KANO – The political landscape in Kano State has erupted into open warfare following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to the APC, with his former mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, vowing the governor will “regret” the move, while ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje extended an olive branch for reconciliation.
In a fiery interview on Wednesday, Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya movement, described Governor Yusuf’s exit as a “betrayal of the highest order.” He dismissed the governor’s reasons for leaving and predicted serious political challenges ahead.
“I can assure you, he will regret it. Even if he does not return, he will regret it,” Kwankwaso stated, confident that time would reveal the consequences of “handing over the mandate of the people to the Gandujiyya political camp.”
In a contrasting move, former Governor Ganduje, now a national leader of the APC, declared he was open to reconciling with his long-time rival. “As a Muslim, there is no person you would say you don’t want to reconcile with… we are brothers,” Ganduje said in a separate interview.
Amidst the verbal salvos, Governor Yusuf moved to consolidate his new position within the APC, announcing a fresh round of six strategic appointments and promotions across key state agencies, including the Water Resources and Road Maintenance agencies.
The developments signal the beginning of a fierce battle for control of Kano’s political soul ahead of the 2027 elections, with the governor digging in and his former allies now positioned as his chief adversaries.
Read more on the defection: Gov. Yusuf Defects to APC with 31 Lawmakers
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Disclaimer: This report details the political statements and maneuvers of key figures in Kano State. The predictions and accusations are part of an ongoing, highly charged political realignment.
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