The anticipated defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been significantly delayed due to the ruling party’s refusal to offer him an automatic governorship ticket for the 2027 election.

According to information obtained by ThisDay, the governor had reportedly made a guaranteed ticket one of his major conditions during negotiations with APC leaders.

However, APC’s reluctance to meet this demand has created tension within Yusuf’s camp, prompting repeated postponements of the defection—now shifted more than twice.

While the governor stayed back in Abuja on Friday to continue high-level engagements with APC leadership, the Kano State APC denied holding any discussions with him about providing an automatic ticket, maintaining that Yusuf would join the party “when the moment is appropriate.”

The ongoing defection talks, which have dominated Kano’s political conversation for weeks, have met strong resistance from influential APC stakeholders in the state, particularly the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who is widely believed to be eyeing the 2027 governorship seat.

A source close to former Kano Governor and immediate past APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, told ThisDay that the party was not willing to abandon the ambitions of its senior members just to accommodate the governor’s demands.

“Besides asking for an automatic ticket, he also wants the power to nominate a minister for Kano State and influence other federal appointments currently held by APC members. These are requests no other defecting governors have presented,” the source revealed, noting that discussions were still in progress.

The source further confirmed that Senator Jibrin remains a strong contender for the 2027 race, stressing that APC leadership insists Yusuf must participate in a primary election like every other aspirant.

It was also gathered that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang made no such demands when their own political realignment conversations emerged.

Meanwhile, Yusuf’s deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has reportedly vowed to stay in the NNPP, a position that could heighten political tension and spark impeachment threats should the governor eventually cross to the APC.

Signs that the defection may not happen soon surfaced again on Friday when Yusuf presided over the first State Executive Council meeting of 2026 in Abuja, sporting his signature Kwankwasiyya red cap and displaying the NNPP flag.

Kwankwasiyya, the movement led by NNPP National Leader and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has openly criticized Yusuf’s planned defection. While Kwankwaso himself has not ruled out joining the APC, he insists it must be on clearly defined terms.

In a video shared by his aide, Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso said he would only join the APC with a “solid agreement” that outlines his role, protects his supporters and addresses the interests of Kano State.

“I have never ruled out joining the APC, but I cannot do so without a firm agreement in place,” he said.

Yusuf’s appearance at the Abuja council meeting effectively dampened expectations of an imminent defection announcement. The session, the administration’s 37th since inception, was held at the Governor’s Lodge and attended by the deputy governor and commissioners.

During the meeting, Yusuf reiterated his dedication to effective governance.

Meanwhile, sources disclosed that Yusuf recently held confidential meetings in Abuja with Ganduje and Senator Jibrin regarding his possible defection. Vice President Kashim Shettima is said to be monitoring the negotiations, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to receive a final briefing.

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