Kano State witnessed heightened political tension on Monday as security presence was noticeably reinforced around the Government House, amid escalating disagreements between New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the governor’s reported plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Yusuf, widely regarded as a political protégé of Kwankwaso, is said to be preparing to leave the NNPP for the APC. Although the defection was initially expected to take place this week, it has reportedly been shifted to January 12 to allow for broader consultations, particularly with members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Reacting to the development, Kwankwaso accused the governor of plotting to return Kano State to the political influence of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a figure he claimed the NNPP had worked hard to dislodge.
Speaking over the weekend, Kwankwaso alleged, “He wants to hand over Kano to former Governor Ganduje,” a remark that underscored the growing strain in their political relationship.
The latest fallout follows years of political rivalry between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, who took over as governor in 2015 and later emerged as one of Kwankwaso’s fiercest opponents.
However, Governor Yusuf’s camp has played down the tension. His media aide, Nagoda, insisted that the governor still holds Kwankwaso in high esteem and respects him as a political leader.
“We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” Nagoda said, while explaining that the contemplated defection was driven by prevailing political and security challenges in the state.
Nagoda lamented what he described as a breakdown in the state’s security command structure, claiming that directives issued by the governor were sometimes disregarded.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, it is disturbing that the governor gives security directives and the police say they are waiting for instructions from outside the state,” he said.
He also cited the lingering emirate crisis, recalling an incident in which the convoy of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was allegedly attacked near the Nassarawa Palace, the residence of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
“Such incidents should not be happening in Kano. We believe that aligning with the APC can help restore order and ultimately serve the interest of the people,” Nagoda added.
Addressing Kwankwaso’s opposition to the move, he expressed hope that the NNPP leader would eventually support the decision. “We are praying that he softens and leads the way to the APC,” he said.
APC Leaders Split As Allegations Emerge
The proposed defection has also triggered internal disagreements within the APC. A prominent party figure, AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda, alleged that both Yusuf and Kwankwaso may be working together behind the scenes.
In a viral video, Kwamanda claimed that the perceived rift was part of a broader political strategy.
“Nothing but death will separate Abba and Kwankwaso. Abba respects Kwankwaso deeply, and this is nothing more than a political game,” he said.
According to Kwamanda, Kwankwaso may be positioning Yusuf within the APC to secure a second term, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP to contest future elections.
“So whichever side wins in Kano, it will still be a victory for Kwankwaso,” he alleged.
Kwamanda further claimed that former governor Ganduje was allegedly involved in a wider plot aimed at preventing Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from contesting the 2027 governorship election.