Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) today following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Friday.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the governor's spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, on Sunday.
This development follows weeks of speculation over the governor's planned move from the NNPP, on whose platform he won the 2023 governorship election, to the ruling APC.
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On one such occasion, heavy security was deployed around the Government House in Kano in anticipation of the defection, which did not occur at the time.
Meanwhile, the defection sparked uproar within the state chapter of the NNPP, leading to the removal of the state party chairman. As the political intrigues unfolded, the APC in the state declared its readiness to receive the governor.
While reports that the governor demanded an automatic ticket for the 2027 election were said to have stalled the move, an APC source told LEADERSHIP that the governor was waiting for President Bola Tinubu's return from a foreign trip.
However, confirmation that the move had been finalised emerged after the governor visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last week.
Yusuf's estranged political godfather and former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, described the governor's defection as a betrayal. However, Governor Yusuf cautioned against insulting political leaders in the state.
The statement by the governor's aide recalled that Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014, when he won the party's primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Kwankwaso.
It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development had necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.
The statement added that Governor Yusuf's return to the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.
It also said the decision would consolidate political stability and unity in the state.
"On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 local government chairmen.
"He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state," the statement added.
APC Tackles Kwankwaso Over Betrayal Claim Against Yusuf
Meanwhile, the APC in Kano State has dismissed the allegation of betrayal levelled against Governor Yusuf by former governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following the governor's resignation from the NNPP.
The APC described the claim as "unfair, misleading and a reflection of Kwankwaso's own political history".
Reacting to Kwankwaso's declaration of 23 January as "World Betrayal Day", the APC publicity secretary in Kano, Ahmad Aruwa, said the former governor lacked the moral authority to accuse others of betrayal, given his history of political defections.
Aruwa said Governor Yusuf committed no offence by resigning from the NNPP, insisting that political realignment is a legitimate and recognised aspect of democratic politics.
"There is nothing wrong with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf leaving the NNPP. Kwankwaso himself has moved from one party to another over the years. He was once in the PDP and later defected to the APC. Was he called a betrayer then?" he asked.
Aruwa argued that politicians had the right to seek platforms that align with their political objectives, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
"This is the time for politicians to clearly understand where they belong. Politics is about choice. If a house is no longer suitable, you leave it for another. That does not amount to betrayal," he said.
The APC spokesman further accused Kwankwaso of abandoning several political benefactors in the past, including the late former governor, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, and former minister Musa Gwadabe.
"How can someone who left his own leaders turn around to accuse others of betrayal? Kwankwaso should, in fact, declare such a day for himself, not for Governor Yusuf," Aruwa added.
He also described the declaration of a "World Betrayal Day" as unnecessary and unbecoming of a political leader, urging Kwankwaso to withdraw the statement in the interest of peace and stability in Kano State.
"It is disappointing. He is a leader and should know that such statements only heighten tensions. The NNPP is already engulfed in internal crises and leadership disputes, including court cases and factional divisions," Aruwa said.
On speculation surrounding Governor Yusuf's next political move, the APC confirmed the ruling party was expecting him to formally join it l imminently.
"We are expecting him any moment -- possibly today or tomorrow. We have even reserved membership card number 001 for him in his ward," Aruwa disclosed.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf maintained that his political decisions are guided by the interests of Kano State rather than personal considerations.
Speaking at a Motorcycle Empowerment Programme for social media influencers in Kano, the governor said his priority remained the "Kano Agenda" and sustainable development.
"To those who feel we have abandoned them, let us work together for the development of our state," Yusuf said, stressing that he harboured no resentment against any individual or group.
He also warned against disrespectful utterances in the political space, declaring that his administration would promote unity, mutual respect and responsible political engagement.
Kwankwasiyya Supporters Visit Kwankwaso In Show Of Solidarity
Supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement from Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday paid a solidarity visit to the residence of former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano.
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Kwankwaso disclosed the visit in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he expressed appreciation to the delegation for their continued support amid recent political developments.
According to him, the visit reflected the courage and determination of his supporters to remain steadfast in the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya movement despite prevailing political challenges.
"I reaffirm my profound appreciation for their unwavering courage and determination. Despite the recent trials that have tested the faith and fortitude of many, they have chosen to stand firmly with us -- not for personal gain, but for the collective progress and well-being of our people," Kwankwaso stated.
He described the visitors' loyalty as rooted in their commitment to the people-centred philosophy of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which he said prioritises social justice and inclusive governance.
Kwankwaso assured his supporters that the movement remains focused and resolute in pursuing its objectives.
"Together, we remain resolute in upholding and advancing the timeless ideals of Kwankwasiyya. The journey continues, and victory is assured by the grace of God and the will of the people," he added.
The visit came amid heightened political tension in Kano following the resignations on Friday of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen from the NNPP.
The mass defection was attributed to unresolved leadership disagreements and lingering legal disputes within the party.
