Security has been tightened around the Kano State Government House amid growing speculation that Governor Abba Yusuf may be planning to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
On Monday, combined security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed at strategic locations around the Government House, with access subjected to strict identification and security checks.
The heightened security presence comes amid reports of a possible rift between Governor Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Kwankwaso has reportedly opposed any plan by Yusuf to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a move could destabilise the NNPP and weaken the Kwankwasiyya movement. However, Yusuf has publicly denied any disagreement with his former benefactor.
Despite the governor’s denial, the crisis appears to have spread within the NNPP, exposing strains in the long-standing political alliance between the two leaders.
In a statement issued on behalf of the NNPP at both the state and national levels, the party said it was fully aware of the unfolding political developments in Kano State and firmly rejected any defection to the APC.
“We are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC,” the NNPP Kano State Chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, said.
“I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, along with other party leaders, do not approve of what is happening.”
Kano’s electoral significance
Kano is one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states due to its massive voter population. It consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of registered voters and has historically delivered millions of votes in general elections, often influencing national outcomes.
Any shift in political allegiance by a sitting governor, particularly one involving Kwankwaso, who commands a strong and loyal grassroots following could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of future elections.
