Barau Welcomes Ex-Kano Assembly Member Tambai, Supporters into APC.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
October 10, 2026
ABUJA — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has received a former member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Shuaibu Tambai, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside his supporters, in a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tambai, who represented the Tofa/Rimin Gado State Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, announced his defection from the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to the APC during a visit to Senator Barau in Abuja.
He was accompanied by Barrister Munir Dahiru Maigari, a former Chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government Area, who joined him in the engagement with the Deputy Senate President.
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The development underscores the continuing political consultations and realignments taking place in Kano State as political actors position themselves ahead of the next general elections.
Senator Barau and Tambai share a longstanding political relationship dating back to Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. At the time, Barau represented Tarauni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, while Tambai served in the Kano State House of Assembly.
Their renewed political association is expected to strengthen cooperation among political stakeholders in Tofa, Rimin Gado and other parts of Kano North Senatorial District.
During the visit, Barrister Maigari commended Senator Barau for his interventions across Kano North, particularly in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, economic empowerment and human capital development.
He noted that such interventions were important to improving living conditions, expanding opportunities for residents and addressing some of the developmental challenges confronting communities across the district.
Tambai also expressed appreciation for Senator Barau’s contributions to the development of Kano North, specifically highlighting the ongoing road project in his community of Dokadawa. He described the project as an important intervention that could improve transportation, facilitate commercial activities and enhance connectivity for residents.
In welcoming Tambai and his supporters into the APC, Senator Barau described the former lawmaker as a like-minded politician who had consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and interests of the people.
The Deputy Senate President expressed delight at the opportunity to renew their political collaboration, emphasising the importance of working together to promote peace, unity and sustainable development across their communities.
As part of his support for Tambai and his political associates, Senator Barau donated a vehicle and three motorcycles to facilitate mobility and political engagements. He also provided N5 million for Tambai’s supporters and appointed the former lawmaker as his Special Assistant.
The gesture is expected to facilitate Tambai’s engagement with his constituents and strengthen his capacity to contribute to political and community development initiatives.
Political observers consider the defection noteworthy because of Tambai’s previous legislative experience and established grassroots connections in Tofa and Rimin Gado. His entry into the APC could provide an additional platform for political consultations, grassroots engagement and mobilisation within the constituency.
However, the broader political significance of the move will depend on how effectively the new alliance translates into sustained engagement with residents and practical responses to their needs.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the development adds to the series of political consultations and alignments shaping Kano State’s political landscape. For the APC, welcoming a former legislator and his supporters represents an opportunity to consolidate its grassroots presence, while Tambai’s return to a political working relationship with Senator Barau opens a new chapter in their longstanding association.
