Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has expressed profound shock at the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the political realignment as almost surreal.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa monitored by our correspondent, Kwankwaso admitted that he is still grappling with the reality of the development, saying it feels “as though I were in a dream.”
The former governor of Kano State, who remains a central figure in northern Nigerian politics, particularly among young voters, described the defection as a betrayal of the mandate entrusted to the NNPP by Kano residents. He expressed deep disappointment that Governor Yusuf would “hand over the mandate of NNPP members and the people of Kano to the Gandujiyya political camp” without offering what he considers a compelling justification.
“Many people I spoke to felt it was some kind of arrangement between him and me, or between him and others. Even I often find it hard to believe that things are unfolding the way they are,” Kwankwaso said. “When I lie down, I reflect and ask myself: what really happened? Who was at fault? Was it me? Was it the party? Were party members at fault? But I have not been able to find an answer.”
Governor Yusuf officially announced his resignation from the NNPP on January 23, citing “persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes” as well as a “growing disenfranchisement among party members” that he said had created irreconcilable divisions within the party.
“After careful reflection, and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” Yusuf wrote in his resignation letter.
However, Kwankwaso dismissed these explanations, insisting that the issues could have been resolved through dialogue and cooperation if the governor had engaged with the party leadership. “I can assure you, to the best of my knowledge, there is no party more peaceful and stable than the NNPP. And if there is any, let them hold their national convention and candidate selection processes, then you will see disputes,” he said.
On the growing trend of politicians leaving the NNPP while claiming loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, Kwankwaso framed it as a stark moral and political choice. “Light and darkness have already been defined in Kano. If you want to practice Kwankwasiyya, who asked you to leave Kwankwasiyya? Stay where Kwankwasiyya is and practice it there,” he asserted.
Kwankwaso also criticized the way Governor Yusuf was received into the APC, pointing to the public ceremony where former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje raised Yusuf’s hand. He argued that the display was more symbolic than substantive, emphasizing that Ganduje’s influence cannot guarantee electoral victory. “If Ganduje truly had the power to raise someone’s hand to victory, he would have done so in 2019. If he had that power, he would have done so in 2023,” he said.
Despite the defection, Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Yusuf and his associates will face political challenges within the APC. He predicted that the governor will eventually regret his decision, whether or not he returns to the NNPP.
Looking ahead, Kwankwaso reaffirmed the resilience of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the enduring influence of the NNPP in Kano State. He revealed that efforts are already underway to forge strategic alliances aimed at rescuing Nigeria from its current political challenges.
“Despite recent developments, Kano still belongs to the NNPP. We remain committed to building a stronger, more united political platform that represents the aspirations of the people,” Kwankwaso said.
As one of northern Nigeria’s most influential politicians, Kwankwaso’s reaction underscores the magnitude of Governor Yusuf’s defection and its potential impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
