Political realignment in Kano State has reached its climax as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf finalises his move to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The formal declaration is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, following extensive consultations across the state.
From Postponement to Final Decision
The governor's planned defection, which was initially set for January 5, was postponed to allow for broader discussions. A senior member of the Kano State Executive Council, who confirmed the development on Sunday, stated that the governor has now concluded talks with political leaders, party stakeholders, and members of the electorate.
The source, a commissioner, explicitly said, "Yes, of course, the governor is joining APC tomorrow (Monday) with all his NNPP supporters." This move has generated significant excitement within the Kano chapter of the APC, which has been mobilised to receive the governor and his supporters.
Key Figures and Internal Party Crisis
The defection is set to include a significant bloc of NNPP officials. Governor Yusuf is expected to be joined by all local government chairmen in the state and NNPP members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
A primary driver for this political shift is the internal crisis within the NNPP. Governor Yusuf and other elected officials have cited internal leadership disputes and ongoing court cases as major concerns. They fear these issues could threaten their mandates, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that previously invalidated a party's victories in Zamfara State.
The move has, however, drawn strong opposition from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP and founder of the Kwankwasiyya movement. Kwankwaso has reportedly insisted that Governor Yusuf should vacate his office if he proceeds with the defection, deepening divisions within the party.
Ganduje's Role and APC's Welcome
Former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, returned to Nigeria from Dubai on Sunday and is expected to play a prominent role in welcoming Yusuf into the ruling party. Ganduje, alongside the Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, had earlier extended a formal invitation to Yusuf, assuring him of cooperation and support within the APC structure.
Governor Yusuf, who was elected on the NNPP platform associated with Kwankwaso, is said to believe that joining the APC will strengthen his administration and accelerate development efforts in Kano State. He reportedly feels more politically secure within the more stable national party.
The defection marks a major seismic shift in the political landscape of Nigeria's most populous state, with potential ramifications for future elections and the balance of power at both the state and national levels.
