Kwankwaso Says Son-in-Law’s Defection to APC Feels Like a Dream

Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed shock and disappointment over the defection of his son-in-law, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as surreal

Kwankwaso said he was still struggling to come to terms with Yusuf’s decision, noting that it felt “like a dream” and was not something he expected, given their long-standing political relationship and shared history within the Kwankwasiyya Movement Speaking in a recent interview, the former presidential candidate of the NNPP said the reasons advanced for Yusuf’s defection were not convincing, stressing that whatever challenges existed within the party could have been resolved through dialogue rather than a switch to another political platform. According to him, there was no prior agreement or understanding that the Kano governor would defect to the APC, dismissing insinuations that the move had been planned in advance. Kwankwaso also said he found it difficult to understand Yusuf’s alignment with political rivals in the state, particularly camps historically opposed to the Kwankwasiyya ideology. Despite the defection, Kwankwaso maintained that the NNPP remains stable and united, rejecting claims that internal crises had weakened the party. He expressed confidence that those who left the party would eventually regret their decision, insisting that the NNPP still enjoys the support of its core members and followers Governor Yusuf, who recently formally joined the APC, had explained that his decision was taken in what he described as the best interest of Kano State, citing the need to align the state more closely with the federal government ahead of major development plans. Yusuf’s defection has sparked intense political reactions within Kano State and beyond, as it is seen as part of a broader wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move is also considered significant due to the deep personal and political ties between the governor and Kwankwaso, who played a key role in Yusuf’s emergence as governor.