Political tensions are mounting in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a fierce battle with his political benefactor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Yusuf’s move effectively stripped the NNPP of its only governed state and signaled a dramatic rupture within the Kwankwasiyya movement. In his resignation letter, the governor cited persistent internal crises, unresolved leadership disputes, protracted court cases, and deep divisions within the party, arguing that remaining in the NNPP would no longer serve Kano’s best interest.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, described the defection as a historic betrayal, declaring January 23 as a “Betrayal Day.” He insisted that Yusuf’s public alignment with former governor Abdullahi Ganduje would cost him re-election in 2027, arguing that Ganduje’s political influence does not resonate with Kano voters.
The APC swiftly countered, maintaining that Ganduje’s endorsement has historically translated into electoral victories. The party expressed confidence that Yusuf would retain his seat under its platform, citing performance and the popularity of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
NNPP stakeholders, including Buba Galadima and National Youth Leader Auwal Musa Muhammad, dismissed the defection as politically motivated and insisted the party structure remains loyal to Kwankwaso. They argued that Yusuf’s political rise was rooted in the Kwankwasiyya movement and warned of electoral consequences in 2027.
The Kano State Government, however, rejected claims that Yusuf’s political survival depends on godfather backing, asserting that his re-election prospects rest on governance performance and public trust.
Recent separate visits by both Kwankwaso and Yusuf to the Singer Market following a fire incident underscored their enduring grassroots influence, as both received warm receptions from supporters—an indication that the 2027 contest may ultimately be decided by the electorate’s shifting loyalties.
