The political crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has worsened following fresh moves by the party’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to growing speculation about Yusuf’s planned exit from the NNPP, Kwankwaso is said to have introduced a loyalty register for political office holders to determine their allegiance to his leadership and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The development coincided with Governor Yusuf’s 63rd birthday celebration held in Abuja, which attracted prominent government officials and political figures. Kwankwaso reportedly boycotted the event and instead hosted what sources described as “engagement meetings” with NNPP stakeholders and loyalists at his residence in Kano.
According to sources, the parallel activities of both leaders have further polarised the NNPP, particularly among its members in the National Assembly. While Governor Yusuf enjoys the backing of the entire 40-member Kano State House of Assembly led by Speaker Jibril Isma’il Falgore, as well as all 44 local government chairmen in the state, NNPP federal lawmakers remain divided.
Out of Kano’s 21 members in the House of Representatives, 13 were elected on the NNPP platform. While Umar Mukhtari Zakari (Tarauni) has openly opposed the planned defection, several others have already crossed over to the APC. Those who have defected include Aliyu Sani Madaki (Dala), Abdulmumin Jibrin (Bebeji/Kiru), Yusuf Rabiu (Sumaila/Takai), and Sani Abdullahi (Karaye/Rogo).
In addition, Kabiru Usman, who won a rerun election in Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya, and Sagir Ibrahim Koki (Kano Municipal), have also joined the ruling party.
Although Yusuf’s formal defection was initially scheduled for Monday, APC national leaders reportedly postponed the event to January 12 to allow for further consultations. Under the original plan, Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda were expected to officially receive the governor into the party.
Sources within the APC disclosed that the postponement was aimed at consolidating support among Kano lawmakers and other key stakeholders who are yet to fully align with the move. A close aide to the governor revealed that Yusuf has not yet completed formal registration at his ward or collected an APC membership card.
The defection is believed to be part of a broader political strategy to position Yusuf for influence within the Kano APC and strengthen his chances of securing the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso, who has strongly opposed Yusuf’s move, is reportedly considering a switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in protest. Sources warned that Yusuf’s exit could significantly weaken the Kwankwasiyya Movement, especially given Kwankwaso’s longstanding stance against internal betrayal.
The disagreement has also triggered leadership changes within the NNPP in Kano. Hashimu Dungurawa, a known Kwankwaso loyalist, was removed as state chairman and replaced with Alhaji Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as acting chairman. While a Kano State High Court upheld Dungurawa’s suspension, the NNPP national secretariat rejected the action and dissolved the party’s ward, local government, and state executives indefinitely.
Meanwhile, the APC is reportedly treating Yusuf’s anticipated defection as a major political boost, one that could strip the NNPP of its only governorship seat and diminish its national influence. Key APC figures in Kano, including former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, have publicly expressed readiness to work with Yusuf.
However, political analysts warn that Yusuf’s entry into the APC may trigger intense internal competition, particularly over the 2027 governorship ticket. Observers believe the development could reshape alliances, negotiations, and voter dynamics in Kano State.
While Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has remained publicly silent on the issue, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) has stayed loyal to Kwankwaso within the NNPP. Meanwhile, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), who defected to the APC last year, is no longer aligned with the Kwankwasiyya leader.