Governor Yusuf Fires Back at Kwankwaso Over 2027 Election Claims
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has launched a strong rebuttal against opposition claims that he will serve only one term, asserting instead that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) will fail to secure even a single term in office. This statement comes in response to the viral Hausa phrase "Abba Falle daya ce" (meaning Abba will serve only one term), coined by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which is now aligned with these parties.
Political Realignment and Confidence in APC
Yusuf, who recently defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), took direct aim at his former ally, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. "We heard some people are saying we will not spend more than one term. Please tell them it is their ADC and NNPP that will not spend one term in office," the governor declared. He expressed unwavering confidence that, with divine grace, he will secure a second term under the APC banner, dismissing the opposition's electoral prospects as weak and lacking credibility.
The governor emphasized that his move to the APC is already yielding tangible benefits for Kano State. He noted that prior to this realignment, the state administration faced challenges in accessing federal resources due to its opposition status. "Now, the state is beginning to receive what it has long been denied," Yusuf stated, highlighting improved support for social needs and upcoming investments in key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and job creation.
Opposition Weaknesses and Electoral Preparedness
Yusuf argued that both the ADC and NNPP lack the necessary political structure and public trust to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 general elections. He pointed to Kwankwaso's own shift to the ADC as evidence of instability within the opposition ranks. The governor urged residents to complete their voter registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that this is crucial for ensuring participation and securing victory at the polls.
Echoing this sentiment, APC State Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa affirmed that the party in Kano remains united and well-positioned to consolidate its dominance. Doguwa contended that Yusuf's defection has been vindicated by Kwankwaso's subsequent move, reinforcing the view that the ADC and NNPP are weak platforms unlikely to pose a significant threat in upcoming elections.
Background and Political Tensions
The political rift between Yusuf and Kwankwaso has intensified following the governor's alignment with the APC, drawing criticism from Kwankwasiyya loyalists who accuse him of betrayal. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso's reported transition to the ADC has sparked controversy among political analysts, as both parties are now being positioned to challenge the APC in 2027. Despite these developments, Yusuf remains steadfast in his belief that the opposition will falter, and he is committed to leveraging APC support to advance Kano's development agenda.
