KANO State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to formally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant political realignments in the state since the 2023 general elections.
A member of the Kano State Executive Council confirmed the development to News Point Nigeria early Monday morning, disclosing that the governor has concluded extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the state ahead of the planned defection.
“Yes, of course, the governor is joining the APC today (Monday) with all his NNPP supporters,” the commissioner said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
According to party sources, the APC in Kano is already in a celebratory mood as arrangements have been finalised to receive the governor and his supporters.
The defection date was initially scheduled for January 5 but was later shifted to allow for broader consultations and to secure the commitment of critical stakeholders, particularly Kano’s National Assembly members.
The move is expected to significantly alter the political landscape of Kano State, with Governor Yusuf reportedly decamping alongside all chairmen of local government councils in the state as well as NNPP members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, returned to Nigeria from Dubai on Sunday to be part of the defection ceremony.
Ganduje, alongside the Kano APC State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and other influential party leaders, had earlier extended an official invitation to Governor Yusuf, assuring him of full cooperation and support within the party.
Governor Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of the NNPP under the political influence of the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is believed to have opted for the APC in a bid to strengthen his administration and accelerate development efforts in the state.
Sources close to the governor said the decision was also informed by lingering leadership crises and unresolved court cases rocking the NNPP, which Yusuf reportedly views as a potential threat to his mandate.
However, the planned defection has triggered sharp opposition from Kwankwaso, the factional leader of the NNPP and founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Kwankwaso has openly kicked against the move, insisting that Yusuf should vacate his office if he chooses to defect to another party.
The disagreement has further deepened divisions within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya political structure, effectively splitting the movement into opposing camps.
