Political Tensions Surge in Kano as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Eyes APC Defection

Kano State is witnessing heightened political tension as security around the Government House was visibly beefed up on Monday amid growing friction between the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over a planned defection.

Sources indicate that Yusuf, once a protégé of Kwankwaso, is preparing to leave NNPP for the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the move was initially expected imminently, it has been postponed to January 12 to allow the governor hold broader consultations, particularly with state lawmakers.

Kwankwaso, speaking on Saturday, accused Yusuf of plotting to “hand over Kano to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,” claiming that the state had previously been rescued from Ganduje’s influence. Ganduje, a former ally of Kwankwaso, fell out with him after the 2015 handover of power.

Reacting to the accusations, the governor’s media aide, Alhajiji Nagoda, insisted that Yusuf still holds Kwankwaso in high regard. “We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” he said.

Nagoda added, however, that the governor’s move to APC was necessary, expressing hope that Kwankwaso would eventually back the decision. He also referenced lingering security challenges, including past incidents during the emirate crisis, suggesting that joining APC could help restore stability and improve the welfare of Kano residents.

The proposed defection has sparked divisions within APC itself. Prominent party member AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda accused both Yusuf and Kwankwaso of orchestrating the move together. “Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso,” he said, adding that the switch is part of a strategic play to secure a second term for Yusuf while keeping Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin out of the 2027 race.

The developments have deepened rifts within the Kwankwasiyya movement, with some members accusing Yusuf of betrayal, while others support his planned defection to APC.