The political landscape of Kano State appears set for a major realignment as indications emerge that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be preparing to sever ties with his longtime political mentor and benefactor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Fresh findings suggest that the governor is finalising plans to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on or before January 6, 2026. Should the defection materialise, it would leave the NNPP without a single sitting governor across the country, dealing a significant blow to the party’s national standing and political relevance.
Sources familiar with the unfolding situation disclosed that Governor Yusuf’s reported decision is largely driven by fears of being denied the NNPP governorship ticket for a second term in the 2027 elections.
According to insiders, influential figures within the Kwankwasiyya political movement have allegedly prevailed on Senator Kwankwaso to replace Yusuf as the party’s preferred candidate when the next election cycle begins.
The faction, described by sources as a “Kwankwasiyya cabal,” is said to include the deputy governor, a serving senator, the governor’s political adviser, the NNPP state chairman and a serving commissioner. The growing influence of this group, insiders claim, has significantly widened the rift between Yusuf and Kwankwaso, pushing their once-formidable alliance to what many observers now consider a breaking point.
Although the relationship between the two leaders was once central to the NNPP’s success in Kano, sources say cracks began to appear as early as 2024. Tensions reportedly escalated after Governor Yusuf allegedly moved to confront corruption involving individuals perceived to be close to his political godfather.
Investigations identified three major controversies that deepened the mistrust between both camps, with the most contentious being the NOVOMED procurement case. The matter reportedly involved the alleged supply of drugs to Kano State’s 44 local government areas without the governor’s approval.
Governor Yusuf was said to have directed the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission to probe the deal. However, the investigation, which allegedly implicated the deputy governor and a nephew of Senator Kwankwaso, is reported to have stalled, further aggravating tensions and eroding confidence between the two power blocs.
Political analysts say the handling of the case reinforced the governor’s belief that entrenched interests loyal to Kwankwaso were working to undermine his authority and weaken his grip on the party structure ahead of 2027.
If Governor Yusuf eventually defects to the APC, analysts believe the move would significantly alter Kano’s political dynamics, weaken the hold of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the state, and give the ruling party a strategic boost ahead of the next general elections.
Neither Governor Yusuf nor Senator Kwankwaso has publicly confirmed the reported fallout or the planned defection.
However, insiders insist that behind-the-scenes negotiations and political calculations are already at an advanced stage, suggesting that a formal political separation between Kano’s two most influential figures may soon become a reality.