Signs are emerging that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State is preparing a major cabinet reshuffle, with a 60/40 power-sharing formula expected to guide the reconstitution of the State Executive Council, political sources said.
Sources within the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) told Kano Times on condition of anonymity that consultations on the reshuffle were “at an advanced stage,” with the formula designed to reflect the new political reality following the governor’s defection to the ruling party.
A senior party official said the arrangement was meant to “harmonise the government structure with the new political reality in the state.” The source added, “The talks are serious and ongoing. The 60/40 formula mentioned during the defection event is central to the discussions.”
According to insiders, the arrangement also extends to local government representation. Under the proposed formula, 60 per cent of political appointments and influence in certain councils will go to the new APC members aligned with Governor Yusuf, while 40 per cent will remain with the old APC camp led by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Barau Jibrin.
A political analyst in Kano, Malam Usman Balarabe, told Kano Times, “It is not unusual for such reshuffles to accompany defections. The governor needs a team that reflects his new political alignment, especially with elections approaching.”
Local governments expected to favour the new APC members include Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai, Bunkure, Dala, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garko, Garin Malam, Gaya, Gezawa, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Kibiya, Kiru, Kumbotso, Kura, Madobi, Makoda, Minjibir, Nassarawa, Rimin Gado, Rogo, Tarauni, Tofa, Tudun Wada, Ungogo, and Wudil.
Those likely to remain under the old APC influence include Bebeji, Bichi, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Ghari, Gwarzo, Kabo, Rano, Shanono, Sumaila, Takai, Tsanyawa, and Warawa.
Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC was marked by a high-profile event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, former Governor Ganduje, and other national party leaders. Analysts say the move signals a strategic consolidation ahead of future elections.
Another insider said, “The governor is keen on balancing political interests with competence. It’s about sending a message that APC is united under his leadership in the state.”
Multiple sources told Kano Times that while no official list has been released, several commissioners and key political appointees could be affected if the reshuffle takes place.
A former commissioner, who requested anonymity, said, “People should expect surprises. Positions will be realigned to reflect the new reality. Some will stay, some will go, and some may even be redeployed.”
Political observers noted that cabinet adjustments are common after high-profile defections, particularly when governors join the ruling party at the federal level.
Malam Shehu Abdullahi, a political commentator in Kano, said, “It is a calculated move to consolidate power and maintain harmony among different party factions.”
