Politics

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Delays Planned Move to APC

Published by admin on January 4th, 2026.

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Delays Planned Move to APC

Fresh details have emerged explaining why Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, has put his reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on hold, despite earlier preparations to officially join the ruling party.

Reports had earlier indicated that the governor was set to announce his switch to the APC on Monday, following what insiders described as advanced arrangements. The APC national secretariat had reportedly prepared to showcase Yusuf as the first registrant in Kano under the party’s newly launched online membership registration exercise.

Under the initial plan, former Kano State Governor and APC national figure, Abdullahi Ganduje, was expected to accompany Yusuf to his Diso Ward for formal registration and issuance of a membership card. The arrangement also included Yusuf escorting Ganduje back to Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area afterward to renew his own party registration on the new platform.

However, sources familiar with the development disclosed that the plan was suspended after concerns were raised that the governor needed to formally consult and secure the endorsement of key APC power brokers in Kano, particularly Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, before making the move public.

According to one insider, proceeding without such consultations could be interpreted as political disrespect and might complicate Yusuf’s acceptance within the party’s existing structure in the state.

While some reports suggested January 12 as a new tentative date for the defection, party sources insist that no final date has been fixed, noting that the move could occur anytime after the governor concludes talks with APC leaders in Kano.

Meanwhile, other sources claimed that President Bola Tinubu may have directed that the defection be temporarily paused to allow further efforts to persuade Yusuf’s political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to align with the APC.

According to the sources, recent political realignments — including speculation that Kwankwaso is exploring alliances outside the APC — have prompted renewed calculations within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

One source alleged that the presidency believes Kwankwaso’s political influence remains crucial to Yusuf’s strength in Kano, and that any defection without him could weaken the governor’s political standing.

There are also indications that Yusuf requested additional time to convince more members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the National Assembly to defect alongside him, in order to present a stronger political bloc.

Unconfirmed reports further suggest that growing resistance and criticism within Kano may be causing the governor to reconsider his next move, with some close allies urging him to mend ties with Kwankwaso instead of proceeding with the defection.