Political tensions have reached a breaking point in Kano State as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made an irrevocable decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), creating a significant rift with his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, and his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Defection and Division
Last-minute efforts to prevent a major political fallout between Governor Yusuf and the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, have completely failed. The governor has firmly stated that his move to the ruling APC is final. This decision places him in the same party as Kwankwaso's estranged political ally, Abdullahi Ganduje, a scenario all previous entreaties could not prevent.
In a dramatic twist, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo has chosen to remain loyal to Kwankwaso and the NNPP, risking imminent impeachment by refusing to follow the governor to the APC. This split at the very top of the Kano State government underscores the depth of the political crisis.
Kwankwaso's Cautious Stance and Stringent Conditions
While indicating an interest in joining the APC, Rabiu Kwankwaso has adopted a highly cautious approach, demanding clear written agreements before any defection. He clarified that his hesitation is not due to opposition to the ruling party but stems from past political experiences where his camp was sidelined after helping to form a government.
Kwankwaso insists he will not "walk blindly into the APC." He demands clear assurances regarding the future of the Kano government structure, the fate of NNPP lawmakers, and the protection of his supporters' interests. "I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey, and the fate of our plans for the common people," he stated during a meeting with supporters.
The APC has reportedly pushed the decision on Kwankwaso's stringent conditions to President Bola Tinubu for final resolution.
Political Repercussions and Realignments
The governor's defection is set to drastically alter the political dynamics in Kano. It is expected to significantly reduce Kwankwaso's influence in the state, which is a key political battleground. President Tinubu has agreed to formally receive Governor Yusuf and other prominent Kano politicians into the APC upon his return from the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE.
As part of the harmonization plan, Governor Yusuf is poised to control 60% of the Kano APC structure, with the remaining 40% going to existing party members. This move consolidates Tinubu's foothold in the north ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection has also caused turmoil within the Kwankwasiyya movement. While a faction under the 'Kwankwasiyya Rebirth' banner has chosen to follow Yusuf to the APC, other key loyalists and the deputy governor vow to stay put. Kwankwaso revealed the distress the situation has caused among his appointees, with some reportedly hospitalized and others losing sleep over the dilemma.
Despite Kwankwaso's directive for his loyal appointees to conditionally accept Yusuf's realignment to ease tension, the fundamental split marks a pivotal moment in Kano's political history, with consequences that will unfold in the coming months.
