Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State yesterday made fresh appointments to strengthen his political foothold ahead of the 2027 elections, even as his estranged mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, warned that the governor would regret leaving the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development came on the same day former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, declared his readiness to reconcile with Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso, the NNPP presidential candidate in 2023 and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, described Yusuf’s defection as a betrayal of the highest order. In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, he said the governor’s decision came as a shock to many Nigerians and was difficult for him to accept personally.
“Many people have approached me saying they believe what happened was part of some arrangement between me and him, or between me and those around him. Even I, on several occasions, found it hard to believe that events have unfolded the way they did,” Kwankwaso said.
He expressed confidence that time would reveal the consequences of the defection, insisting that Governor Yusuf and his allies would eventually regret abandoning the NNPP. Kwankwaso said he was particularly disappointed that the governor “handed over the mandate of the NNPP members and the people of Kano to the Gandujiyya political camp” without providing strong justification.
Reflecting on the situation, the NNPP leader said he often asked himself who was at fault, himself, the party, or party members, but has not found a clear answer. He added that the reasons given by Yusuf for defecting were issues that could have been resolved through dialogue and cooperation.
Kwankwaso’s comments underscore the deep political tensions in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections, as both parties continue to consolidate support in the state, highlighting the ongoing struggle for influence between former allies.
