The planned defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a major political puzzle in the state, following growing uncertainty surrounding the move.
The defection, initially pencilled down for the first week of January 2026, was first shifted to January 12, 2026, but has again been stalled as the governor continues wide consultations with National Assembly members, state legislators and key figures within the ruling party.
Findings revealed that the latest delay is linked to the governor’s insistence on securing an automatic ticket for the 2027 governorship election as a condition for joining the APC.
An insider familiar with developments told Daily Post that the leadership of the ruling party has been unable to grant the request and has reportedly placed the matter on hold, pending further consultations.
“The governor does not want to blindly join the APC and then later have people like the former national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, coming up with their own anointed candidate,” the source said.
The source added that Yusuf risks losing the political backing of his godfather and NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, once he defects, making the 2027 race potentially tougher.
“If Kwankwaso had agreed to also follow the governor to the APC, the whole thing would have been easier. But Kwankwaso himself is not ready to move to the APC, at least not yet,” the source stated.
Yusuf Waiting For The Presidential Signal
According to the source, clarity may emerge following the return of President Bola Tinubu, as the governor is said to be awaiting a clear signal from the top.
“Now that Mr President is back, things will become clearer in the coming days. Hopefully, the governor’s request will be granted, but he is not the only governor seeking re-election,” the source added.
The governor’s planned defection has also been linked to deepening internal divisions within the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
The crisis reportedly began after a faction loyal to Kwankwaso changed the party’s logo from the basket of fruits to a book and graduation cap, a move rejected by Yusuf’s camp, which insisted on retaining the original symbol.
The disagreement reportedly spilt into legal battles, throwing the party into further uncertainty and fragmentation.
While Governor Yusuf reportedly enjoys the backing of the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, and some local government chairmen, key figures, including his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and some cabinet members, are said to remain loyal to Kwankwaso.
