Sh*ckwaves In Kano Politics As Governor Moves To Dump Kwankwaso, NNPP For APC

Barring any last-minute reversal, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf is expected to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the first week of January 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sources familiar with the development told Daily Nigerian that the move would abruptly end nearly four decades of political ties between Yusuf and his long-time mentor and political benefactor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

As the only governor elected on the NNPP platform, Yusuf’s defection would effectively leave the party without control of any state in the country.

Insiders revealed that the governor has concluded arrangements to participate actively in the APC congresses slated for February 2026, a strategy aimed at consolidating his grip on the party’s structure in Kano State.

To solidify his position, Yusuf has reportedly been working behind the scenes to secure the support of National Assembly members, state lawmakers and local government chairmen.

“The only House of Representatives member certain to remain with Kwankwaso is his son-in-law, who represents Tarauni Federal Constituency,” a source said. “Those representing Nassarawa, Ungogo and Kumbotso are still weighing their options.”

It was also gathered that at least 25 of the 27 NNPP members of the Kano State House of Assembly — including Speaker Yusuf Falgore — have endorsed the governor’s planned defection. Two members of the Assembly are deceased.

While some local government chairmen are said to still be loyal to Kwankwaso, sources indicated that most are likely to align with the governor once the move is formalised.

“Many are still standing with Kwankwaso for now, but almost all of them will eventually follow the governor,” one insider disclosed.

Amid the unfolding developments, Kwankwaso reportedly convened a meeting with NNPP lawmakers at his Miller Road residence on Friday.

According to sources, he informed the legislators that it was evident Yusuf was headed to the APC and told anyone willing to follow him to feel free to do so. He also questioned the logic behind the decision, reminding them that their victory in the 2023 elections came against significant odds.

“Will the God who granted us victory in 2023 not still be with us in 2027?” Kwankwaso was quoted as saying.

The lawmakers reportedly agreed at the end of the meeting to seek dialogue with the governor in hopes that any major political decision would be taken collectively.

However, when they later approached Yusuf, he allegedly told them he was already aware of the discussions and that his decision to join the APC was final.

The political realignment is expected to first impact the deputy governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, whose impeachment is reportedly imminent.

Sources claimed Yusuf is proposing Murtala Sule-Garo, the APC’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, as Abdulsalam’s replacement. Meanwhile, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, is said to be positioning for the Kano Central senatorial seat in 2027.

The crisis has been building for some time. Following the Supreme Court ruling on the Kano governorship election, Yusuf reportedly made repeated attempts to persuade Kwankwaso to join the APC.

In November 2024, Daily Nigerian reported growing tensions within the Kano NNPP after Yusuf allegedly began avoiding meetings and calls from his political godfather.

That same year, the slogan Abba Tsaya da Kafarka (“Abba, stand on your feet”) gained popularity in Kano, reflecting rising calls for the governor to assert his independence from Kwankwaso.

At the time, Yusuf publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Kwankwaso, dismissed the reports and distanced himself from the movement.