A FRESH political crisis has erupted in Kano State following sharp disagreements between the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over alleged coercion of government officials to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
News Point Nigeria reports that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and national leader of the NNPP, on Wednesday accused the Kano State Government of forcing state officials and elected local government chairmen to sign documents signalling their defection to the ruling APC.
In a swift rebuttal, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, dismissed the allegation, insisting that participation in any defection process was entirely voluntary and not limited to government officials.
Speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday, Waiya said the claims were misleading.
“What exactly happened is that our party is asking everybody—not only government officials—who are willingly ready to join APC to do so,” he said. “But nobody is being compelled, contrary to what has been reported.”
Kwankwaso, however, maintained his position in a statement posted on his verified social media platforms, describing reports reaching him on the matter as “deeply disturbing.”
“I have received several reports—some good and some very terrible—indicating that the Kano State Government is compelling state officials and elected local government chairmen to sign documents either in support of Gandujiyya or Kwankwasiyya,” he alleged.
He described the reported development as disheartening, warning that it was unfortunate for any government to descend to such practices.
“Our supporters should not take this lightly. It is very disturbing that a government would go so low,” Kwankwaso said.
Despite the allegations, the NNPP leader advised affected local government chairmen and councillors to comply with the directive if necessary, in order to avoid victimisation.
“Since it has reached this level, those being forced to sign the document may go ahead and do so in order not to be victimised by the government,” he added.
Kwankwaso also expressed gratitude to supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement for what he described as their steadfastness and continued loyalty amid the unfolding political uncertainty.
The disagreement comes against the backdrop of sustained speculation that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be preparing to defect from the NNPP to the APC ahead of the next general elections.
Yusuf, who was elected governor in 2023 on the NNPP platform, is widely regarded as a political protégé of Kwankwaso. However, persistent defection rumours have reportedly strained relations between both men and heightened internal tensions within the ruling party in Kano State.
Amid the uncertainty, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Kwankwaso.
News Point Nigeria gathered that Gwarzo, who returned to the country on Tuesday night after performing the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, paid a courtesy visit to Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence in Kano shortly after his arrival.
Sources close to the deputy governor said the visit was aimed at reassuring Kwankwaso of his continued allegiance to the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
“One of the key reasons for the visit was to personally reaffirm the deputy governor’s loyalty and commitment to the party and its ideology,” a party source disclosed.
Further findings revealed that other senior party figures have also thrown their weight behind Kwankwaso. They include the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata; the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Governor, Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso; and the factional chairman of the NNPP in Kano State, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa.
A senior NNPP official said the show of support sends a strong message amid the ongoing defection speculation.
“This is a clear message that key figures within the government and the party remain firmly with Kwankwaso despite the rumours,” the official said.
Although Governor Yusuf has not publicly confirmed any intention to defect, political observers say the sustained speculation has exposed deepening divisions within the NNPP, with rival factions intensifying consultations ahead of possible political realignments.