Kano State was enveloped in rising political tension on Monday as heavy security deployment was observed around the Government House amid deepening rifts between New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the governor’s alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Yusuf, a political protégé of Kwankwaso, is reportedly set to dump the NNPP for the APC, with the move initially expected this week but now rescheduled for January 12 to allow for wider consultations, particularly with members of the state assembly.
Reacting to the speculated defection, Kwankwaso accused his former ally and incumbent governor of plotting to return Kano to the grip of ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, whom he described as the man the NNPP had rescued the state from.
Speaking over the weekend, Kwankwaso said, “He (Yusuf) wants to hand over Kano to former Governor Ganduje,” alluding to a deepening betrayal in their political relationship.
The rift between the two leaders comes years after their 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 douse tension, stating that the governor still holds Kwankwaso in high regard.
“We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” he told Daily Post, but added that the planned defection was necessary due to pressing political realities in the state.
“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,” Nagoda lamented.
Nagoda further referenced the ongoing emirate crisis, noting a previous incident where the convoy of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was stoned while passing near the Nassarawa Palace, home to 15th Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
“These kinds of incidents should not be happening in a state like Kano. We believe joining the APC can restore order and benefit the people,” he added.
On Kwankwaso’s opposition, he said, “We are praying that he softens and leads the way to the APC.”
APC Leaders Divided, Suspect Political Game
The move has also sparked division within the APC, with prominent party chieftain AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda alleging that both Yusuf and Kwankwaso are working together behind the scenes.
In a viral video, Kwamanda claimed, “Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso. Abba respects Kwankwaso to the core, and this is just a political game.”
According to him, “Kwankwaso is sending Abba to the APC to secure a second term, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP and will contest. So whoever wins Kano, it’s a win-win for Kwankwaso.”
Kwamanda further alleged that Ganduje was part of a grand plan to block Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from contesting the 2027 governorship election.