Strong indications emerged on Sunday that Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is set to dump the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), brushing aside stiff opposition from within his political camp.
Governor Yusuf, who rode to power in 2023 on the platform of the NNPP, was initially expected to formally announce his defection on Monday, January 5, 2026. However, the move has now been shifted to Monday, January 12, further fueling speculation that the decision is already sealed.
Sources close to the governor told The Whistler that Yusuf remains resolute and unmoved by the objections of his political godfather and NNPP national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose resistance to the planned defection has failed to slow the governor’s resolve.
According to a senior source within the Kano NNPP, the rift between Yusuf and Kwankwaso has reached a breaking point, resulting in what was described as an irreparable fallout between the once-close political allies.
The source explained that several developments have made reconciliation increasingly unlikely, with the most significant being Yusuf’s determination to secure a second term in 2027 on what he considers a more stable and viable political platform.
Chief among the governor’s concerns, the source said, is the uncertain future of the NNPP ahead of the next general election, worsened by internal divisions and unresolved leadership crises.
“The governor is worried about the instability in the NNPP and the uncertainty surrounding its leadership going into 2027,” the source said.
Another major factor driving Yusuf’s decision is the growing political clout of the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, whose influence in Kano politics continues to expand.
“You must be aware that Barau is highly favoured by the APC leadership in Kano and at the national level for the 2027 governorship ticket,” the source said.
“He declared his interest in the Kano governorship long ago and has been working seriously towards it, with strong grassroots support.”
According to the source, Yusuf fears he would face an uphill battle retaining his seat if Barau emerges as the APC’s governorship candidate in 2027.
“So it is the fear of Barau that is driving Governor Yusuf to the APC. He has weighed his chances and knows he does not stand a chance with Barau contesting on the APC platform,” he said.
The source further disclosed that Yusuf’s planned defection is not without guarantees from the highest levels of power, insisting that the governor has already secured firm assurances from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership.
“Yusuf would not be making this move if he had not been assured of the APC ticket,” the source said, adding that persuading Senator Barau to step aside would not pose a major challenge for the party leadership.
“Everybody knows Barau, despite his popularity, is not a do-or-die politician. I don’t see him objecting if such a request comes from President Tinubu,” the source added.
As the countdown to January 12 continues, all eyes remain on Kano, where Governor Yusuf’s anticipated defection threatens to redraw the political map of the state and deepen the cracks within the NNPP ahead of the 2027 elections.
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