In a striking political commentary that has sent ripples across Kano State and Nigeria’s broader political landscape, former Governor of Kano State and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a bold warning to Governor Abba Yusuf: his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will ultimately lead to regret.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa released Wednesday morning, Kwankwaso expressed disbelief and deep disappointment over Governor Yusuf’s recent political shift, describing the move as not only unexpected but also a betrayal of the mandate given to him by the people of Kano under the NNPP banner.
“I am aware that many people believe the governor’s defection to the APC was a prearranged deal between us,” Kwankwaso said. “However, I find what is happening hard to believe; it feels like a dream.”
A Sudden Political U-Turn
Last Friday, Abba Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP — the party under whose platform he won the March 2023 governorship election — and on Monday, he officially rejoined the APC in a high-profile ceremony at the Kano Government House. The event was graced by top APC chieftains, including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, whose presence intensified the political symbolism of the moment.
Yusuf’s defection was not a solo act. He brought along his entire cabinet, 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and nine federal lawmakers representing Kano in the House of Representatives. The mass exodus has dealt a significant blow to the NNPP, which had positioned itself as a strong regional alternative to the dominant political parties in northern Nigeria.
The Governor’s Justification
In his defense, Governor Yusuf claimed that his return to the APC was driven by pragmatism. He argued that aligning closely with the federal government — led by President Bola Tinubu of the APC — would enable more effective collaboration and unlock greater resources for Kano’s development.
“The transformation of our critical sectors — social welfare, infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth — requires synergy with the center,” Yusuf stated during the defection ceremony.
But Kwankwaso remains unconvinced. He dismissed the justification as politically convenient and questioned the sincerity behind the move.
“It is disheartening to witness Governor Yusuf divert the NNPP’s mandate and that of the people of Kano toward the Gandujiyya APC without providing a convincing justification,” he said, using a colloquial reference to Ganduje’s growing political machine.
The Shadow of Ganduje
For Kwankwaso, the most troubling aspect of the defection is not just the switch of parties — but which faction of the APC Governor Yusuf has aligned with.
His sharp critique of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje — once a close ally until their fallout in 2015 — was unmistakable. Kwankwaso described Ganduje as a politically weakened figure whose influence in Kano has waned significantly.
“Governor Yusuf is losing ground by allowing Mr. Ganduje to endorse him,” Kwankwaso warned. “Mr. Ganduje lacks political influence. He failed to win for himself in 2019 and again in 2023. The people of Kano are not with him.”
The reference to Ganduje’s electoral failures is strategic. Kwankwaso knows that Ganduje’s tenure as governor ended controversially, and his subsequent loss in the 2023 presidential primary — as well as the NNPP’s success in Kano — signaled a shift in voter sentiment.
Kwankwaso’s continued refusal to return to the APC is largely tied to the ongoing feud with Ganduje, who still commands considerable influence within the party’s northern power structure. This bitter rivalry now stands at the heart of Kano’s political realignment.
Accountability and Self-Reflection
In a rare moment of introspection, Kwankwaso admitted to grappling with questions of accountability within the NNPP.
“Who is at fault?” he asked. “Is it my fault? Is it the party’s fault? Or is it the members? I have yet to find a definitive answer.”
The question reflects not just personal anguish but a broader crisis facing opposition parties in Nigeria — how to maintain cohesion, loyalty, and ideological direction in the face of political inducements and power shifts.
What’s Next for Kano Politics?
Kwankwaso’s warning may prove prophetic. History has shown that defections in Nigerian politics — while often rewarded with short-term perks — can backfire electorally if perceived as self-serving.
Governor Yusuf may currently enjoy the support of the federal machinery, but Kwankwaso believes the people of Kano will remember who gave them their mandate and who broke it.
As the 2027 general elections inch closer, the political terrain in Kano will likely become more volatile. The NNPP, despite this setback, still retains a loyal grassroots base. Meanwhile, the APC — fractured by internal rivalries — may struggle to present a united front.
A Dream Turned Nightmare?
Kwankwaso ended his remarks on a reflective note: “It feels like a dream.” But for many Kano residents watching the drama unfold, it may feel more like déjà vu — a replay of the political flip-flops and betrayals that have long defined Nigerian governance.
Yet, in his characteristic style, Kwankwaso remains undeterred.
“We built this movement with purpose,” he said. “And no defection, no matter how dramatic, can erase the will of the people.”
For Governor Abba Yusuf, the road ahead may be paved with federal support — but if Kwankwaso’s warning holds weight, it could also be a path toward political regret.
