Uncertainty Deepens Over Kano Governor’s Planned APC Defection as Kwankwaso Camp Applies Pressure

The proposed defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to generate widespread political debate, with growing uncertainty surrounding the timing and feasibility of the move.

The issue has become one of the most discussed political developments in Kano State, largely due to internal party tensions, strategic calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, and strong opposition from loyalists of the NNPP’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

LMSINT MEDIA reports that the governor’s anticipated switch, which was initially scheduled for the first week of January 2026, was later postponed to January 12, 2026. However, the long-awaited event failed to take place once again, as the governor continued a series of high-level consultations with members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers, and influential figures within the APC.

These ongoing discussions reportedly intensified following stern warnings from his political benefactor and the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who has publicly and privately expressed reservations about the governor’s planned realignment.

Despite the prolonged delay, political observers attribute the hesitation to two major factors: the deepening division within the NNPP and the governor’s firm conditions for joining the ruling party.

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Governor Yusuf’s Tough Demand

A source familiar with the unfolding political dynamics in Kano State disclosed to DAILY POST that Governor Yusuf has placed a non-negotiable condition on his proposed defection. According to the source, the governor is demanding an automatic APC ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election.

The insider explained that this request has proven difficult for the APC leadership to immediately accommodate. The matter was reportedly put on hold pending the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from an official foreign engagement.

The source further clarified that the governor is unwilling to join the APC without firm political guarantees, especially considering the influence of powerful party figures in Kano State.

“The governor does not want to defect blindly and later face internal competition from entrenched interests, including loyalists of former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who may present their own preferred candidate,” the source stated.

It was also noted that once Governor Yusuf leaves the NNPP, he would automatically lose the political backing and grassroots loyalty associated with Rabiu Kwankwaso. Without the support of either Kwankwaso or key APC power brokers, securing victory in 2027 could become extremely challenging.

The source added that the situation would have been significantly less complicated if Kwankwaso himself had agreed to move alongside the governor to the APC. However, Kwankwaso is reportedly unwilling to defect at this time.

With President Tinubu now back in Nigeria, expectations are high that clarity will emerge in the coming days. Nonetheless, party insiders caution that Governor Yusuf is not the only sitting governor seeking re-election under the APC platform, making negotiations even more complex.

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Deepening Split Within NNPP

Ahead of the governor’s proposed departure from what is widely perceived as one of the fastest-growing political parties in Nigeria, the NNPP has been grappling with internal disagreements at the leadership level.

Reports indicate that this internal crisis played a critical role in influencing Governor Yusuf’s consideration of a political realignment with the ruling party.

The dispute reportedly originated from a controversial alteration of the party’s official logo. The faction aligned with Kwankwaso replaced the long-standing basket of fruits symbol with a book and graduation cap, a move that was strongly opposed by the governor’s camp.

Governor Yusuf’s loyalists insisted that the original logo should remain unchanged, arguing that it carried the party’s historical identity and electoral symbolism.

This disagreement escalated into legal confrontations, further destabilizing the party’s structure and throwing its leadership into uncertainty. The prolonged legal disputes have since intensified factional divisions and weakened internal cohesion.

While Governor Yusuf currently enjoys the backing of the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, as well as several local government chairmen, the situation within the state government remains divided.

Notably, the deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, alongside several cabinet members and party stakeholders, continues to align with Kwankwaso’s faction, highlighting the depth of the internal rift.

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“Remain in Our Party, There Is No Clear Road in APC” – Former NNPP Chairman

In a Sunday interview with DAILY POST, the immediate past Chairman of the NNPP in Kano State, Hashimu Dungurawa, openly appealed to Governor Yusuf to abandon plans of leaving the party.

Dungurawa argued that Governor Yusuf’s chances of securing a second term are significantly stronger within the NNPP than in the APC, where internal competition and political rivalries could undermine his ambition.

According to him, the governor’s exit would create a leadership vacuum within the party, one that would be difficult to manage or fill.

He emphasized that the NNPP remains united behind Governor Yusuf, stressing that there are no internal hostilities against him within the party.

Dungurawa further warned that the APC environment consists largely of political adversaries who may not support the governor’s re-election bid.

He stated that remaining in the NNPP would guarantee Governor Yusuf an automatic return for a second term, while defecting could expose him to unnecessary political risks.

Reaffirming the party’s confidence, Dungurawa declared that NNPP remains fully committed to mobilizing support for Governor Yusuf’s victory in 2027, insisting that the party is capable of defeating both APC and PDP in Kano State.

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Governor Yusuf Faces Growing Pressure to Stay in NNPP

Beyond internal party appeals, Governor Yusuf is reportedly facing sustained pressure from members of the Kwankwassiyya Movement, a strong political base loyal to Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Supporters of the movement are said to be actively discouraging the governor from finalizing any alliance with the APC, warning that such a decision could carry political consequences during the 2027 election cycle.

Sources disclosed that if the governor proceeds with the defection, prominent figures within his administration who remain loyal to Kwankwaso may resign from their positions.

Among those mentioned is Hon. Mustapha Kwankwaso, the first son of the NNPP leader, along with several cabinet members aligned with the Kwankwassiyya Movement, who are reportedly prepared to step down immediately should the governor officially join the APC.