The alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reignited deep anxieties around one of Nigeria’s most sensitive traditional disputes — the lingering tussle between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The rumoured defection is said to be heightening political tension in Kano, reopening old wounds in a state where power, tradition and politics remain tightly intertwined.
DAILY POST gathered that Yusuf’s planned move was one of the major issues discussed during his recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. Sources also disclosed that the governor has reportedly fixed another date to defect to the APC after several postponements.
Beyond party politics, many observers believe the defection could significantly alter the fragile balance surrounding the Kano emirate crisis, a dispute that has divided the state for years.
Background of the Emirate Crisis
The Kano emirate crisis dates back to 2020 when former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, under the APC, dethroned Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and installed Aminu Ado Bayero following the creation of additional emirates.
The move was widely criticised as politically motivated and plunged the state into deep division.
However, after Yusuf emerged governor in 2023 on the platform of the NNPP, his administration repealed the emirate law, restored the single Kano Emirate and reinstated Sanusi as Emir. Aminu Ado Bayero was asked to vacate the palace — a decision hailed by Sanusi’s supporters as corrective justice but condemned by others as executive overreach.
Bayero, however, refused to relinquish his claim to the throne and later took up residence at the Nassarawa mini palace under heavy security, while challenging his removal in court.
In March, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of appeals at the Supreme Court. Since then, the matter has remained unresolved.
Fresh Political Tension
Against this fragile backdrop, Yusuf’s alleged defection to the APC has triggered renewed concern among political stakeholders and traditional loyalists.
For supporters of Sanusi, the move could weaken the political forces that restored him to the throne. Conversely, loyalists of Ado Bayero view the rumoured defection as a potential opening to revive both legal and political efforts to reinstate him.
The situation is further complicated by the perceived strain between Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the NNPP, whose influence was instrumental in Yusuf’s emergence as governor and in Sanusi’s reinstatement.
‘Two Emirs, Two Power Centres’ — Analyst Warns
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, the Editor for Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo, warned that Yusuf’s rumoured defection could deepen the emirate crisis and pose serious security risks.
Sambo described the current situation as one with “two power centres,” where Aminu Ado Bayero is perceived by some as a “federal Emir,” while Sanusi is seen as the “state Emir.”
He expressed concern over Sanusi’s security, noting that the Emir allegedly lacks formal police protection and relies largely on vigilantes.
“If Governor Yusuf moves to the APC, and Sanusi is left exposed without adequate security, it could become extremely dangerous,” Sambo warned.
He added that the APC might revisit its earlier position on the emirship and seek to restore Ado Bayero — a move he said could trigger serious security challenges in Kano.
“Kano is politically volatile. Federal authorities must be careful not to inflame tensions as we move towards 2027,” Sambo cautioned.
Analysts: Fate of Emirs Tied to Politics
A public affairs analyst and communication expert at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the fate of both emirs now hinges largely on political alignment between the state and federal governments.
According to Odo, a defection by Yusuf would further expose what he described as Nigeria’s systemic failure, where the survival of traditional institutions depends on political interests rather than established norms.
“Emir Sanusi could remain relevant or be sidelined. Emir Bayero could see his fortunes change. It depends on who aligns better with both state and federal powers,” he said.
Odo also criticised the judiciary for failing to decisively resolve the crisis, allowing political actors to continue influencing the fate of revered traditional stools.
Rights Group Blames Judiciary
Similarly, the President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Olu Omotayo, blamed the prolonged crisis on what he called the judiciary’s failure to act decisively.
He questioned why a matter with clear security implications for Kano State has dragged on for nearly two years.
“How do you have two emirs in one state? This is an abnormality,” Omotayo said, adding that regardless of political defections, the courts have a responsibility to restore clarity and stability.
According to him, the prolonged legal uncertainty reflects deeper systemic weaknesses and erodes public confidence in the justice system.
Uncertain Road Ahead
As speculation over Governor Yusuf’s political future continues, many fear that any misstep could further destabilise Kano, reignite old rivalries and heighten security concerns in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive states.
For now, the emirate crisis remains unresolved, with its outcome seemingly tied not just to the courts, but to shifting political alliances at both state and federal levels.
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