In this piece, KEHINDE OSASUNA takes a look at how irreconcilable differences over 2027 have torn Governor Abba Yusuf and his godfather, Musa Kwankwaso, apart. The governor is determined to defect from NNPP to APC against Kwankwaso’s will and approval. Can the Kwankwasiya movement survive this storm?
The ancient city of Kano noted for its famous groundnut pyramid back in the days has produced famous politicians such as the proponent of the Talakawa politics, the late Mallam Aminu Kano, founder of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the loquacious former governor of the state, the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, one of his apostles and a PRP stalwart.
Since then and till today, Kano remains a strategic city in Nigeria’s economics and politics.
Godfather vs. godson: Who blinks first?
With his Kwakwansiya movement that has evolved over the years, leading to the formation of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, a former governor, minister and senator, is at a loggerhead with his godson, Governor Abba Yusuf over his plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yusuf, it was reported, has planned to defect to the APC anytime soon ahead of the 2027 election. Kwakwanso, the national leader of NNPP is not happy and has publicly opposed the move, saying Yusuf should drop the governorship ambition if he’s leaving the party. Till date, no camp is yet ready to shift grounds.
Yusuf’s defiance has sparked a storm in the Kwankwasiya group, as their (Kwakwaso and Yusuf) political associates have pitched their tents for and against. Observers noted that Yusuf might be looking forward to ‘liberate’ himself from Kwakwanso’s grip. Of course, joining the APC could give him protection, access to federal resources and support for his re-election bid.
But Kwakwanso views this as a betrayal, especially since the NNPP only governs Kano state, and losing Yusuf would mean losing their only major power base.
As the tension escalates, Kwankwaso addressed supporters, warning that betrayal never leads to success. But for Yusuf’s camp, the decision to defect is irreversible, citing governance considerations and the need for federal support.
A politician and member of the Kwakwansiya, who does not want his name in print, confirmed to this medium that Yusuf, who has put finishing touches to the defection plan to APC, has the backing of 40 local government chairmen and 33 state lawmakers, among others.
He said: “APC is ready to welcome Yusuf, knowing that his achievement and potential strengthen their position in Kano.
The defection, if sailed through eventually, could reshape Kano’s political landscape and impact the 2027 elections.
The intrigues, nocturnal endorsement
Multiple sources within the NNPP in Abuja told this medium that the NNPP cannot afford to lose its governorship power or Kano, hence, the need to embrace and entice Yusuf again.
A political commentator, Ahmad Yahaya, in a chat with our correspondent said while it’s unclear yet, Yusuf seems to be asserting his independence and securing his own political future too, a situation which according to him would place Kano’s vote hauls in the hands of major actors in the state when the time comes.
“The whole thing has gone beyond godfather and godson. In the North today, virtually all the political actors have their eyes on the presidency come 2031 when the southern part would have ruled for eight years.
“Now, can’t you see that they are all positioning themselves for that time? Why then do you think Yusuf alias Gida, Gida would not position himself too. For God’s sake, he also has a chance to become either VP or president in the future if he explores his comparative advantage well,” Yahya said.
However, another political analyst who follows Kano politics also told our correspondent that Kwankwaso’s next move could tilt the political balance in the fiercely competitive northern region. Kwakwanso, in a bid to outsmart the governor, told his associates that he will only join another party if offered the presidential or vice presidential ticket for 2027.
As the underground scheming was going on, the governor, according to feelers, is not giving up but consolidating on consultation and underground work.
A member of the party confirmed to this medium that the planned defection to the APC could significantly alter the state’s political dynamics and weaken the NNPP.
Although the APC is experiencing internal conflicts between the former National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the power struggles, it was learnt, is not enough to deter the governor who only needs to meet Barau, Ganduje and a few others in order to successfully seal his defection.
Despite the fact that Kwankwaso had tried to team up with Tinubu-APC in the past, it is still unclear if APC is considering Kwakwanso’s condition before joining the ruling party.
Even though emerging facts are still sketchy, rumour has it that Kwankwaso might replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027, giving his influence in the North and strong grassroots support. This is reportedly rattling Yusuf, Barau, and Ganduje who are also interested in the VP position.
However, Kwankwaso has also been in talks with other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that sees him as a big fish in the polity. His influence alone has significant sway over the NNPP and could potentially block Yusuf’s defection or undermine his position in the party. This was the view of a political commentator, Adaramoye Peter.
In order to intensify his readiness, Kwakwanso, alongside Obi, had met the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, in a secret meeting. The former president reportedly spearheaded efforts to bring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso together for a joint presidential ticket in 2027, aiming to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The meeting, held at Obasanjo’s Abeokuta residence, is said to be part of a larger strategy to unify opposition forces. Sources suggest that Obasanjo has tentatively persuaded Kwankwaso to accept the vice-presidential slot on an Obi-led ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Other key factors
Tinubu and Kwankwaso have indeed met, and discussions about a possible alliance are ongoing. Tinubu recently referred to Kwankwaso as a friend within the progressive movement, indicating a level of camaraderie between the two leaders. Kwankwaso has expressed openness to alliances with various parties, including Tinubu’s APC, provided they share common goals and values that prioritise Nigerians’ welfare.
Their meetings, including a closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, have sparked speculations about a potential alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Will Yusuf defer his defection?
With the situation of things, the governor’s plan to join the APC seems irreversible, according to sources close to him.
Kwankwaso has urged Yusuf to relinquish the governorship if he wants to leave the NNPP, insisting that the mandate belongs to the party, not just the individual.
Matters arising
Ex Kano governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has waded into the matter, defending Yusuf against accusation of betrayal. He stressed that Yusuf should be allowed to make his choice without being demonised, noting that Kwankwaso himself had defected multiple times from PDP to APC, back to PDP, and later to NNPP.
“If Abba has his own reasons and those around him agree, I don’t see any betrayal here,” Shekarau said.
NNPP’s NWC chooses Yusuf, dumps Kwankwaso
The Kano two dominant parties, APC and NNPP, are grappling with internal crises that could impact their performances at the polls if elections were to be conducted today. But as the brickbats persist, the NNPP has dealt another blow on the Kwakwanso by lifting the suspension on Yusuf and appointed him as the national leader of the party.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) that made the announcement during an emergency meeting has urged the governor to use his leadership position to consolidate the party’s achievements as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
Now, it is not immediately clear whether the party, having seen greater opportunities through the governor’s planned move to the APC, decided to court his friendship, instead of cutting any deal with Kwakwanso, who is also said to be on his way to the ADC.