Indications emerged on Sunday that plans by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have become inevitable, despite stiff opposition from his political camp.
The governor, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had initially planned to formally join the APC on Monday, January 5, 2026, but later shifted the event to Monday, January 12.
Sources close to Yusuf told The Whistler thT the governor is unmoved by the objections of his political godfather and NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the planned defection.
A source within the Kano NNPP disclosed that the disagreement between Yusuf and Kwankwaso has reached a breaking point, leading to an irreparable fallout between the two long-standing political allies.
According to the source, several factors have made reconciliation between the duo increasingly unlikely.
Chief among the reasons cited is the governor’s determination to secure his re-election in 2027 on what he considers a more viable political platform, the APC.
The source said Yusuf is apprehensive about the future of the NNPP ahead of the next general election, particularly due to internal divisions and unresolved leadership crises within the party.
“The governor is worried about the instability in the NNPP and the uncertainty surrounding its leadership going into 2027,” the source said.
Another major factor, according to the source, is the rising political influence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, in Kano politics.
“You must be aware that Barau is highly favoured by the APC leadership in Kano and at the national level for the 2027 governorship ticket,” the source said.
“He declared his interest in the Kano governorship long ago and has been working seriously towards it, with strong grassroots support.”
The source added that Yusuf fears he would struggle to retain the governorship if Barau emerges as the APC candidate in 2027.
“So it is the fear of Barau that is driving Governor Yusuf to the APC. He has weighed his chances and knows he does not stand a chance with Barau contesting on the APC platform,” he said.
The source further claimed that Yusuf would not be defecting without firm assurances from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership regarding the party’s ticket for the 2027 election.
“Yusuf would not be making this move if he had not been assured of the APC ticket,” the source said, adding that the party leadership would not find it difficult to persuade Senator Barau to step aside.
“Everybody knows Barau, despite his popularity, is not a do-or-die politician. I don’t see him objecting if such a request comes from President Tinubu,” the source added.