Kano on the Brink: Abba Yusuf’s Planned Defection to APC and a Deputy Governor’s Impeachment Rock the State’s Political Landscape

Kano State is bracing for what could become one of the most consequential political shake-ups in its recent history, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is reportedly preparing to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, expected to take place in the first week of January according to reports by Daily Nigerian, is already sending shockwaves through the political establishment of the state, redefining alliances, straining long-standing loyalties, and igniting intense debates about power, ideology, and political survival.

Governor Yusuf’s anticipated defection is significant not only because of his position as Kano’s sitting governor, but also because of the unique political journey that brought him to office. Elected on the platform of the NNPP, Yusuf rode to power under the shadow and influence of former Kano governor and NNPP national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Kwankwaso’s political machinery, popularly known as the “Kwankwasiyya Movement,” was widely credited for Yusuf’s victory in the fiercely contested 2023 governorship election. That history makes the reported defection particularly dramatic, as it is said to be taking place without Kwankwaso’s consent or support, a development that has exposed deep cracks within the NNPP’s Kano power structure.

At the heart of Yusuf’s political leverage is his strong grip on the Kano State House of Assembly. Out of the 27 NNPP lawmakers elected into the assembly, the governor reportedly controls 25, following the deaths of two members. This numerical advantage gives him considerable influence over legislative proceedings and provides a crucial safety net as he navigates a risky political transition. With the APC already commanding significant national power and institutional backing, Yusuf’s move could dramatically tilt Kano’s political balance in favor of the ruling party, effectively weakening the NNPP in one of its most important strongholds.

Political analysts say the defection, if it happens as reported, underscores the fluid nature of party loyalty in Nigeria’s political system, where ideological consistency often takes a back seat to strategic positioning. Kano, a state with a long history of being a political battleground, has frequently witnessed dramatic realignments, defections, and shifting alliances. Yusuf’s reported move appears to fit squarely into that tradition, especially as political actors quietly begin positioning themselves ahead of future electoral contests.

The tension surrounding the defection has been compounded by reports of an imminent impeachment move against the deputy governor, Aminu Abdulsalam. According to sources, Governor Yusuf has already initiated steps to remove his deputy from office, a development widely interpreted as part of a broader strategy to realign the state’s executive leadership in line with his anticipated switch to the APC. Abdulsalam, who was elected on the same NNPP ticket as Yusuf, is believed to be out of sync with the governor’s current political direction, making his position increasingly untenable.

In what many observers describe as a calculated political maneuver, the impeachment of the deputy governor is said to be aimed at clearing the path for Murtala Sule-Garo, the APC’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election, to assume the position. Sule-Garo is a known political figure within APC circles in Kano, and his emergence as deputy governor would symbolically and practically cement Yusuf’s new political alignment. While the legal and constitutional hurdles involved in such a transition remain complex, the mere discussion of this possibility has intensified political anxiety within the state.

The reported impeachment plan has raised concerns about the use of legislative power to settle political scores or enforce loyalty, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Critics argue that removing an elected deputy governor primarily for political convenience undermines democratic principles and the mandate given by voters. Supporters, however, insist that politics is ultimately about alignment and trust, and that a governor must be free to work with a deputy who shares his vision and political direction.

Rabiu Kwankwaso’s reported rejection of Yusuf’s planned defection has added another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. As a former governor and influential national figure, Kwankwaso remains a central force in Kano politics, commanding a loyal grassroots following. His opposition to Yusuf’s move could trigger a fierce political confrontation, potentially splitting the NNPP base and setting the stage for a prolonged struggle for relevance and control in the state. For many supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Yusuf’s alleged decision is seen as a betrayal of the political ideology and grassroots momentum that brought him to power.

Within APC circles, however, the mood is reportedly more celebratory than cautious. Kano has long been considered a prized political territory due to its large population and voting strength. Securing a sitting governor from an opposition party would not only boost APC’s dominance in the North-West but also deal a symbolic blow to rival parties seeking to challenge the ruling party’s national influence. For APC strategists, Yusuf’s defection could be a masterstroke that reshapes the political map ahead of future elections.

As news of the possible defection and impeachment continues to spread, political observers in Kano are closely watching the reactions of key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and the general public. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive, as formal announcements, legislative actions, and possible court challenges could either confirm or derail the reported plans. What remains clear is that Kano State is entering a period of heightened political tension, with outcomes that could reverberate far beyond its borders.

For now, the state stands at a crossroads, with Governor Abba Yusuf’s next move poised to redefine not only his political future but also the balance of power in one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states. Whether the reported defection and impeachment will proceed smoothly or spark deeper political turmoil remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kano’s political story is once again at the center of national attention.