The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reportedly held a secret meeting with his political godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid moves to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Daily Nigerian, the closed-door meeting took place late Tuesday night at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence in Kano.
Sources said Yusuf arrived around midnight in a private vehicle, accompanied by a political intermediary identified as Sarkin Gobir, and the meeting reportedly lasted for over an hour.
Multiple sources disclosed that the governor’s visit was aimed at making a final attempt to persuade Kwankwaso to join him in the APC, allegedly at the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, indications suggest that the effort was unsuccessful, as Kwankwaso remained firm in his position.
A day after the meeting, Kwankwaso appeared to publicly dismiss the overtures while addressing supporters at his residence.
“First, we know that betrayal is not good. Everybody knows how that party is losing the sympathy of the people, especially with regards to insecurity and the economy,” he said.
“People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he added.
Sources said Yusuf’s defection plan has encountered stiff resistance at the grassroots level, despite growing defections by NNPP lawmakers at both state and federal levels, as well as some local government chairmen.
According to insiders, the majority of NNPP supporters in Kano have remained loyal to Kwankwaso, triggering concern among APC power brokers.
“APC leaders are keenly observing what is happening in Kano. The Kwankwasiyya supporters have made a bold statement that they are with Kwankwaso,” a source said.
“If Abba joins APC, Kwankwaso’s candidate may likely benefit from sympathy votes,” the source added.
Following the Kano meeting, Yusuf reportedly travelled to France on Friday to meet President Tinubu, where he is expected to brief him on the outcome of his discussion with Kwankwaso and outline the next political steps.
Sources said the President remains keen on having Kwankwaso join the APC, prompting continued last-minute pressure.
“The people’s reaction in Kano is the reason for the renewed push to convince Kwankwaso,” an insider told Daily Nigerian.
Meanwhile, top APC figures in Kano, including former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, have returned to Nigeria after end-of-year holidays and Umrah.
Other party heavyweights, including Nasiru Gawuna and Murtala Garo, are also back in the country ahead of the expected political realignment.
Sources said Governor Yusuf is expected to announce his defection after concluding consultations with APC leaders.