Arrangements Finalised in Kano For Governor Yusuf’s Defection to APC
- Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf is set to defect from the NNPP to the APC after concluding consultations with key stakeholders across the state
- The planned defection, earlier postponed to widen consultations, has generated excitement within the Kano APC and opposition from NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
- Yusuf is expected to defect alongside local government chairmen and NNPP lawmakers, citing internal crises and court cases within the NNPP as key concerns
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Kano state - Arrangements have been concluded in Kano state ahead of the planned defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A member of the Kano State Executive Council confirmed on Sunday that the governor is expected to formally join the APC on Monday, following what was described as extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the state.
The defection was initially scheduled for January 5 but was postponed to allow for broader consultations, particularly with National Assembly members from the state, in order to secure wider support for the move.
Source: Facebook
A member of the state executive council confirmed the development to The Nation on Sunday, January 11.
According to the source, the Kano chapter of the APC has been mobilised to receive the governor, who reportedly concluded discussions with political leaders, party stakeholders and members of the electorate before finalising his decision.
““Yes, of course, the governor is joining APC tomorrow (Monday) with all his NNPP supporters,” the source, who is a commissioner said.
Former Kano state governor and immediate past national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, returned to the country from Dubai on Sunday and is expected to play a prominent role in welcoming Yusuf into the ruling party.
Ganduje, alongside the Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, had reportedly extended a formal invitation to Yusuf on behalf of influential party leaders in the state, assuring him of cooperation and support within the APC structure.
Source: Facebook
Kwankwaso opposes Abba's move to APC
Governor Yusuf, who was elected on the NNPP platform associated with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is said to have decided to defect in a bid to strengthen his administration and accelerate development efforts in the state.
However, the move has reportedly drawn opposition from Kwankwaso, a factional leader of the NNPP, who has insisted that Yusuf should vacate his office if he proceeds with the defection.
The disagreement has further deepened divisions within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano.
Sources said the governor is expected to defect alongside all local government chairmen in the state and NNPP members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Yusuf was also said to feel more politically secure within the APC, citing internal leadership disputes and ongoing court cases within the NNPP, which he believes could threaten his mandate.
Kano Assembly explains why gov Yusuf may dump NNPP
Legit.ng earlier reported that Kano lawmakers said internal court battles within the NNPP had made it politically unsafe for Governor Abba Yusuf and other elected officials to remain in the party.
The Assembly warned that unresolved leadership disputes could invalidate future nominations, citing the Supreme Court ruling that cost a party its victories in Zamfara.
Legislators confirmed they had engaged Governor Yusuf and Rabiu Kwankwaso on a possible strategic defection to a more stable political platform
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
