Security tightened in Kano as Kwankwaso–Yusuf rift deepens over defection plans

Kano State was gripped by heightened political tension on Monday as security agencies beefed up their presence around the Government House amid an escalating disagreement between the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over an alleged plan by the governor to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Strong indications have emerged that Governor Yusuf, widely regarded as a political protégé of Kwankwaso, is preparing to leave the NNPP for the APC.

Although the defection was earlier expected to happen imminently, reports suggest it has now been shifted to January 12 to allow the governor carry out broader consultations, particularly with members of the Kano State House of Assembly and other key stakeholders.

The development has sparked sharp reactions within the NNPP and the influential Kwankwasiyya political movement.

Speaking on Saturday, Kwankwaso accused Governor Yusuf of plotting to “hand over Kano to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,” whom he claimed the state had previously been “rescued” from.

Ganduje, a former ally of Kwankwaso, fell out with him following the change of political power at the federal level on May 29, 2015.

In response, the governor’s media adviser, Alhaji Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa (popularly known as Alhajiji Nagoda), dismissed claims of disloyalty, insisting that Governor Yusuf still holds Kwankwaso in high esteem.

“We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” Nagoda said.

However, he added that the governor’s proposed move to the APC had become necessary in the interest of the state, expressing optimism that Kwankwaso would eventually lend his support. Nagoda cited security and governance challenges as key reasons behind the contemplated defection.

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“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, it is unfortunate that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf would issue security directives, only for the police to say they are waiting for instructions from someone outside Kano,” he said.

Nagoda also referenced the lingering emirate crisis in the state, recalling an incident in which the convoy of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was reportedly attacked with stones while passing near the Nassarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, resides.

“Such incidents should not happen in a state like Kano,” he said, adding that aligning with the APC could help restore stability and improve the overall well-being of residents.

On Kwankwaso’s opposition to the defection, Nagoda said the governor’s camp was hopeful that the NNPP leader would eventually “soften and lead the way to the APC.”

Meanwhile, the proposed defection has also generated controversy within the APC itself. A prominent APC chieftain in Kano, AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda, alleged that both Yusuf and Kwankwaso were secretly working together on the move.

In a video that circulated widely on social media, Kwamanda claimed that the rift between the two leaders was merely a political strategy.

“Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso,” he said. “Abba respects Kwankwaso to the core, and this is just a political game.”

Kwamanda further alleged that Kwankwaso was deliberately positioning Yusuf within the APC to secure a second term as governor, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP to contest the same office.

“So whoever wins Kano, it’s a win-win for Kwankwaso,” he claimed.