interview that the APC remains strong in the state despite recent defections.
“The APC remains a formidable political force in Kano. Elections are not won by individuals alone but by the strength of the party structure, grassroots support, and the credibility of its leadership,” he said.
Yarya added that while Gawuna’s departure was a personal choice, it does not weaken the party.
“Gawuna’s exit is his personal decision, and we respect that. However, it does not in any way weaken our capacity to win Kano in 2027. The APC still commands massive support across the state,” he said.
He also revealed that the party has begun reorganising and strengthening its internal structures ahead of the next election cycle.
“We are reorganising, strengthening our internal structures, and engaging our members at all levels. The APC is focused, united, and determined to reclaim Kano State in 2027,” Yarya added.
