Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of the Protocol Directorate of Kano State Government House, has ignited a political firestorm by asserting that a consensus exists among Kano citizens and voters for former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and incumbent Governor Abba Yusuf to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant claim, made public in a viral video circulated by Arewa Update on Sunday, suggests a potential seismic shift in the state’s political landscape, which has long been a hotbed of intense rivalry.
Rogo’s pronouncement cited a recent meeting involving the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and other prominent members of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, a powerful faction loyal to Senator Kwankwaso. According to Rogo, this gathering concluded with an agreement for both political heavyweights to align with the APC, a move that would fundamentally alter the balance of power in Nigeria’s most populous northern state. The declaration has immediately sparked widespread speculation and debate across political circles.
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a two-time former governor of Kano and a presidential candidate in the last general election, remains a colossal figure in Nigerian politics, particularly in the North. Governor Abba Yusuf, his protégé, secured the governorship under the NNPP banner in a fiercely contested election, riding on Kwankwaso’s immense popularity and the Kwankwasiyya ideology. Their joint defection would represent a monumental win for the APC and a devastating blow to the NNPP, which largely owes its national prominence to Kwankwaso’s influence.
Kano State has been a battleground for political supremacy, marked by a bitter rivalry between the NNPP and the APC, particularly during the 2023 general elections. The gubernatorial contest was exceptionally tight, with Governor Yusuf’s victory being challenged extensively through the electoral tribunal system. The legal disputes, which saw varying judgments from the tribunal up to the Court of Appeal, have underscored the high stakes and volatile nature of Kano politics, adding an intriguing layer to any potential party switch.
Analysts suggest several potential motivations behind such a high-profile defection, if it materializes. These could range from a strategic move to consolidate power and influence within the federal government’s ruling party to a response to ongoing political pressures or legal challenges. Aligning with the APC could offer Kwankwaso and Yusuf a stronger platform for future political ambitions, potentially providing a shield against opposition maneuvering and ensuring access to federal resources and patronage.
For the NNPP, the departure of its most prominent figures would undoubtedly trigger an existential crisis, stripping the party of its national face and a significant portion of its grassroots support, especially in the North. Conversely, the APC would gain not only two influential leaders but also significantly expand its political footprint and consolidate its dominance in a crucial geopolitical zone, thereby strengthening its position ahead of future electoral cycles. This move could reshape national political alliances.
However, it is crucial to note that neither Senator Kwankwaso nor Governor Yusuf has officially confirmed or denied Rogo’s assertion. The statement remains, for now, an unverified claim from a government house official. Political observers are exercising caution, highlighting that such declarations can often be trial balloons, strategic leaks, or even misinterpretations in the high-stakes world of Nigerian politics, where rumors and counter-rumors are common currency.
The political landscape of Kano is perpetually dynamic, and any move of this magnitude would reverberate far beyond the state’s borders. It would influence regional political calculations, potentially prompting other political figures to reconsider their allegiances. The coming weeks are expected to be rife with political consultations, backroom negotiations, and public statements as stakeholders react to Rogo’s bold claim and the implications it carries for the future of Kano and national politics.
The Kwankwasiyya movement, a deeply entrenched political structure built around Senator Kwankwaso’s persona and ideology, would play a pivotal role in any such defection. Its members, who have demonstrated fierce loyalty over the years, would largely follow their leader’s direction. The purported meeting with the House Speaker and other Kwankwasiyya stalwarts, as cited by Rogo, suggests an internal deliberation process might already be underway within the influential group, signaling a coordinated approach if the defection proceeds.
Public reaction in Kano, a state known for its politically conscious populace, would be critical. While Rogo asserts public agreement, the reality on the ground could be more nuanced. Such a move, particularly from a party that recently won a major election, could face scrutiny from supporters who feel their mandate is being shifted. The political optics of a victorious party defecting to the ruling national party will be closely watched, both locally and nationally, as it could be perceived in various ways, from pragmatism to political opportunism.
The coming days will be crucial for discerning the veracity and seriousness of Rogo’s claim. Political analysts will be closely monitoring statements from Kwankwaso and Yusuf, as well as the reactions from the NNPP and APC leaderships. Any official confirmation would trigger a cascade of political realignments and strategic shifts, setting a new trajectory for Kano’s political future and potentially influencing the broader national political narrative in significant ways. The saga undoubtedly underscores the fluid and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian party politics.
