Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has secured the backing of a majority of elected officials, party executives, and key support groups in the state ahead of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s proposed exit from the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) is expected to bring an end to his decades-long political alliance with former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso, who is strongly opposed to the move, has reportedly opened a “loyalty register” at his Miller Road residence for elected officials and support groups who intend to remain with the NNPP.
However, political observers say Governor Yusuf has drawn significant support from within the Kwankwasiyya movement, describing the unfolding development as a “palace coup.”
Supporters of the defection argue that the governor is seeking to free his administration from Kwankwaso’s influence in order to independently address Kano State’s development challenges, while critics have described the move as the “ultimate betrayal” of a long political struggle.
Findings show that Senator Rufa’i Hanga (Kano Central) and several members of the House of Representatives — Mukhtar Yarima, Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado, Umar Yusuf Datti, and Sani Wakili — have declared loyalty to Kwankwaso.
Despite this, Governor Yusuf is said to enjoy the support of about 21 members of the House of Representatives, including some APC lawmakers. An APC lawmaker, Ado Doguwa, has publicly declared his party’s support for the governor.
At the Kano State House of Assembly, the governor reportedly commands the support of the majority of NNPP lawmakers, while a few legislators have remained loyal to the Kwankwaso camp.
Sources also indicate that all 44 local government chairpersons, their deputies, and ward executives across the state have aligned with the governor, alongside grassroots Kwankwasiyya groups and a PDP splinter group known as “Option A.”
The defection, initially expected in early January, was reportedly postponed to allow for further consultations aimed at ensuring a “clean break” from the NNPP.
Political analysts warn that the NNPP risks losing its main power base in Kano if Governor Yusuf completes the move ahead of the 2027 general elections.
