Fresh reports reveal how internal NNPP power struggles and 2027 ticket fears are pushing Kano Governor Abba Yusuf away from Rabiu Kwankwaso
Why Kano Power Struggle Is Pushing Gov Abba Yusuf Away from Kwankwaso
The political landscape of Kano State may be heading for a dramatic realignment as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reportedly moves to formally cut ties with his longtime political mentor and benefactor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Fresh findings by Politics Digest indicate that the governor is finalising plans to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on or before January 6, 2026. If the defection goes ahead, the NNPP would be left without a single sitting governor nationwide, dealing a major blow to the party’s national relevance.
Fear of Losing 2027 Ticket Fuels Exit Plan
Sources familiar with the situation say Governor Yusuf’s decision is largely driven by an alleged internal plot to deny him the NNPP governorship ticket for a second term in 2027.
Insiders claim that a powerful faction within the Kwankwasiyya movement has persuaded Senator Kwankwaso to replace Yusuf as the party’s preferred gubernatorial candidate when the next election cycle begins.
This faction—described by sources as a “Kwankwasiyya cabal”—is reportedly made up of the deputy governor, a serving senator, the governor’s political adviser, the NNPP state chairman, and a serving commissioner. Their growing influence, sources say, has widened the rift between Kano’s two most influential political figures to a level many now consider irreparable.
Relationship Soured Since 2024
The once-strong political alliance between Yusuf and Kwankwaso is said to have begun deteriorating in 2024, but tensions escalated sharply following the governor’s alleged efforts to confront corruption involving individuals close to his political godfather.
Investigations by Politics Digest identified three major controversies that significantly deepened the divide between the two leaders.
The NOVOMED Procurement Controversy
One of the most explosive disputes is the NOVOMED procurement case, which reportedly involved the alleged supply of drugs to Kano State’s 44 local government areas without the governor’s approval.
Although Governor Yusuf reportedly directed the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter, the probe—said to implicate the deputy governor and a nephew of Senator Kwankwaso—has allegedly stalled, further straining trust between both camps.
Political observers say the handling of the case reinforced Yusuf’s belief that power blocs loyal to Kwankwaso were undermining his authority as governor.
Possible Political Earthquake Ahead
If Governor Yusuf eventually defects to the APC, analysts believe it would reshape Kano’s political balance, weaken the Kwankwasiyya movement’s grip on the state, and hand the ruling party a major strategic advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
While neither Governor Yusuf nor Senator Kwankwaso has publicly confirmed the reported fallout, insiders insist that quiet negotiations and political calculations are already at an advanced stage, pointing to a separation that may soon become official.
Source: PRNigeria
