Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State is on the verge of defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting resolved political concerns that had delayed Yusuf’s defection, paving the way for a formal announcement expected within days.
The governor’s hesitation in recent weeks was reportedly tied to uncertainty over his political future in the APC, including assurances about his 2027 re-election bid, the fate of his political structure, and the safety of his supporters.
Insiders said those issues were addressed during the three-hour meeting with Tinubu. “He may announce it formally tomorrow or a day after because everything has been resolved,” one source said. “The president wants him in the APC, and the governor also wants to align with the president.”
Yusuf declined to speak with journalists after leaving the Villa, saying only that he “will be back.”
Yusuf’s defection has strained his relationship with NNPP leader and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who has not endorsed the move.
Kwankwaso warned supporters against “poorly planned defections” and insisted that any shift must come with binding guarantees.
“I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must be clearly assured of the future. I will not go to the APC blindly,” Kwankwaso said, stressing the need to protect the Kwankwasiyya movement and its supporters.
APC’s Response
The APC in Kano has welcomed Yusuf’s defection, describing it as a boost ahead of future elections. State secretary Ibrahim Zakari Sarina said arrangements were concluded to receive the governor once the Presidency fixes a date.
“Any addition to our fold strengthens the party. The ultimate goal is to win elections,” Sarina said. On Kwankwaso, he added: “If he decides to come, he is welcome. But all that we don’t want from him is crisis.”
Further confirmation came from lawmaker Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who revealed in a viral video that Tinubu ordered the suspension of APC’s electronic registration in Kano until Yusuf’s defection is formalized.
Among Kwankwasiyya loyalists, reactions have been divided. Some youth mobilisers warned that Yusuf’s move could deepen political divisions, insisting the movement would remain intact under Kwankwaso’s leadership regardless of the governor’s decision.
Former senator Saidu Dansadau cautioned that history does not favor governors who defect for re-election, citing examples of politicians who lost their seats after switching parties. “These are consequences of political betrayal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso is reportedly in talks with opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. A source in his inner circle confirmed discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, Chibuike Amaechi, and the PDP, aimed at building a formidable opposition coalition.
The source also claimed former President Olusegun Obasanjo is backing the movement, adding: “Everybody believes that the current administration is not doing well. Obasanjo is mentioned because he is outspoken.”
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