Governor Yusuf Will Face Defeat After Defection, Fumes Kwankwaso as APC, NNPP Trade Barbs

Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Tuesday in an interview aired on BBC Hausa, faulted the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the move would cost the governor victory in the 2027 governorship election in Kano State, citing political incompatibility and voter sentiment.

Kwankwaso’s remarks, which immediately drew a rebuttal from the APC, followed Yusuf’s defection ceremony where former Kano governor and APC stalwart, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, publicly raised the governor’s hand—an act Kwankwaso said symbolised a doomed political alliance.

The APC, however, dismissed the prediction as rhetoric and insisted Yusuf’s chances had improved, not diminished, ahead of 2027.

Speaking during the BBC Hausa interview, Kwankwaso described Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP as a betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya movement and warned that joining the APC-aligned bloc known as “Gandujiyya” would alienate Kano voters.

“I saw that he defected to the APC on Tuesday, which was why I left Kano for Lagos to allow them to conduct their event. This is the worst betrayal I have witnessed in my life,” Kwankwaso said.

He said images of Ganduje raising Yusuf’s hand at the ceremony reinforced his belief that the governor’s electoral prospects had weakened.

“When I saw Ganduje raising Abba’s hand, I knew automatically that Abba would not win any election. People of Kano don’t support Gandujiyya. Ganduje lost the 2019 election, and his candidate also lost in 2023. So, Abba will not win in 2027,” he said.

Kwankwaso further argued that the political philosophies of the two camps were fundamentally opposed.

“Gandujiyya and Kwankwasiyya are like darkness and light. They cannot stay under the same umbrella. There is no connection between us again,” he said.

He maintained that Yusuf’s decision stunned NNPP supporters across the state and rejected claims that internal party disputes necessitated the defection.

“What happened in Kano is deeply frustrating. Many people believe it was a pre-arranged plan. Even when I wake up from sleep, I keep asking myself why he did this,” he said, adding, “The governor claimed there were conflicts within the NNPP. But in my view, the party is in perfect health. Losing a member or removing an official does not create any problem.”

Reaffirming confidence in his political base, Kwankwaso said the NNPP remained strong in Kano and that Yusuf’s move would not derail the movement’s objectives.

“The people of Kano sympathise with the Kwankwasiyya movement. Kano remains in the hands of the NNPP, and Abba’s defection will not change our mission,” he added.

Reacting, the APC dismissed Kwankwaso’s assessment, saying the governor’s alliance with Ganduje would instead secure electoral victory.

Speaking to newsmen, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, cited Ganduje’s history of backing successful governorship candidates.

Ibrahim said, “Ganduje has raised the hands of many governorship candidates, and they have emerged victorious. He has supported the governors of Imo, Kogi, Osun, and others, and his backing has consistently translated into wins. Kwankwaso needs to examine the number of hands raised by both himself and Ganduje, and the resulting victories. Abba cannot be an exception.

“The hands of Ganduje are truly hands of victory. Victoria ascerta. Our party is popular in Kano; it enjoys the support of the people because of the laudable achievements through the Renewed Hope Agenda. So victory is certain for our party and candidates in 2027.

“Kwankwaso has contested against the APC in the past and lost. Losing to the APC is therefore not a new development. No rhetoric can change the trajectory of the people, and it is clear that there is no victory in the direction of the opposition party and Kwankwaso in Kano State.”

Yusuf’s defection has intensified political manoeuvring in Kano, triggering resignations by commissioners, special advisers, local government chairmen and lawmakers aligned with the governor, as parties reposition and alliances harden ahead of the 2027 general elections.