Kano Lawmaker Fires Back at Kwankwaso Over Governor Yusuf's Defection to APC
A significant political confrontation has erupted in Kano State following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's reported resignation from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) and his anticipated move to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development has sparked a heated exchange between key political figures, exposing deep-seated tensions within the state's opposition circles.
Madaki's Counterattack on Betrayal Allegations
Honourable Aliyu Sani Madaki, the Deputy House Minority Leader representing Dala Federal Constituency, has launched a strong rebuttal against Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's characterization of Governor Yusuf's political shift. Kwankwaso, the influential leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, had described January 23, 2026 as "World Betrayer Day" in response to Yusuf's departure from the NNPP.
Madaki, who himself left the NNPP in November 2024, responded through a detailed Facebook post written in Hausa. He accused Kwankwaso of political hypocrisy and attempting to rewrite history while ignoring his own controversial political maneuvers.
Recalling the 2019 Political Drama
The lawmaker specifically referenced events from the 2019 general elections, suggesting that Kwankwaso's own actions during that period represented a more significant betrayal. "In my view, 23/02/2019 is the appropriate date to be designated the International Day of Betrayal," Madaki asserted in his social media statement.
Madaki detailed two specific allegations against Kwankwaso:
- Abandoning candidates he had personally nominated following a political agreement with the APC
- Betraying former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to settle scores after his defeat at the People's Democratic Party primary election in Port Harcourt
"This was the same day Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso nominated candidates, whom he later abandoned because of an agreement with the APC," Madaki wrote. "At the same time, he betrayed His Excellency Atiku Abubakar to settle scores over his defeat at the party's primary election."
Political Context and Reactions
The controversy emerged after Governor Yusuf formally announced his resignation from the NNPP on January 23, 2026, amid widespread speculation about his imminent defection to the ruling APC. Kwankwaso addressed supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, acknowledging that the "World Betrayer Day" concept originated from social media commentators who viewed the governor's move as betrayal against the Kwankwasiyya political family.
This exchange highlights the escalating political tensions in Kano State following Yusuf's defection, which continues to generate strong reactions across opposition circles and the broader Nigerian political landscape. Political analysts suggest the controversy could significantly reshape political alliances ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
Broader Implications for Kano Politics
The unfolding drama represents more than just personal political disagreements. It reflects deeper structural challenges within opposition politics in Northern Nigeria, particularly regarding:
- Party loyalty and leadership credibility
- The sustainability of political movements built around individual personalities
- The strategic calculations behind high-profile defections
- The impact of these developments on future electoral outcomes
This political confrontation comes shortly after Governor Yusuf relieved his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo, of his appointment. That move, occurring barely a day after the governor announced his NNPP resignation, further intensified the political tremors shaking Kano State's political establishment.
As the situation continues to develop, observers are closely monitoring how these revelations and counter-accusations will affect political alignments in one of Nigeria's most politically significant states. The exchange between Madaki and Kwankwaso underscores the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where historical grievances and contemporary political calculations often intersect in dramatic fashion.
