A fresh political storm is brewing in Kano State as the 2027 general elections draw closer, with a major controversy surrounding the state governor's alleged party defection.
Kwankwaso Issues Strong Denial
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and founder of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has publicly denied endorsing any plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The denial was issued in an official statement by Kwankwaso's media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The statement described the widespread reports of his endorsement as "misleading, false, and without any basis in fact." Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and presidential candidate, was reacting to publications by several media outlets claiming he supported the governor's move to the APC.
Social Media Erupts with Reactions
The report quickly ignited debates online, drawing reactions from prominent political figures and the public. Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, who had initially shared the news of the supposed endorsement, found himself at the center of the discourse.
Public reactions on social media platform X revealed divided opinions. Some users commended Ahmad for providing updates, while others criticized his stance. User Osisanya Adebola Kuye suggested the confusion might have stemmed from a "media mix-up from a video clip," emphasizing the need for peace and clarity for the people of Kano.
Another user, Shamsuddeen, directly faulted Bashir Ahmad, accusing him of "double standards" as an APC member. Conversely, Abubakar Muhammad praised Ahmad for his loyalty in defending the administration he served.
A Tense Political Climate in Kano
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tension in Kano, which has been further compounded by recent tragic events. The state is still mourning the sudden deaths of two members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Aminu Sa'adu (Aminu Saad Ungogo) and Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who both passed away on Wednesday, December 24. The deaths were confirmed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the spokesperson for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The denial from Kwankwaso's camp effectively quashes, for now, the speculation of a major realignment in Kano's political landscape. It leaves unanswered the central question of Governor Yusuf's own political intentions ahead of the 2027 polls, ensuring that Kano will remain a focal point of national political intrigue in the coming months.
