Kano State witnessed a significant but calm political shift on Monday, December 12, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf formally moved from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The transition was marked by the symbolic removal of party flags and a noticeable increase in security across the city.
Symbolic Flag Removal and a Quiet Transition
The most visible sign of the defection was the action of political aides at the Kano State Government House. They were observed taking down the green and white flags of the NNPP from the main entrance. In their place, the aides hoisted the Nigerian national flag. A similar action was carried out at the Deputy Governor's Office, where the NNPP flag was also removed.
Interestingly, no official statement was issued by the governor, his aides, or the state government to confirm the move. A formal ceremony that was expected to mark the occasion did not hold as previously scheduled. Governor Yusuf was also absent from the Government House during these activities.
Changing Attire and Heightened Security Measures
The change in political allegiance was reflected in more than just flags. Several aides within the Government House premises were seen wearing the distinctive "freedom cap" associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This style of cap first appeared at a function on Sunday, attended by the governor and his executive council.
Furthermore, many junior staff members were seen in quiet discussions, notably without their traditional Kwankwasiyya caps. These caps had been a symbolic part of their attire under the NNPP administration led by the party's leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Security was visibly tightened across strategic locations in Kano. A heavy presence of armed operatives and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) was reported, particularly around the Government House, to forestall any potential unrest.
Behind the Defection: Rifts and a Mass Movement
A member of the state executive council, speaking to The Nation, revealed that the governor chose to skip a public ceremony to avoid possible trouble. The official stated, "We are no longer in NNPP. The most important thing about the defection to APC has been done, and others are still ongoing."
The defection is reported to be a mass movement. According to a government official, all 44 local government chairmen in the state and all NNPP members of the State House of Assembly have joined Governor Yusuf in crossing over to the APC.
The governor's decision is rooted in a prolonged rift with the NNPP's national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Sources cite unresolved leadership disputes and multiple internal court cases within the NNPP as key factors behind the switch. Kwankwaso has strongly opposed the defection, maintaining that Yusuf should relinquish his office if he leaves the party.
Following the internal transition, it was gathered that Governor Yusuf is expected to travel abroad with loyal stakeholders to formally brief President Bola Tinubu on the political development.
