There was heightened political tension in Kano on Monday as security was reinforced around the Government House following disagreement between the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over a planned political defection.
Governor Yusuf, a long-time political associate and loyalist of Kwankwaso, is considering a move from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Defection Plan Shifted
The planned defection, initially expected to take place imminently, has been postponed to January 12 to allow the governor to widen consultations, particularly with members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Kwankwaso, speaking at the weekend, openly criticised the move, accusing the governor of plotting to “hand over Kano to former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,” whom he said the state had earlier been rescued from.
Ganduje, a former ally of Kwankwaso, fell out with him following the change of political power at the federal level on May 29, 2015.
Governor’s aide reacts
Responding to Kwankwaso’s remarks, the governor’s media adviser, Alhaji Nagoda, told DAILY POST that Yusuf still holds Kwankwaso in high regard and continues to see him as his political leader.
“We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” Nagoda said.
However, he noted that the proposed move to the APC had become necessary, expressing hope that Kwankwaso would eventually support the decision.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, it is unfortunate that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf would issue security directives and the police would say they are waiting for instructions from someone outside the state,” he said.
Emirate crisis, security concerns
Nagoda also referred to the lingering emirate crisis in the state, recalling an incident in which the convoy of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was allegedly stoned while passing through the Nassarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, resides.
According to him, such incidents highlight the need for political stability, adding that joining the APC could help restore order and improve the welfare of residents.
On Kwankwaso’s continued opposition to the move, Nagoda said, “We are praying that he softens and leads the way to the APC.”
APC divided over the move
Meanwhile, the proposed defection has also generated controversy within the APC in Kano.
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A party chieftain, AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda, alleged that both Yusuf and Kwankwaso were secretly working together on the defection plan.
In a video circulated on social media, Kwamanda claimed that the rift between the two leaders was merely a political strategy.
“Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso,” he said, adding that the governor still holds Kwankwaso in very high regard.
According to him, the plan is for Yusuf to seek a second term on the APC platform, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP to contest.
“So, whoever wins Kano, it is a win-win situation for Kwankwaso,” Kwamanda alleged.
He further claimed that Ganduje was part of the arrangement, describing it as a strategy aimed at blocking Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from contesting the 2027 elections.
The unfolding developments have reportedly split the Kwankwasiyya political movement, with one faction accusing Governor Yusuf of betrayal, while another has thrown its weight behind his planned defection to the APC.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
