Yusuf, Kwankwaso rift deepens as Kano Gov insists on APC defection

The longstanding political partnership between New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has collapsed, ending an alliance that spanned roughly four decades and propelled both men to the governorship at different times.

Sources indicate the rift stems from diverging political ambitions. While Kwankwaso intends to remain in the NNPP to pursue a presidential bid or reconnect with opposition forces, Governor Yusuf is preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to seek a second term. His official move to the APC is expected soon, allowing him to participate fully in upcoming party congresses.

The governor has already engaged in talks with APC leaders in Kano, including a meeting with State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas and a coincidental encounter with former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the airport. A midnight meeting with former State Assembly Speaker Kabiru Rirum was also reported.

The split is testing loyalties across the NNPP. While some members are ready to follow Yusuf to the APC, others remain steadfast with Kwankwaso, recalling past instances when defectors lost political ground while his loyalists advanced. Key figures still aligned with Kwankwaso include Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo, State Chairman Hamisu Dungurawa, and the governor’s own political adviser.

News of the impending defection has triggered political turmoil in Kano. In one dramatic response, a faction within the NNPP announced the suspension of State Chairman Hashimu Dunguruwa—a move later rejected as “null and void” by the party’s national leadership.

Insiders say the core issue is a clash of interests: Yusuf sees defection as a clear path to reelection, while Kwankwaso perceives little political gain for himself in joining the APC, with no guarantee of a significant role such as the vice-presidential or a ministerial slot.

Despite the political breakdown, sources note there is no deep personal enmity between the two leaders, who are connected by family ties. Much of the friction is being fueled by their respective supporters.

The unfolding crisis has left the political class in Kano uneasy, with aides fearing job losses and opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) closely watching for potential advantage.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

See author's posts