Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya has failed in his effort to reclaim his seat in the Senate. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) officially chose Alkasim Ibrahim Batayya, a former leader of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), as their candidate for the 2027 Kano South Senatorial race.
Gaya recently joined the NDC following stints with the APC and ADC. His hopes for the nomination were dashed during a consensus meeting hosted by former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence this past Sunday.
Mansur Kurugu, speaking for the Kwankwasiyya movement, confirmed that Gaya has agreed to the result and committed to backing Batayya in the upcoming election. This consensus model is part of a broader party strategy to finalize candidates without holding traditional primary elections.
Footage released by media aide Saifullahi Hassan showed Gaya offering his public support for the choice. This shift represents a significant blow to the political career of Gaya, who served as Kano State governor during the Third Republic and held the Kano South Senate seat between 2015 and 2023.
Looking toward 2027, Batayya is set to compete against the sitting Senator, Sumaila. Sumaila captured the seat in 2023 representing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and has since moved to the APC, where he remains their confirmed candidate.
