KANO – Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to formally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, January 12, 2026, in a move that has fractured his relationship with his political godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The planned defection, backed by a majority of the state’s NNPP lawmakers, marks a significant political realignment aimed at securing the governor’s re-election ticket and strengthening the APC’s hold in the North-West ahead of the 2027 polls.
Governor Yusuf’s departure has ignited a bitter feud with Senator Kwankwaso, who leads the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement. Kwankwaso has labelled the governor a “betrayer,” warning that no one leaves the movement without consequences. In response, Governor Yusuf has asserted his belief in “action, not talk.”
Former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has intervened, defending Yusuf’s right to defect and reminding Kwankwaso of his own past defection from the PDP to the APC with the governorship seat. “Governor Abba Yusuf is only following your footsteps,” Shekarau stated.
The governor is scheduled to meet with APC leaders, including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, to finalise the move. Upon defection, he is expected to obtain his APC membership card from his ward.
Sources within the Kano Government House indicate that a major cabinet reshuffle is imminent following the defection, with several commissioners loyal to Kwankwaso likely to be dropped. Those speculated to be affected include the Commissioners for Science and Technology, Internal Security, and Youth and Sports.
The state’s NNPP chapter is now deeply polarised, with parallel executives and court cases, creating uncertainty reminiscent of the pre-election legal crises in Zamfara State.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on statements from political figures, party officials, and insider sources. The situation remains fluid as events are scheduled to unfold.
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