179
By Tracy Moses
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has intensified efforts to consolidate the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in Kano State, positioning the party for a stronger showing ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Kano remains one of the most decisive political battlegrounds in Nigeria, often delivering one of the largest voting blocs in presidential elections. In the 2023 general elections, the state reflected a highly competitive environment marked by strong opposition gains and intense intra-party rivalries, underscoring its continued status as a swing stronghold in national politics.
However, the APC in Kano has, in recent years, grappled with internal divisions, factional alignments, and post-election realignments that have periodically weakened cohesion within its ranks. These tensions, particularly between key political blocs, have made reconciliation and structural consolidation increasingly necessary as the party looks toward 2027.
Against this backdrop, Matawalle’s recent political engagements in Kano are being interpreted as part of a broader strategy to rebuild unity, reinforce loyalty, and strengthen grassroots structures ahead of the next electoral cycle.
A political analyst in Kano noted that “the APC cannot afford disunity in a state like Kano. Any fragmentation directly affects its national performance because of the state’s numerical strength.”
His intervention comes at a pivotal moment marked by subtle but significant shifts within Kano’s political configuration, particularly following developments involving key stakeholders, including former governorship candidate, Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna. In a political terrain where alliances are fluid and loyalty often shaped by evolving interests, sustained engagement has become central to maintaining party stability.
During his visit, Matawalle’s approach reflected a blend of reconciliation, consultation, and structural reinforcement—steps widely regarded as essential to rebuilding trust within the party. His meetings with party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers focused on harmonising interests and ensuring the APC presents a united front as preparations for 2027 gradually take shape.
“At this stage, unity is not just important, it is strategic,” a senior APC stakeholder said, adding that “the party must close ranks early enough to avoid the mistakes of previous election cycles.”
At the grassroots level, the Minister is said to be driving a multi-layered mobilisation strategy anchored on stakeholder engagement and empowerment initiatives. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the party’s presence across wards and local government areas, while boosting confidence among supporters and political operatives.
Part of this broader mobilisation drive includes collaboration with political actors such as Aminu Warkal, whose outreach activities align with the APC’s objective of expanding its support base and sustaining voter engagement at the community level.
Equally significant are ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party. In what observers describe as a gradual but deliberate rebuilding process, some political figures who had previously distanced themselves from the APC are reportedly re-engaging with the party structure following sustained dialogue and political bridge-building.
A party source familiar with developments stated that “what is happening now is a steady return of key actors into the mainstream APC structure in Kano. It is part of repositioning ahead of 2027.”
In a related development, notable political actors were recently seen in consultations with Matawalle in Kano, where discussions centred on unity, strategic alignment, and collective commitment to the party’s electoral objectives. The engagement, according to observers, reflects a wider recalibration of political forces within the state.
Across the North-West, Matawalle’s growing influence is increasingly viewed as part of a wider APC strategy focused on consolidation rather than fragmentation, and mobilisation rather than complacency. His approach underscores the importance of early groundwork, sustained engagement, and grassroots connectivity in shaping electoral outcomes.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Kano once again stands as a critical test of political strength, organisational discipline, and alliance management. Within this context, Matawalle’s consolidation efforts are emerging as a key pillar in the APC’s broader strategy to secure continuity at the centre