Influential figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, have rallied behind Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi as their preferred candidate for the vacant position of deputy governor.
The stakeholders, operating under the “Legacy Bloc,” have launched a coordinated push that pairs a strong endorsement of Bichi with a call for contenders facing corruption allegations to withdraw from the race.The move, which also involves former Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, signals a consolidation of the party’s old guard around Bichi following the resignation of former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
In a statement signed by the Organising Secretary of the APC Legacy Group, Malam Indo Kwarin Albarka, the bloc revealed that the motion endorsing Bichi was moved at a stakeholders’ meeting by Abbas and seconded by Deputy State Chairman Salisu Maje Ahmad Gwangwazo — a development the group described as evidence of broad-based party support.
“Engr. (Dr.) Rabiu Suleiman Bichi is widely regarded as a candidate of proven maturity and experience, with a rare blend of leadership across state, federal and development sectors,” the statement said, adding that his candidacy offers the best chance to unify APC supporters in Kano.
Prominent bloc member Magaji Umar Gwammaja echoed the position, describing Bichi as a seasoned administrator with the competence and credibility to support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to the group, Bichi’s extensive public service record includes roles as Managing Director of the Urban Development Bank of Nigeria (UDBN), Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), Commissioner, and Secretary to the State Government under different administrations.
He currently serves as Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA).
The bloc maintained that his experience, academic credentials and administrative capacity make him well-suited for the position.
It also urged aspirants with unresolved corruption allegations to step aside in the interest of transparency and good governance.
While acknowledging other contenders such as Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Murtala Sule Garo, Gwammaja stressed that the call for withdrawal was based on principle rather than personal considerations.
“This is about safeguarding the integrity of governance. Those with pending issues should step aside to allow a credible process,” he said.Addressing reports on last weekend’s enlarged stakeholders’ meeting, the Legacy Group dismissed claims that a vote was conducted, describing them as misleading.
Albarka clarified that no voting took place, noting instead that three names — including Bichi’s — were forwarded to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who will make the final decision.
Gwammaja added that the shortlisted candidates would undergo security screening by relevant agencies in line with constitutional procedures, expressing confidence that due process and merit would determine the eventual choice.
Albarka, however, expressed optimism about the outcome, stating that Bichi remains the frontrunner due to his widespread support among party stakeholders.
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