GOVERNOR Abba Yusuf of Kano State today met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing speculation over his political future.
The Kano governor arrived at the President’s office at about 4:13 p.m. and spent more than three hours in the meeting. However, he declined to speak with State House correspondents afterward or disclose the purpose of the visit.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting a possible defection by Governor Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has stirred tension within Kano’s political landscape.
In recent weeks, the alleged defection plans have triggered internal divisions within the NNPP, particularly between supporters of Governor Yusuf and loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The NNPP leadership, both at the state and national levels, has publicly rejected any move by its members to join the APC.
In a statement issued in December 2025, the Kano State Chairman of the party, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said the NNPP was fully aware of the unfolding situation and did not endorse any defection.
Dungurawa noted that the party had made repeated efforts to persuade those involved to remain within the NNPP, stressing its responsibility to the people of Kano State.
Senator Kwankwaso also warned party members against defection, insisting that political betrayal does not lead to lasting success.
Speaking during a meeting with supporters, he said the NNPP would not be weakened by the exit of any individual, maintaining that the strength of the party lies in its grassroots support.
Despite the mounting speculation, the NNPP leadership has reiterated its commitment to its ideals and pledged to continue advancing progressive politics in Kano State and beyond.