Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the reported defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a betrayal with serious consequences.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso said Yusuf’s decision came as a shock to him and his political allies, warning that the governor would regret the action.
“We never expected this kind of betrayal from Governor Abba. He will regret his decision,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso, who played a significant role in Yusuf’s emergence as governor, insisted that the political structure responsible for Yusuf’s victory remained intact, adding that political opponents would fail in any attempt to exploit the defection.
“The moment Ganduje raises his hand, he has already lost the election.
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“Let him first say we didn’t allow him to govern; we will give him an answer,” he said.
The former governor also dismissed claims that Yusuf was frustrated or prevented from governing, maintaining that such narratives would be firmly challenged by the NNPP leadership.
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid rising political tension in Kano State following reports of Yusuf’s defection, which have triggered debates over party loyalty, supremacy, and the future of the NNPP in the state.
Recall that Governor Yusuf was on Monday formally received into the APC by top party leaders at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House.
Those present included former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Yusuf Ata, and other senior party stakeholders.
The event marked Yusuf’s official return to the ruling party, days after his resignation from the NNPP amid internal crises within the party.
Earlier reports indicated that 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly defected from the NNPP to the APC, a development seen as part of a broader political realignment ahead of Yusuf’s move.
In a resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf announced his decision to leave the party with effect from Sunday, January 25, 2026.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party, with effect from Sunday, 25 January 2026.
“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.” the letter read.
Yusuf also expressed appreciation to the party leadership and members across Kano State for their support since 2022, noting that the decision followed careful consideration.
The defection has further deepened political divisions in Kano, as alliances continue to shift ahead of future elections.