Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has returned to Nigeria to spearhead a series of high-level political consultations. His return comes at a critical juncture, fueled by widespread reports of a potential defection move by the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the ruling APC.
Ganduje's Strategic Return and Agenda
Dr. Ganduje arrived back in the country on Sunday, January 11, 2026, concluding a vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. His Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, confirmed the return and outlined the former governor's immediate plans in an official statement.
The statement revealed that Ganduje's schedule is packed with stakeholder meetings and consultations. The primary focus will be on the recent and evolving political developments within Kano State, his home political base. These engagements are designed to involve key party leaders and other critical stakeholders to assess the current situation.
The Kano Defection Speculation
The timing of Ganduje's consultative mission is particularly significant. It coincides with intense speculation and media reports suggesting that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is making overtures to defect to the APC.
Such a move, if it materializes, would represent a major seismic shift in the political landscape of Nigeria's most populous state. It would significantly alter the balance of power and could have profound implications for the 2027 general elections. Ganduje's consultations are widely seen as a direct response to these unfolding events.
Objectives: Cohesion and Inclusive Dialogue
According to his Chief of Staff, the core objectives of Ganduje's political shuttle are twofold. Firstly, it aims to review the evolving political landscape with a keen eye on strengthening internal cohesion and unity within the APC's ranks in Kano and beyond.
Secondly, the move is framed as part of Ganduje's continued commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and constructive engagement within the party structure. By bringing stakeholders together, the former national chairman seeks to ensure the party is strategically positioned to navigate the potential entry of a major political figure like Governor Yusuf and to consolidate its influence in the North-West region.
The outcome of these consultations is eagerly awaited by political observers, as it will likely shape the APC's strategy and response to one of the biggest potential political realignments in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
