Kwankwaso Hopes for Governor Yusuf to Lead the Way to APC

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Political tension gripped Kano State on Monday as heightened security was observed around the Government House amid deepening disagreements between New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the governor’s reported plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf, once a close protégé of Kwankwaso, is reportedly preparing to leave the NNPP for the APC. While the move was initially expected this week, it has now been postponed to January 12 to allow for broader consultations, particularly with members of the Kano State House of Assembly.

Kwankwaso, reacting to the speculation, accused the governor of plotting to return the state to the influence of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, whom he credited the NNPP with rescuing Kano from in the past.

“He (Yusuf) wants to hand over Kano to former Governor Ganduje,” Kwankwaso stated over the weekend, highlighting the perceived betrayal in their political relationship.

The tension comes years after Yusuf and Kwankwaso’s fallout with Ganduje, who succeeded Kwankwaso as governor in 2015 and later became a political rival.

In response, Governor Yusuf’s media aide, Nagoda, sought to calm nerves, emphasising that the governor continues to respect Kwankwaso.

“We still hold Kwankwaso in high regard as our political leader,” Nagoda told Daily Post, while noting that the defection was prompted by current political realities in Kano State.

Nagoda also referenced security concerns, highlighting that as Chief Security Officer in the state, Governor Yusuf’s directives were reportedly being ignored by law enforcement awaiting instructions from outside Kano.

He further mentioned recent unrest, including an incident during the emirate crisis where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s convoy was attacked near the Nassarawa Palace, residence of 15th Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.

“These kinds of disturbances should not be occurring in Kano. We believe that joining the APC will help restore order and deliver benefits to the people,” Nagoda added.

On Kwankwaso’s objections, the aide said, “We are praying that he softens and leads the way to the APC.”

APC Leadership Divided Amid Speculations

The potential defection has also exposed divisions within the APC. Senior party figure AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda alleged that both Yusuf and Kwankwaso are collaborating behind the scenes.

In a widely circulated video, Kwamanda claimed, “Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso. Abba respects Kwankwaso deeply, and this is simply a political manoeuvre.”

He further suggested that, “Kwankwaso is guiding Abba to the APC to secure a second term, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP and will contest. Whoever wins in Kano, it ultimately benefits Kwankwaso.”

Kwamanda also alleged that former Governor Ganduje is part of a broader strategy aimed at preventing Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from contesting the 2027 governorship election.