The political landscape of Kano is in turmoil as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf prepares to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has caused a significant rift between him and his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. This unprecedented political divergence sees Governor Yusuf’s deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, opting to remain loyal to Kwankwaso and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a decision that places him at risk of impeachment. The fallout from this potential defection is a major political development in Nigeria’s current affairs.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP, has expressed strong reservations about joining the APC, citing past experiences where his political influence was diminished. He has indicated a willingness to consider the move but insists on receiving written assurances and a clear understanding of his future role and the fate of his supporters before committing. This cautious approach underscores the complex negotiations underway.
Featured snippet paragraph: The primary reason for the Kano deputy governor’s decision to not defect with Governor Yusuf is his unwavering loyalty to Rabiu Kwankwaso. He has publicly stated his commitment to staying with the NNPP and standing strong with Kwankwaso, even if it means facing impeachment.
Governor Yusuf’s decision to leave the NNPP is described as irrevocable by his camp. This has created a stark division, with his deputy choosing a different political path. The implications for Kano’s governance and the NNPP’s influence are substantial.
Efforts to reconcile Governor Yusuf with Kwankwaso and prevent his move to the APC, where he might face political adversaries like Abdullahi Ganduje, have ultimately failed. The governor’s resolve to join the ruling party appears firm, despite the internal party dynamics.
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly agreed to formally welcome Governor Yusuf and other prominent Kano politicians into the APC. This welcome is anticipated upon the President’s return from the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, signaling a significant political realignment.
A harmonisation arrangement is reportedly being discussed, which would grant Governor Yusuf control over 60 percent of the Kano APC structure, with the remaining 40 percent allocated to existing members. This distribution aims to manage the integration process.
The governor’s departure from the NNPP is expected to significantly diminish Kwankwaso’s political leverage within Kano. Some members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement have, however, chosen to follow Governor Yusuf into the APC, demonstrating the deep divisions.
Kwankwaso’s inability to retain another key lieutenant in the NNPP further solidifies President Tinubu’s influence in Kano, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. This strategic gain for the APC is notable.
Governor Yusuf’s supporters have actively engaged with influential leaders across Kano, securing endorsements from federal and state legislators, council chairmen, and cabinet members for his defection to the APC.
Kwankwaso’s strong opposition to the defection, intended to pressure the governor, has not yielded the desired effect. He had instructed loyal political appointees to ‘conditionally’ accept Yusuf’s move to the APC.
During a meeting with supporters, Kwankwaso acknowledged the distress of his appointees facing the dilemma of the governor’s defection. He suggested that signing a loyalty list might alleviate their situation and ease tensions in the state.
Despite pressure, several key Kwankwasiyya loyalists have declared their refusal to join the APC. The deputy governor’s stance is a prominent example of this loyalty to Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso explained his strategic position as an effort to protect his supporters and maintain leverage in negotiations with President Tinubu and the APC leadership. He clarified that his move is not a definitive refusal to join the APC but a demand for clear assurances.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the future of the Kano government and the fate of his lawmakers and supporters before agreeing to defect. This conditionality highlights his focus on safeguarding his political base.
Recalling a past alliance where his camp felt sidelined after contributing to the Muhammadu Buhari-led government, Kwankwaso stressed that any defection must guarantee the protection of his supporters and the established Kano government structures.
