Political uncertainty is gradually building in Kano State following growing disagreements between the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, over an alleged plan to defect from the party.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that although the defection was initially expected to take place sooner, it has reportedly been postponed until January 12. The delay is said to be aimed at allowing the governor to carry out broader consultations, particularly with members of the Kano State House of Assembly and other key stakeholders.
Speaking earlier on Saturday, Kwankwaso publicly criticized the alleged move, accusing Governor Yusuf of plotting to return Kano State to the influence of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Kwankwaso claimed that the state had previously been rescued from Ganduje’s control, implying that the planned defection could reverse past political gains.
It is worth noting that Ganduje was once politically aligned with Kwankwaso before their relationship deteriorated following the transfer of power on May 29, 2015. Since then, both figures have remained on opposing sides of Kano’s political divide.
Responding to the claims, the governor’s media adviser, Alhajiji Nagoda, told LMSINT MEDIA that Governor Yusuf still maintains deep respect for Kwankwaso and continues to regard him as a political leader.
According to Nagoda, “We still respect and hold Kwankwaso in very high esteem as our political leader.” However, he explained that circumstances now make the governor’s possible move to the APC necessary, expressing optimism that Kwankwaso would eventually come to terms with the decision.
Nagoda also raised concerns about the state’s security structure, describing it as troubling that directives issued by the governor in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of Kano could be undermined by instructions allegedly coming from outside the state.
He further referenced the unresolved emirate crisis, recalling an incident in which the convoy of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was reportedly attacked with stones while passing near the Nassarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, resides.
Nagoda stressed that such incidents should not occur in a peaceful society and suggested that aligning with the APC could help stabilize the state and improve the overall welfare of Kano residents.
On Kwankwaso’s resistance to the defection, Nagoda said the governor’s camp remains hopeful, adding, “We are praying that he softens and leads the way to the APC.”
Meanwhile, the alleged defection plan has also generated internal disagreements within the APC. A notable APC stakeholder in Kano, AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda, alleged that both Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso were jointly involved in planning the move.
In a video circulating online, Kwamanda claimed that the relationship between Yusuf and Kwankwaso remains solid, insisting that nothing could separate them politically. He described the situation as a strategic political maneuver rather than a genuine fallout.
Kwamanda further alleged that the plan involved Governor Yusuf contesting for a second term under the APC while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, stays in the NNPP to contest separately, ensuring that regardless of the outcome, Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano remains intact.
Additionally, he claimed that former governor Ganduje was part of the arrangement, allegedly aimed at preventing Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from contesting in the 2027 general elections.
As events continue to unfold, the controversy has reportedly caused divisions within the Kwankwasiyya political movement. While one faction accuses Governor Yusuf of political betrayal, another group openly supports his proposed move, viewing it as a strategic decision for Kano’s future.
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