Defection Talk: Senator Hanga Warns Gov. Yusuf Against Abandoning Kwankwaso

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The Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani Hanga, has cautioned Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf against defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a move would amount to political betrayal.

The warning comes amid growing internal tensions within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) following reports that Governor Yusuf may be considering a switch to the APC.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Senator Hanga said a defection would be poorly received by the people of Kano, whom he described as politically conscious and deeply committed to loyalty and gratitude.

According to the lawmaker, individuals urging the governor to abandon the NNPP are misleading him and do not have his long-term interests at heart.

Hanga emphasized that Governor Yusuf’s political journey is closely tied to the influence and mentorship of NNPP leader and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that Yusuf’s rise was shaped under Kwankwaso’s guidance.

“In all honesty, those gathering around Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and pushing him toward the APC are not acting as friends,” Hanga stated.

“Anyone who genuinely cares about him would never encourage him to betray the people of Kano, the North, and Nigeria—especially at a time when citizens are grappling with fuel subsidy removal and new tax reforms.

“No one who loves Abba would advise him to turn his back on Kwankwaso, the man who mentored him from the very beginning of his political life,” he added.

The senator questioned whether political ambition should outweigh loyalty, asking if the governor was willing to sacrifice trust and legacy in pursuit of personal gain.

Reaffirming his allegiance to Kwankwaso, Hanga dismissed speculation that the NNPP leader might be secretly backing Yusuf’s reported plan to join the APC.

“In Kano, betrayal is never celebrated—it is condemned,” he said. “You cannot betray someone and expect the people of Kano to applaud you. If I meet Abba, I will strongly advise him to distance himself from anyone encouraging him to betray Kwankwaso.”

Hanga concluded by pledging unwavering loyalty to Kwankwaso, insisting that no sensible elected official would consider joining the APC under the current political and economic climate.

“I stand with Kwankwaso one thousand percent, till the end. Any politician plotting to defect now is making a grave mistake,” he said.