No elected official would be as foolish right now as those planning to join the APC,” Senator Hanga
After years of high-profile meetings characterized by indecision from NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, President Bola Tinubu has opted to disrupt the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in its Kano stronghold. This presidential action has triggered serious political turmoil within the Kwankwassiya structure, as Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf prepares to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), along with his supporters in NNPP.
Sources indicate that, unless there is a last-minute change of heart, the APC is poised to secure its most significant catch yet amid the ongoing wave of defections it has orchestrated to facilitate Tinubu’s 2027 re-election strategy, with the Kano Governor’s planned defection reportedly at an advanced stage. Kano, being the state with the highest voter turnout in the nation, holds particular importance in Nigeria’s electoral calculus and is a coveted target for any presidential aspirant.
In light of the stalemate with Kwankwaso, the APC leadership has shifted its focus to the Kano State governor, who, eager to ensure his re-election in 2027, has shown willingness to consider the proposition.
Sensing the open window, APC operatives have exerted pressure and offered enticing incentives to the governor, ultimately persuading him to agree to defect.
Reports suggest that Yusuf has been attempting to convince his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join the APC, believing that this move is essential for securing a second term, especially with the upcoming 2027 electoral contest on the horizon.
Additionally, it has been reported that the governor has been advocating for Kwankwaso to accompany him in defecting to the APC, convinced that this is a clear path to ensure his re-election and maintain the political legacy of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
It is evident that the leadership of the APC initially approached Kwankwaso in an effort to persuade him to join the ruling party.
Regrettably, after extensive negotiations and with Kwankwaso appearing to hesitate for understandable reasons, the APC leadership opted to reassess its approach to gain a foothold in the state.
In light of this, the party’s leadership reached out to Yusuf, who recognized the advantages of joining the APC and promptly agreed to become part of the ruling party.
A reliable source within the APC indicated that the Kano State governor may have finalized arrangements with the APC leadership and was simply awaiting the completion of formalities before officially joining the ruling party.
A source within the party has claimed that the Kwankwasiyya family has become sharply divided, with several prominent members in both the state House of Assembly and the National Assembly choosing to align with the governor in his move to the APC.
An APC chieftain in the state, Imrana Muhammad, shared on his X handle, “Following our discussion with the speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and other members of Kwankwasiyya, we reached a consensus that Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba K. Yusuf should align with the APC.”
Upon learning of the forthcoming defection, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, convened an emergency meeting on Monday with the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, federal lawmakers elected under the NNP, and other prominent figures within the Kwankwasiya framework, as he seeks to avert the potential disintegration of his political structure.
The meeting, which began around 3 PM and lasted nearly four hours, was held at Kwankwaso’s residence on Miller Road. This gathering was called in response to the anticipated defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among the federal lawmakers present at Kwankwaso’s residence were representatives from Fagge, Turauni, Nassarawa, and Rogo constituencies, among others.
Despite the discussion remaining vague, insiders within the party were convinced that Kwankwaso was executing all necessary strategies to diminish strong membership backing for Governor Yusuf regarding his intended shift to the APC.
Speaker Falgore’s visit occurred less than 24 hours after he allegedly led stakeholders from his Rogo constituency to endorse Governor Yusuf’s transition to the APC.
The endorsement initiative, reportedly spearheaded by the Director-General of Protocol at the Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo, who also hails from the Rogo constituency, urged Kwankwaso to back Yusuf’s transition to the APC for the greater good of Kano State.
In a strong response, the Chairman of the NNPP in Kano State, Hon. Hashim Dungurawa, distanced the party from the governor’s anticipated defection to the APC.
Dungurawa reiterated loyalty to the party’s national leader and the founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, asserting that Yusuf’s intended defection represented a significant betrayal of the party’s trust. He emphasized that Kwankwaso would continue to be part of the NNPP.
He cautioned the governor to honor the integrity of the party and retract his political association with the APC, while also advising party leaders and NNPP caucus members against endorsing any documents at the Government House.
“On behalf of the NNPP party in Kano State and at the national level, and all the segments of this blessed movement—such as CRC/Lafiya Jari/Kano Propa/Kwankwasiyya, our teeming youths and women, and patriotic citizens, I wish to inform you that we are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC.
“I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening. In fact, we did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano; however, that has become difficult.
“Therefore, on behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected.
“Our hope is that they will remain in this party in order to help those who are suffering, and to improve education, agriculture, commerce, and other sectors, as provided for in our party’s constitution.
“At this point, I will like to call that nobody should their names on any document as being circulated by mischief makers. Finally, we call on all the people of Kano State and the nation at large to continue supporting the NNPP and our leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, in order to achieve success in the upcoming elections,” Dungurawa said.
In a swift response, the NNPP Deputy State Chairman for Kano Central, Abdullahi Zubair Imam Abiya, instructed party members to distance themselves from Dungurawa’s stance.
Abiya further encouraged Kwankwaso to collaborate with Governor Yusuf in rejoining the APC to strengthen the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s impact on Kano politics, characterizing this action as the most favorable choice.
According to him,“We are calling on Kwankwaso and the Kano State Governor to come together and find solace for us in APC. This is what will help us in this Kwankwasiyya Movement, and we are advising our leader, Kwankwaso, to listen to the people, especially his Kwankwasiyya followers, over this development.”
What has become clear is that the impending defection of Governor Yusuf to the APC has divided lawmakers, cabinet members, and other critical stakeholders across the state.
The only NNPP senator from Kano State, representing Kano Central, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, has vowed to remain with Kwankwaso despite pressure from Governor Yusuf to defect to the APC.
Senator Hanga, who strongly opposed the planned defection, described the move as a “deep betrayal,” and said he would not be part of what he said amounts to a betrayal of the trust bestowed on him by the NNPP.
The senator who spoke in Hausa emphasized that the people of Kano have historically not supported leaders who abandon those who contributed to their political advancement.
Hanga reminded Governor Yusuf of his long-standing political relationship with NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that Yusuf’s political career was nurtured under Kwankwaso’s guidance.
He warned that defection to the APC would not sit well with voters who highly value loyalty. “I am with Kwankwaso 1,000%, until death. No elected official would be as foolish right now as those planning to join the APC,” Hanga said.
Share the story!
You can create wealth, live a healthier life, look better, and become more knowledgeable. You deserve this life! Do not hesitate to earn it. Visit our marketplace today.