Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has publicly countered remarks by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ganduje framed the move as a liberation rather than the betrayal alleged by Kwankwaso.
Governor Yusuf announced his departure from the NNPP on January 22, citing internal crises within the party. His decision, which came after contesting the 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial elections under the NNPP platform, has intensified political tensions in Kano, a strategically vital state in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. Kwankwaso responded by characterizing the defection as disloyalty, prompting Ganduje’s rebuttal.
Speaking during a condolence visit at the residence of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Ganduje stated, “He considers me an enemy, but I am not his enemy; I am his brother.” He directly addressed Kwankwaso’s stance, noting that if the NNPP leader labels January 22 as “World Betrayal Day,” the APC camp will instead commemorate it as the governor’s “Independence Day.” This exchange reflects the personal and political complexities underlying Nigeria’s party dynamics, where longstanding alliances often pivot on individual relationships.
Yusuf’s formal induction into the APC is scheduled for February 16 in Kano, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and several APC governors set to attend. The event underscores the APC’s effort to solidify its influence in the northern region, particularly in Kano State—a populous and economically significant hub that frequently shapes national election outcomes.
Ganduje, a former two-term governor and key APC strategist, has historically been a rival to Kwankwaso, though both have wielded considerable influence in Kano politics. Yusuf’s switch weakens the NNPP’s opposition structure in the state and may signal broader realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defection follows a pattern of politicians altering affiliations in response to intra-party disputes or strategic opportunities.
The public spat between Ganduje and Kwankwaso highlights how personal narratives are often mobilized in political disputes, with each side seeking to control the interpretation of events. For now, the APC’s planned reception aims to project unity and strength, while the NNPP faces the task of rebuilding without one of its highest-ranking elected officials.
As formalities proceed, the shift in Kano’s political allegiance could reverberate across Nigeria, illustrating the fluidity of party loyalties in a fragmented multi-party system. The outcome may depend on how effectively the APC integrates Yusuf’s support base and whether the NNPP can recover from the loss.
