By Obinna Uballa
Former Deputy Governor of Kano State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has resigned as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) amid plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a resignation letter dated March 27, 2026, Gawuna announced that his decision to step down from the position takes immediate effect.
The former deputy governor explained that his resignation was in compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees with political ambitions to resign their positions in line with the provisions of 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,” he stated in the letter.
Gawuna expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as chairman of the bank’s governing board, describing the appointment as a privilege that enabled him to contribute to the development of the institution and the country.
He added that he would ensure a smooth transition by handing over all official responsibilities in line with established procedures.
The former APC chieftain also stated that he was placing his future in the hands of Allah while seeking divine guidance on his next political steps.
Prior to his resignation from the FMBN board, Gawuna had also formally resigned his membership of the ruling APC, signalling a major shift in his political alignment.
Sources within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) confirmed that the former deputy governor is set to join the party as part of a broader wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the ADC in Kano State, Musa Shuaibu Ungogo, confirmed the development in an interview, stating that discussions with Gawuna had been concluded and arrangements were underway for his formal reception into the party.
Ungogo explained that the party was currently finalising plans to receive former Kano State governor and NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is also expected to join the ADC.
According to him, Gawuna would formally defect to the party after the process of welcoming Kwankwaso is completed.
“Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna has expressed his intention to join the ADC, and we are very pleased about it. I can assure you that we are concluding arrangements to receive Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and after that, Gawuna will follow. We will fix a date for his formal defection,” Ungogo said.
He noted that the planned defections of Kwankwaso and Gawuna were partly motivated by concerns over the security and socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
“The situation in the North is what is motivating them. They are patriotic individuals who are committed to finding solutions to the region’s problems. They believe that if given the opportunity under the ADC, these challenges can be addressed,” Ungogo added.
Gawuna, who was a close political ally of former Kano State governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, contested the 2023 governorship election in Kano under the APC but lost to the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Abba Yusuf.
His planned defection to the ADC is being viewed by political observers as part of a broader political realignment currently unfolding across the country ahead of the next general election.
The ADC has recently witnessed growing interest from prominent political figures, raising speculation that the party could emerge as a significant opposition platform if it succeeds in consolidating the wave of high-profile defections.
However, analysts have cautioned that internal dynamics within the party could present challenges, particularly when it comes to the contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
Several influential political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, are believed to be potential contenders for the ticket.
Recent political engagements among some of the figures have further fuelled speculation about possible opposition alignments ahead of 2027.
Obi recently paid a Sallah visit to Kwankwaso in Kano, while Kwankwaso was also visited Atiku at his residence over the weekend.
