There was a heightened security presence at the Kano State Government House on Monday (today) following reports of a planned defection by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, raising tension within the state’s political space.
Although the alleged defection has not been officially confirmed, the governor is widely believed to be considering a move to the All Progressives Congress, a development that has continued to generate intense speculation across the state.
According to Daily Trust, journalists around the government house observed that combined teams of security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services were deployed to the seat of power.
At least seven Armoured Personnel Carriers belonging to the police and the DSS were stationed at strategic locations, including the main entrance to the Government House and the roundabout leading to the complex.
Security operatives also intensified checks on individuals seeking access to the Government House, subjecting visitors and officials to strict identification procedures before granting entry.
The heavy deployment effectively restricted movement around the area, as security personnel maintained a firm presence at key access points.
Naija News reports that as of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Kano State Government or the governor confirming the reported plan to defect.
Meanwhile, earlier reports indicated that Monday, January 12, 2026, would mark Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP, with plans to register as an APC member at Ɗiso Ward in the Gwale Local Government Area of the Kano metropolis. However, those expectations were not confirmed at the ward level.
Speaking with journalists earlier, the Chairman of the APC in Ɗiso Ward, Malam Maje Kabir Ahmad, said the ward had not received any directive from the party’s leadership regarding the governor’s registration.
“We have not received any instruction from above concerning the governor’s coming today (Monday),” Maje said.
He added, however, that the ward remained on standby. He said, “Nevertheless, we are fully prepared. Even if it is late at night and the governor decides to register today, we will be ready to receive him.”
Maje explained that Ɗiso Ward occupies a strategic position in Kano politics, noting that it is home to key political actors, including the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, as well as Governor Yusuf himself.
He said, “Governor Abba and the APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are related by blood and political history, without doubt, the governor’s return to the APC would have a significant impact on the political landscape and development of Kano State.”
A visit to the APC ward office showed a modest, single-room structure located beside the Gwale Local Government Secretariat. The office currently lacks adequate furniture and equipment, although renovation work was ongoing, with visible improvements underway.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the governor’s alleged defection, the ward chairman reiterated the party’s readiness to receive him.
“Whenever the governor decides to formally join the APC, Ɗiso Ward is ready,” Maje said.