By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Ahmad Gogel, a close associate of the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has said that Gawuna’s defection from the APC to the African Democratic Congress was driven by the collective interest of his supporters rather than personal ambition.
Gogel disclosed this during a phone interview with Punch Online on Sunday, stating that the decision followed extensive consultations with family members, political supporters, and associates.
“After wide consultations with family, supporters, and close associates, he decided to leave the APC and join the ADC,” Gogel said.
He explained that Gawuna’s political decisions have consistently been guided by the aspirations and interests of his supporters, noting that the latest move aligns with that long-standing approach.
“His political decisions are always guided by the ambitions and interests of his people,” Gogel stated.
Gogel added that Gawuna remains committed to party unity and is willing to support any candidate that emerges through the ADC’s selection process, regardless of the method adopted.
He said that whether the party adopts direct primaries or consensus in selecting its governorship candidate, Gawuna would abide by 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 added that Gawuna is prepared to work within any procedural framework adopted by the party to ensure cohesion and 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 exit will not affect its chances in the 2027 general elections.
A senior chieftain of the party in Kano State, Alhassan Garba Yarya, in a phone interview with our correspondent on Sunday, said the APC remains a formidable political force 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 defection was a personal decision, it does not weaken the party’s structure or resolve.
“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 further noted that the party has begun efforts to reposition itself 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.
The Punch