Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s anticipated switch from NNPP to APC has sparked intense political speculation amid mounting doubts.
According to reports, Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection, first set for early January 2026, shifted to January 12 but remains stalled amid ongoing consultations.
Yusuf’s Ticket Demand Delays APC Defection
Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC faces fresh delays due to his demand for an automatic 2027 governorship ticket.
This insistence has stalled negotiations, as the party resists bypassing primaries for key figures like Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Sources highlight the governor’s caution against entering without firm guarantees.
Consultations with National Assembly members, state legislators, and APC leaders continue, reflecting strategic caution amid Kano’s tense politics.
An insider close to the talks revealed to Daily Post that APC leadership cannot grant Governor Yusuf’s automatic ticket request.
APC the ruling party has reportedly paused the matter, awaiting further internal consultations before proceeding.
This reflects resistance to bypassing primaries for the 2027 race.
Ongoing discussions underscore Governor Yusuf’s calculated approach to defection, balancing risks amid APC protocols.
APC Balances Yusuf Demands Against Jibrin Interests
The party carefully evaluates his demands against internal rules and interests of stakeholders like Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, prolonging uncertainty.
“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 warned that Yusuf’s defection could sever ties with his political godfather, NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Losing Kwankwaso’s backing would intensify challenges in the 2027 gubernatorial race, leaving Yusuf more exposed politically.
“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
Sources indicate clarity on Governor Yusuf’s APC defection may come after President Bola Tinubu’s return.
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.
NNPP Divisions Fuel Governor’s Defection
The governor’s planned defection has also been linked to deepening internal divisions within the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
The crisis reportedly ignited when a Kwankwaso-loyal faction altered the NNPP logo from a fruit basket to a book and graduation cap.
The disagreement reportedly spilt into legal battles, throwing the party into further uncertainty and fragmentation.
Governor Yusuf reportedly secures support from Kano State House Speaker Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore and certain local government chairmen.
However, key allies like Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and select cabinet members stay loyal to Kwankwaso, complicating the divide.
