In a major political realignment shaping the battle for Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has finalised plans to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant move comes amidst a fresh war of words between former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and NNPP leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Ganduje Fumes Over Kwankwaso's 'Enemy' Comment
The planned defection has been overshadowed by controversy, as Dr Ganduje expressed deep dissatisfaction over remarks allegedly made by Senator Kwankwaso. Speaking through his aide, the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Dr Baffa Babba Dan'agundi, Ganduje condemned the statement where Kwankwaso reportedly referred to him as an 'enemy'.
"Dr Ganduje made it clear to me that he was deeply unhappy with the comments allegedly made by Senator Kwankwaso against him," Dan'agundi stated on Monday. He emphasised that Ganduje found the remarks inappropriate and capable of undermining efforts to foster unity in Kano State, especially during this period of political realignment.
APC Celebrates Governor Yusuf's Homecoming
Despite the verbal spat, the reported return of Governor Yusuf to the APC has been met with jubilation by party leaders and stakeholders in Kano. Dan'agundi described the development as a moment of celebration, stating, "This is a development that has brought joy to the party. APC stakeholders in Kano are happy and ready to work closely with the Governor to move the state forward."
Consultations to formally receive Governor Yusuf into the APC are already in progress. However, the final arrangements have experienced a slight delay due to the Umrah pilgrimage of the Kano APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, coupled with Ganduje's temporary absence from the country. Dan'agundi confirmed that a conclusive meeting with the Governor and his team will be convened upon their return.
NNPP Internal Crisis Forces Defection
The defection is largely attributed to the protracted internal crisis rocking the NNPP. The Majority Leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, Lawan Hussaini, explained that lingering court battles within the party have made it politically unsafe for Governor Yusuf and other elected officials to remain.
Hussaini, who represents Dala constituency, highlighted that a standing court judgement recognises only one faction of the NNPP, creating legitimacy issues for its candidates. "Remaining in the NNPP carries political risks," he asserted, pointing to the leadership crisis that continues to divide the party's top echelon.
This political shift is expected to dramatically intensify manoeuvring in Kano, a key electoral battleground, as parties reposition for the 2027 polls. The move signals a significant consolidation of power by the APC in the North-West and deals a substantial blow to the NNPP's national influence.
