The feud between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has deepened as the governor moves to defect from NNPP to APC amid party crises
Kwankwaso–Abba Yusuf Rift Deepens as Kano Governor Moves to Defect to APC
The political rift between Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has further widened following Yusuf’s planned defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The tension, which has been simmering for weeks, is reportedly rooted in Governor Yusuf’s determination to chart an independent political course, a move that has left Kwankwaso — leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement — feeling sidelined and inadequately consulted on key decisions.
Sources within Kano’s political circles indicate that Yusuf has secured the backing of a majority of NNPP lawmakers in the state and several local government chairmen, strengthening his resolve to dump the party that brought him to power.
The governor, who reportedly views defection as a constitutional and political right following consultations with constituents and stakeholders, has already obtained an APC membership card from his ward, ahead of his formal defection slated for January 12.
Reacting sharply, Kwankwaso warned NNPP members who have defected or are planning to defect, insisting they must “compensate” the Kwankwasiyya Movement for the support, structure and labour invested in their political rise.
Addressing loyalists, the former Kano governor dismissed the defections as financially motivated.
“For someone to abandon his house and go elsewhere, it does not just happen without reason. These people, no doubt, have collected ‘goods’,” Kwankwaso said.
He cautioned supporters against what he described as short-term political gains, warning that many defectors eventually regret their decisions. Kwankwaso stressed that betrayal leaves a lasting stain.
“The word ‘betrayer’ follows a person; him, his family and even his lineage,” he reiterated.
Despite Kwankwaso’s warning, the Kano State House of Assembly on Friday formally endorsed Governor Yusuf’s planned defection, citing unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases rocking the NNPP.
House Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini said remaining in the party poses grave political risks to the governor and other elected officials, warning that the situation could jeopardise Yusuf’s mandate.
According to Hussaini, the NNPP is engulfed in factional disputes and litigations that threaten the validity of its leadership and nominations.
“The NNPP is currently plagued by factional leadership disputes and multiple litigations, creating uncertainty over the validity of its structure and nominations ahead of future elections,” he said.
He further warned of a potential repeat of the Zamfara State political crisis, where a Supreme Court ruling invalidated party nominations, leading to the loss of the governorship and legislative seats.
“There is an existing court judgment that recognises a particular faction of the NNPP. Therefore, we cannot continue to remain in the party and risk a repeat of the legal disaster that happened in Zamfara State,” Hussaini added. As the January 12 defection date approaches, political observers say the unfolding drama could reshape Kano’s political landscape and redefine alliances ahead of future elections
