Kano State was thrown into political tension on Tuesday following a heavy security build-up around the Government House in the state capital, amid growing reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Multiple security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were seen in large numbers around and leading to the Government House. Their deployment included armoured personnel carriers, patrol vans and Hilux vehicles positioned at strategic points within the area.
Our correspondent observed that the security presence was far heavier than usual, with armed operatives manning key access routes, raising concerns and speculation among residents and political observers.
The unusual deployment comes as Kano is awash with reports that Governor Yusuf, elected on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), may be set to dump the party for the APC. Although no official statement has been issued by the governor or his aides, the rumours have continued to gain momentum across the state’s political circles.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kano State Government nor the APC has confirmed the alleged defection, but the developments have further heightened political anxiety in one of Nigeria’s most influential states.
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