Fresh details have surfaced regarding the delay in the anticipated defection of the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While many expected an immediate switch following months of speculation, political logistics and high-level consultations appear to be holding up the formal ceremony.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed to POLITICS NIGERIA that the governor has already made the internal decision to move.
However, he is currently navigating a complex web of interests involving the presidency, the APC national leadership, and the local political structure in Kano.
The Presidency’s Directive
According to a competent source, when Governor Yusuf first initiated discussions with the APC headquarters in Abuja and President Bola Tinubu, the President gave a specific instruction.
It was gathered that the President told him to “come to the grassroots and interface with his party as well as the APC stakeholders in Kano.”
This directive was intended to ensure a seamless transition and prevent internal friction within the state chapter of the party.
The Ganduje and Abbas Factors
A major part of the delay is tied to the availability of key power brokers. The APC leader in Kano and former National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, had traveled for the lesser Hajj (Umrah).
It was learnt that upon his return, he would consult with stakeholders on the governor’s proposed defection.
Supporting this, Dr. Baffa Dan’agundi, the Director-General of National Productivity and a close aide to Ganduje, confirmed that preparations are at an advanced stage.
He noted that the delay was also linked to the Umrah pilgrimage of the Kano State APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.
“Once they return, a special meeting will be held with His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his delegation, to conclude the process,” Dan’agundi assured.
The Barau Factor
Beyond logistics, there is the “Barau factor.” Stakeholders are reportedly debating the political future of the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who is widely believed to be eyeing the governorship seat.
Since Governor Yusuf is serving his first term, his entry into the APC could spark a clash of interests.
A prominent stakeholder mentioned that for the defection to succeed, Barau must be carried along. The current proposal under review suggests that Barau might be encouraged to maintain his legislative trajectory, potentially clearing the path for his own gubernatorial bid in 2031 after Yusuf completes a second term.
“Our members are being forced to defect” – Kwankwaso
While the APC prepares to receive the governor, his former mentor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has raised an alarm.
Kwankwaso accused the state government of “compelling state officials and elected local government chairmen to sign for either Gandujiyya or Kwankwasiyya.” He described these reports as “deeply troubling” and disheartening.
In a swift rebuttal, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, dismissed the claims. He insisted that “participation in any political party remains a personal decision” and that the government is not using coercion.
Despite the denial, Kwankwaso has told his supporters to remain calm, even advising those under pressure to sign whatever documents are presented to them to avoid victimization.