Kano State was thrown into political uncertainty on Monday as heavy security presence surrounded the Government House, following escalating tensions between the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and his political son, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, over an alleged plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Strong indications suggest that Governor Yusuf is preparing to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC—a move that has rattled the state’s political landscape and split loyalties within the powerful Kwankwasiyya movement.
Although the defection was initially expected to happen imminently, sources say it has now been shifted to January 12 to allow the governor to hold wider consultations, particularly with members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the weekend, Kwankwaso openly accused Governor Yusuf of plotting to “hand over Kano to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,” insisting that the state had previously been “rescued” from him.
Ganduje, now a top APC figure, was once Kwankwaso’s ally before their relationship collapsed after the change of power on May 29, 2015.
READ ALSO: Kano Politics: Gov. Yusuf Set To Join APC As Kwankwasiyya Camp Splits
Reacting to the accusations, the governor’s media adviser, Alhaji Nagoda was reported to told newsmen that Governor Yusuf still holds Kwankwaso in high esteem.
“We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” Nagoda said.
However, he defended the planned move to APC, describing it as a necessary step in the interest of Kano’s stability and security.
“As the Chief Security Officer in Kano, it is unfortunate that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf would give security directives, and the police would say they are waiting for directives from someone outside Kano,” he stated.
Nagoda also referenced the lingering emirate crisis in the state, recalling an incident where the convoy of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was allegedly stoned while passing near Nassarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, resides.
According to him, such incidents underscore the need for political realignment, adding that joining the APC could help restore peace and improve the well-being of Kano residents.
“We are praying that Kwankwaso softens and leads the way to the APC,” he added.
READ ALSO: “For The Sake Of Allah, Don’t Leave Us” — NNPP Pleads With Gov. Yusuf
APC Divided As New Claims Emerge
The proposed defection has also sparked internal controversy within the APC. A prominent party figure in Kano, AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda, accused both Yusuf and Kwankwaso of secretly orchestrating the move together.
In a viral video circulating online, Kwamanda said:
“Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso.”
He described the situation as a political strategy, alleging that Kwankwaso deliberately sent Yusuf to the APC to secure a second term, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP to contest elections.
“So whoever wins Kano, it’s a win-win for Kwankwaso,” Kwamanda claimed.
He further alleged that Ganduje was part of the arrangement, aimed at blocking Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from contesting the 2027 elections.
The unfolding drama has sharply divided the Kwankwasiyya movement, with one faction accusing Governor Yusuf of betrayal, while another openly backs his planned defection to the APC.
As consultations continue and political tempers flare, all eyes remain on Kano ahead of the expected January 12 deadline—an event that could redefine the state’s political future and reshape alliances ahead of 2027.
DAILY POST