Governor Yusuf Dismisses Kwankwaso, Reveals Reason for APC Defection

Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Yusuf has resolved to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), brushing aside opposition from within his political circle.

The development suggests a final break between the governor and his long-time political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as Yusuf moves closer to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Yusuf, who won the Kano governorship election in 2023 on the NNPP platform, was earlier expected to officially join the APC on Monday, January 5, 2026.

However, arrangements for the defection were later shifted to Monday, January 12, further fuelling speculations of intense political calculations behind the move.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the governor is no longer swayed by appeals from Kwankwaso or other NNPP leaders urging him to reconsider his decision.
The disagreement between the two political allies is said to have deepened, making reconciliation unlikely.

The rift is reportedly driven by Yusuf’s growing concern over his political future and the survival of the NNPP ahead of the 2027 polls.

The party has been battling internal disagreements and unresolved leadership issues, which have raised doubts about its strength going into the next election cycle.

“The governor is worried about the instability in the NNPP and the uncertainty surrounding its leadership going into 2027,” a party insider revealed.

Beyond internal party issues, Yusuf is also said to be reacting to shifting power dynamics within Kano politics, particularly the rising influence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau.

“You must be aware that Barau is highly favoured by the APC leadership in Kano and at the national level for the 2027 governorship ticket,” the source said.

“He declared his interest in the Kano governorship long ago and has been working seriously towards it, with strong grassroots support.”

The growing profile of Senator Barau is believed to be a major factor influencing Yusuf’s decision to seek refuge within the APC. There are concerns that retaining the governorship would be difficult if Barau secures the APC ticket in 2027.

“So it is the fear of Barau that is driving Governor Yusuf to the APC. He has weighed his chances and knows he does not stand a chance with Barau contesting on the APC platform,” the source added.

It was also gathered that the governor would not proceed with the defection without clear political guarantees. He is believed to have secured assurances from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top APC leaders regarding the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the next election.

“Yusuf would not be making this move if he had not been assured of the APC ticket,” the source said.

There are also indications that the APC leadership is confident it can manage internal ambitions within the party, including persuading Senator Barau to step aside if necessary.

“Everybody knows Barau, despite his popularity, is not a do-or-die politician. I don’t see him objecting if such a request comes from President Tinubu,” the source noted.