Strong indications have emerged that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may soon defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following weeks of speculation and intense political manoeuvring behind closed doors.
Multiple sources familiar with developments at the Presidential Villa told Kano Times that the governor’s much-talked-about defection has moved beyond rumours and is now at an advanced stage, with only final logistics and timing left to be decided.
According to a highly placed source at the Villa who spoke on condition of anonymity, Governor Yusuf recently held a crucial meeting with the President, during which key issues surrounding his possible entry into the ruling party were discussed and resolved.
“Everything regarding the governor’s defection has been concluded. The President has given his green light,” the source disclosed. “What remains is the formal meeting and clear assurances ahead of his second-term ambition under the APC platform.”
The source added that the discussions went beyond mere party switching and touched on political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the ruling party’s strategy to consolidate its influence in Kano, one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.
Another source close to the Kano State Government corroborated this account, insisting that the governor’s decision is now irreversible.
“There is no going back,” the source said. “If you are closely following recent political events in Kano, you will understand that the relationship between the governor and his political godfather has seriously deteriorated.”
Although the source declined to be quoted directly on record, political observers in the state point to Governor Yusuf’s strained relationship with his long-time mentor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya political movement as a major factor driving the looming defection.
Insiders allege that tensions between both men have deepened in recent months over disagreements about control of the party structure and succession plans ahead of the 2027 elections. One of the most damaging rumours, according to sources, is the belief within Governor Yusuf’s camp that the Kwankwasiyya movement is considering replacing him with another candidate in the next governorship race.
“The governor feels politically vulnerable,” a senior political figure in Kano told Kano Times. “There is a perception that forces within his own political family are already working against his second-term ambition. That fear has pushed him to explore a safer political platform.”
Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Yusuf has had to navigate a turbulent political landscape, including prolonged legal battles over his election victory and intense rivalry between the NNPP and the APC in Kano State. While the governor eventually survived these challenges, sources say the experience reinforced his belief that remaining in opposition at the federal level could expose him to further political risks.
Analysts note that President Tinubu’s APC has aggressively courted opposition governors since taking power, with the aim of strengthening its national dominance and weakening rival parties ahead of 2027. A potential defection by the Kano governor would be a major political win for the ruling party, given Kano’s voting strength and strategic importance in northern politics.
“This is not just about Abba Yusuf,” said a political analyst based in Abuja. “For the APC, capturing Kano is symbolic and strategic. For the governor, joining the ruling party offers protection, influence at the centre, and a smoother path to re-election.”
Recent developments within Kano’s political space appear to lend credence to these claims. Observers have noted the governor’s increasing engagement with federal officials, a softer tone towards the APC-controlled federal government, and a visible reduction in public appearances with leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
While neither the Kano State Government nor the NNPP leadership has officially commented on the reports, party insiders privately admit that internal tensions have reached an unprecedented level. Some NNPP loyalists fear that the governor’s defection could effectively dismantle the party’s structure in Kano, where it currently derives most of its national relevance.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the APC were unsuccessful as of the time of compiling this report. However, party sources hinted that preparations are underway to formally receive the governor and his supporters should the defection materialise.
For many residents of Kano, the unfolding political drama raises questions about governance, loyalty, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Civil society voices have also expressed concern that frequent defections driven by personal political survival rather than ideology weaken democratic accountability.
As the countdown to 2027 gradually begins, all eyes are now on Governor Abba Yusuf. Whether he officially crosses over to the APC in the coming days or weeks, one thing appears certain: Kano’s political landscape is on the brink of another major realignment.
