By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed strong disappointment over the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his cabinet to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the decision would eventually be regretted.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa aired on Wednesday morning, Kwankwaso said the governor’s move came as a shock, adding that he still finds it difficult to understand how and why the defection occurred.
According to him, there have been speculations that the defection was a prearranged agreement between him and Governor Yusuf, a claim he firmly dismissed.
“I am aware that some people believe this move was planned between us, but what is happening is hard for me to comprehend. It feels unreal, like a dream,” Kwankwaso said.
Governor Yusuf officially resigned from the NNPP last Friday and formally joined the APC on Monday. His defection was marked by a grand ceremony at the Kano Government House, attended by senior APC leaders.
The development comes less than three years after Yusuf emerged as governor on the NNPP platform. Reports indicate that he defected alongside members of his cabinet, 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and nine members of the House of Representatives.
Explaining his decision, Governor Yusuf said his return to the APC was driven by the need to work more closely with the federal government to attract greater support for Kano State, particularly in areas such as social welfare, infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
However, Kwankwaso rejected this justification, describing the move as a betrayal of the party’s mandate and the trust of Kano voters.
“It is painful to see Governor Yusuf redirect the NNPP’s mandate and the will of the people of Kano to the Gandujiyya APC without a convincing explanation,” he said, referring to the camp loyal to former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Kwankwaso added that the situation has left him reflecting deeply on where responsibility lies.
“Who is to blame? Is it me, the party, or the members? I have not been able to arrive at a clear answer,” he stated.
He further described Yusuf’s alignment with Ganduje as the most disappointing aspect of the defection, noting the long-standing political rivalry between both men.
On the governor’s chances of securing a second term, Kwankwaso argued that Yusuf’s political standing would weaken due to Ganduje’s endorsement.
He claimed that the former governor lacks significant political influence, citing his inability to secure electoral victories for himself in 2019 and 2023.
According to Kwankwaso, the people of Kano no longer align with Ganduje’s political structure.
Ganduje and Kwankwaso were once close allies before their relationship deteriorated after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor.
Political observers believe the prolonged rift between both leaders remains a major factor hindering Kwankwaso’s return to the APC.
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