In a major political shift, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf is set to formally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move, scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, marks the end of his long-standing political alliance with his mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Governor Yusuf, the only NNPP governor in Nigeria, is already in Abuja for final preparations. High-level APC figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and National Chairman Yitwalda Nentawe, are expected to host him.
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Sources indicate that the defection was initially met with hesitation from President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly preferred a joint defection involving Kwankwaso.
However, after Kwankwaso declined, Governor Hope Uzodinma successfully persuaded the President to accept Yusuf’s individual move.
Key details regarding the transition include:
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Ganduje’s Return: APC leader in Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje, was recalled from a trip to Dubai to facilitate the move.
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Membership Registration: Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas cut short a religious trip to oversee the issuance of a membership card to the Governor at his Diso Ward.
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Caucus Support: Several local government caucuses in Kano have already held meetings, signaling their readiness to follow the Governor into the ruling party.
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The decision has caused a “sharp disagreement” and a “backlash” within the Kwankwasiyya movement. While some members are following the Governor, others have reaffirmed their absolute loyalty to Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso has publicly addressed the rumors of betrayal:“I want to remind those who left us that nobody has betrayed us and succeeded. Political history is very clear on this matter. Those who think they can rise by betraying the people and the movement they came from should reflect deeply.”
He further emphasized that the strength of the movement lies in the masses:“I am not disturbed by these developments. What matters most is the support of the masses, not the movement of a few politicians who are chasing personal interests.”
The NNPP State Chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, echoed this sentiment, describing the planned exit as a “gross betrayal of the party’s trust.”
While the defection was originally rumored for Monday, January 5, it has been pushed back by one week to January 12.
A source close to the Governor revealed:“Yusuf wants to further engage a few remaining state legislators and other key stakeholders who are yet to fully align with the proposed political move.”
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