A prominent figure within Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly welcomed the reported impending defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Atoyebi Paul described the potential move as a significant victory for the APC while highlighting a major complicating factor.
Kwankwaso's Presidential Ambition: The Sticking Point
In an exclusive interview, Paul confirmed widespread happiness within APC ranks about Governor Yusuf's rumoured crossover. However, he expressed regret that the NNPP's national leader and former presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is not joining the governor. The APC chieftain attributed this to Kwankwaso's specific political demands.
Paul revealed that Kwankwaso has set a condition for supporting any party: he must be offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections. According to Paul, this is an offer the APC is unlikely to grant at this moment. "It's a big catch for APC, and all of us are happy about this," Paul stated. "The only issue here is that Kwankwaso is not coming with the governor because he wants to negotiate for a bigger role in the next government in 2027."
Political Tremors in Kano and Beyond
The speculation around Governor Yusuf's defection has sent shockwaves through Kano's political landscape. Yusuf, currently the NNPP's only governor and a key ally of Kwankwaso, has reportedly finalised plans to join the APC ahead of the 2027 polls. This development has already caused visible divisions within the NNPP.
Amidst this, Kwankwaso has recently issued warnings against political betrayal, suggesting that those who engage in it lack longevity in politics. Concurrently, rumours about Kwankwaso's own political future have intensified. While he was previously linked with talks with the APC, recent reports suggest a potential shift towards the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
APC's Open Arms and Internal Dynamics
The Kano State chapter of the APC, led by former national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, has already extended an open invitation to Governor Yusuf, encouraging him to join their fold. This invitation was formally communicated by the state APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, in a statement issued in Kano on Tuesday, December 30.
Despite the celebratory mood, Atoyebi Paul also voiced a note of caution regarding the internal dynamics of the APC in Kano. He expressed hope that the influx of a major political figure like Governor Yusuf would not trigger a power struggle among the existing political heavyweights within the state's APC structure. The coming weeks are expected to clarify these evolving political alignments as the 2027 election cycle draws nearer.
