Kwankwaso Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Drift Apart Amid Defection Rumours

Spread the love

The long-standing political alliance between New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, appears to be unraveling.

Sources told Sunday Sun that the relationship, which spans roughly four decades and saw both leaders rise to governorship positions at different times, has been strained by diverging political interests.

Political analysts say the primary point of contention is Governor Yusuf’s intention to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue a second term, while Kwankwaso remains committed to the NNPP, either to maintain his presidential ambition or explore partnerships with other opposition forces.

Insiders revealed that the governor has been holding discussions with APC leaders in Kano, including a midweek meeting with APC State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas just before the chairman traveled abroad. He was also reported to have met with former Kano State House of Assembly Speaker Kabiru Rirum and crossed paths with former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The festive period has tested loyalties within the party. While some NNPP members were ready to abandon their party credentials for the APC, others resisted, citing their gratitude to Kwankwaso for their political rise.

“Previous attempts to defect against Kwankwaso historically ended in his favour, disadvantaging those who disengaged from him. This reality has made the path to APC more complicated for potential defectors,” a source explained.

Currently, several key NNPP figures remain loyal to Kwankwaso, including Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo, State Chairman Hamisu Dungurawa, and the governor’s political adviser, along with some state lawmakers. Meanwhile, some local government chairmen are torn, balancing loyalty to the NNPP against fear of political repercussions from aligning with Governor Yusuf.

The defection buzz has unsettled Kano’s political landscape. State Party Chairman Hamisu Dungurawa was reportedly suspended by his ward following the rumours, with a faction naming Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as replacement. The NNPP National Working Committee, however, later dismissed the suspension as “misplaced, undemocratic, null and void,” according to National Publicity Secretary Bamofin Ladipo.

There are also unconfirmed reports that Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, resigned from the Kano State Executive Council.

Political observers say the rift is fueled by both strategic differences and pressures from intermediaries, with the core issue being misaligned ambitions. One source explained:

“The governor could move to the APC, secure a ticket, and win in 2027. But if Kwankwaso follows, what does he gain? No vice-presidential slot, possibly not even a ministerial post. That’s why he’s hesitant to defect without a clear promise.”

Despite tensions, sources emphasized there is no personal animosity between the two leaders, who share family ties. Much of the discord is being amplified by loyalists on both sides.

The evolving dispute has stirred Kano’s political class, with aides concerned about job security and supporters preparing for potential conflicts. Opposition parties, particularly the PDP, are reportedly observing the situation for strategic advantage.