Defection Looms: Kano Gov Yusuf Set to Dump NNPP for APC
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has concluded arrangements to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a major political realignment that could reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Economy, Yusuf Sharada, during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Sharada cited internal challenges within the NNPP and the need to align Kano State with the Federal Government as key factors driving the impending defection.
“There are clear internal issues within the NNPP that have made it difficult for the governor and the movement to effectively pursue their governance and development agenda,” Sharada said.
“More importantly, there is a strong necessity to connect Kano State to the centre in order to attract greater federal presence, partnerships and development opportunities for our people.”
According to him, the decision to move to the APC was informed by strategic considerations aimed at sustaining governance and delivering on the administration’s development vision.
“We need a political platform that will enable us to continue in governance, provide stability, and give us the leverage required to achieve our long-term development plans for Kano State,” he added.
Sharada disclosed that the defection process is already underway and would be completed once all formalities are concluded, stressing that the movement would be total and inclusive.
“This movement will not be partial. It will involve all loyalists of His Excellency, who remains the leader of the NNPP in Kano State. Once the process is completed, the defection will be fully perfected,” he said.
He further revealed that the Kwankwasiyya movement, the dominant political structure behind Governor Yusuf’s rise, is part of the broader arrangement.
While acknowledging the political shift, Sharada maintained that former Kano State Governor and NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, remains a respected figure within the movement.
“Senator Kwankwaso is our political benefactor. He deserves our respect and recognition at all times, regardless of party affiliations,” Sharada noted.
“Party loyalty should not erase history, mentorship, and the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for us.”
Meanwhile, the political space continues to witness intense permutations, with reports emerging from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) suggesting discussions around a possible Obi–Kwankwaso presidential ticket, a development that has further fueled speculation about shifting alliances ahead of the next general election.
Although no official statement has been issued by either Kwankwaso or the ADC on the matter, the talks underscore the growing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Efforts to reach the NNPP leadership for official reaction to Governor Yusuf’s planned defection were unsuccessful as of press time.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
