In a dramatic turn in Kano State politics, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has reportedly withdrawn his opposition and declared support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The apparent U-turn comes after weeks of public disagreement and internal party tension that had threatened to fracture the NNPP and the influential Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Kwankwaso’s new position contrasts sharply with his earlier stance. Recall that only weeks ago, the former presidential candidate had openly resisted any move by Yusuf and other NNPP officials to align with the ruling APC. He reportedly opened a “loyalty register” at his residence in Kano, urging party faithful to reaffirm their commitment to the NNPP, while also signalling his preference for joining a broader opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rift between Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf, his long-time political protégé, began to widen in late December 2025. During that period, Yusuf secured overwhelming backing from Kano State lawmakers, party executives, and several support groups in favour of defecting to the APC. The growing support effectively isolated Kwankwaso’s position within the state and underscored Yusuf’s firm grip on Kano’s political structure.
Political observers view Yusuf’s planned defection as a strategic calculation aimed at improving Kano’s access to federal resources and strengthening the governor’s political leverage ahead of future elections. However, the move has raised concerns about the future cohesion of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which has long been defined by Kwankwaso’s leadership and ideological influence.
Meanwhile, the NNPP’s national leadership has publicly aligned itself with Governor Yusuf, distancing the party from Kwankwaso. Party officials have reiterated that Kwankwaso was expelled from the NNPP over alleged anti-party activities, a position that further weakened his authority to block Yusuf’s political realignment.
As of yesterday, all indications suggest that Yusuf’s defection is imminent. APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has welcomed the development, describing it as a boost for the ruling party in Kano State, while also taking aim at Kwankwaso’s earlier remarks in which he reportedly branded the APC an “enemy”.
If completed, Yusuf’s defection could significantly reshape Kano’s political landscape, consolidating APC dominance in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states and potentially redefining alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
