Former Deputy Governor of Kano State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has stepped down as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), a move widely linked to his expected defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Gawuna announced his resignation in a letter dated March 27, 2026, stating that the decision takes immediate effect.
In the letter, he explained that his action was in compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees with political ambitions to resign their positions in accordance with the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” Gawuna wrote.
The former deputy governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as chairman of the bank’s governing board, describing his tenure as an honour and a platform through which he contributed to the growth of the institution.
He also pledged to ensure a seamless transition by properly handing over responsibilities in line with established procedures.
Gawuna noted that he was entrusting his future political path to divine guidance.
Prior to stepping down from the FMBN board, the former Kano deputy governor had also resigned his membership of the ruling APC, signalling a significant shift in his political alignment.
Party sources within the African Democratic Congress confirmed that Gawuna is preparing to formally join the party as part of emerging political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Musa Shuaibu Ungogo, confirmed that discussions with the former deputy governor had been concluded and that preparations were underway for his formal reception into the party.
According to Ungogo, the ADC is currently focusing on finalising arrangements to formally receive former Kano State governor and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is also expected to join the party.
He explained that Gawuna’s official defection would follow shortly after the reception planned for Kwankwaso.
“Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna has indicated his intention to join the ADC and we welcome the development. We are currently concluding arrangements to receive Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and after that we will also fix a date for Gawuna’s formal defection,” Ungogo said.
He added that the political moves by both leaders were partly driven by concerns over the growing challenges facing Northern Nigeria, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
“The challenges facing the North are a major concern to them. They believe that through a platform like the ADC, there is an opportunity to address these issues more effectively,” Ungogo stated.
Gawuna, a long-time associate of former Kano State governor and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, was the APC candidate in the 2023 Kano governorship election but lost to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
His expected move to the ADC is being interpreted by political observers as part of a broader wave of political repositioning currently taking shape ahead of the 2027 polls.
In recent weeks, the ADC has attracted increasing attention from several prominent political figures, raising speculation that the party could emerge as a major opposition platform if it successfully consolidates the growing number of high-profile defections.
However, analysts caution that the party may face internal challenges, particularly over the contest for its presidential ticket as the 2027 election approaches.
Potential aspirants believed to be weighing interest in the ticket include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Recent political engagements among some of the key figures have further fuelled speculation about possible alliances within the opposition camp.
Peter Obi recently paid a Sallah visit to Kwankwaso in Kano, while Kwankwaso also visited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his residence over the weekend, signalling ongoing consultations among opposition leaders.
Political analysts say the unfolding developments highlight the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape as stakeholders continue to reposition ahead of the next general election.