Political tension escalated in Kano State as security operatives mounted heavy presence around the Government House following disagreements between the New Nigeria Peoples Party leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the latter’s planned defection.
Strong indications emerged that Yusuf, widely regarded as Kwankwaso’s political protégé, is set to dump the NNPP for the All Progressives Congress.
Sources disclosed that the defection, initially scheduled for an earlier date, has been postponed to January 12 to enable the governor conduct extensive consultations, particularly with members of the state House of Assembly.
Speaking over the weekend, Kwankwaso accused the governor of scheming to “hand over Kano to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje”, claiming the state had earlier been rescued from his grip.
Ganduje, who was once Kwankwaso’s close political associate, parted ways with him following the change of administration on May 29, 2015.
However, the governor’s media adviser, Alhajiji Nagoda, in his response, insisted that Yusuf still holds Kwankwaso in high esteem.
“We still respect and regard Kwankwaso as our political leader,” he said.
Nagoda nonetheless maintained that the governor’s decision to join the APC had become imperative, expressing optimism that Kwankwaso would eventually endorse the move.
“As the Chief Security Officer in Kano, it is unfortunate that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf would give security directives, and the police would say they are waiting for directives from someone outside Kano,” he said.
The media aide also referenced the unresolved emirate tussle in the state.
“There was a time when the convoy of Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was passing through Nassarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, is housed, and some miscreants stoned the convoy,” he said.
He argued that such incidents ought not to occur, noting that joining the APC could facilitate stability and enhance the welfare of Kano residents.
Regarding Kwankwaso’s resistance to the defection plan, Nagoda stated, “We are praying that he softens and leads the way to the APC.”
The proposed defection has, however, generated controversy within the APC itself.
A leading APC chieftain in the state, AbdulMajid DanBilki Kwamanda, alleged that both Yusuf and Kwankwaso were secretly orchestrating the move in tandem.
In a video clip obtained by DAILY POST, Kwamanda declared, “Nothing but death will wedge in between Abba and Kwankwaso.”
He added, “Abba respects Kwankwaso to the core, and this is just a political game.”
Kwamanda claimed, “Kwankwaso is sending Abba to the APC to secure a second term, while his deputy, Comrade Aminu AbdulSalam, remains in the NNPP and will contest. So whoever wins Kano, it’s a win-win for Kwankwaso.”
The APC stalwart further alleged that Ganduje was complicit in the defection arrangement as part of a larger scheme to prevent Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin from participating in the 2027 elections.
The unfolding drama has fragmented the Kwankwasiyya political movement, with one camp condemning Governor Yusuf for alleged treachery, while another faction backs his contemplated switch to the APC.