Manny Ita
Tensions have reached a fever pitch within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State following reports of a deepening rift between the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The friction centers on widespread rumors that Governor Yusuf is finalizing plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election cycle. In a significant escalation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Kwankwaso released a video statement accusing the state government of “compelling state officials and elected local government chairmen” to sign documents endorsing the move. Kwankwaso described the reports as “deeply disturbing” and “unfortunate,” alleging that appointees were being forced to choose between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the Gandujiyya faction of the APC.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Kwankwaso advised his loyalists to comply with the directives to avoid “victimization,” stating, “Since it has reached that level, those local government chairmen and councillors that are being forced to sign the document could go ahead and sign in order not to be victimized by the government.” This tactical retreat comes as the NNPP national headquarters attempts to manage the fallout, with National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson dismissing earlier reports of a Kwankwaso-backed endorsement as a “wicked lie.” Johnson maintained that while the leader wants to “diffuse the current political tension,” he has not sanctioned the dismantling of the NNPP structure in its only stronghold state.
The Kano State Government has swiftly denied any use of force. Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, clarified that while the party is inviting individuals to join the APC, the process is “entirely voluntary.” Waiya insisted that “nobody is being compelled, contrary to what has been reported,” and emphasized that Governor Yusuf remains a firm believer in the freedom of association. However, the political atmosphere in the state remains volatile, with a heavy security presence reported around the Government House and the State Secretariat following the postponement of a rumored official defection ceremony originally anticipated for Monday, January 12.
As of Thursday morning, Governor Yusuf has yet to make a formal public declaration regarding his party status, though APC officials in his home ward of Ɗiso indicate they are “fully prepared” to receive him. Analysts suggest the move is a strategic attempt to reposition the Governor within the federal ruling party’s hierarchy to secure his 2027 prospects, even at the cost of his long-standing alliance with his political benefactor
