Kano Gov’s Demands Stall Defection to APC as Deputy Vows to Remain in NNPP

This may not be the best time for Kano State Governor following the planned defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered a major setback after the ruling party declined his demand for an automatic governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources told our reporter that Governor Yusuf made the guaranteed ticket a key condition for joining the APC, but party leaders rejected the request, insisting he must contest the party’s primaries like every other aspirant.

Why Yusuf’s Defection to APC Is Delayed
The refusal has thrown the defection talks into uncertainty, with the governor’s camp now divided and the planned switch postponed more than twice. Although Yusuf has been holding high-level meetings in Abuja with top APC leaders, the Kano APC chapter said it has not agreed to any automatic ticket arrangement, noting that he would defect “at the right time.”

Political observers say the talks are being complicated by strong resistance from influential APC figures, especially Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who is believed to be eyeing the Kano governorship seat in 2027.

A source close to former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, revealed that the party is unwilling to sacrifice the ambitions of its leaders to accommodate Yusuf’s demands.

“Apart from the automatic ticket, the governor is asking to nominate a minister for Kano and influence federal appointments. These are conditions other defecting governors did not present,” the source said.

Deputy Governor Rejects Defection, Vows Loyalty to NNPP
In another twist, Yusuf’s deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has reportedly vowed to remain in the NNPP, a move that could spark a major political crisis if the governor eventually defects.

Fresh signals that Yusuf is not leaving the NNPP soon came on Friday when he presided over the first Kano State Executive Council meeting of 2026 in Abuja, wearing the Kwankwasiyya red cap and displaying the NNPP flag , a clear message of loyalty to the party.

Kwankwaso Reacts: “I Won’t Defect Without Concrete Agreement”
NNPP National Leader and former Kano governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, described Yusuf’s defection plan as a betrayal but said he is open to joining the APC  only under strict conditions.
“I have never been opposed to joining the APC, but I cannot do so without a solid agreement on the ground that protects my supporters and the interests of Kano State,” Kwankwaso said in a video shared by his aide.

Tinubu, Shettima, Ganduje Monitoring Developments
Sources disclosed that Yusuf recently held closed-door meetings in Abuja with Ganduje and Senator Barau Jibrin, while Vice President Kashim Shettima is closely monitoring the negotiations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to receive a final briefing as the political drama continues.

Why This Matters:
If Yusuf eventually defects, it could reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of 2027. But with the APC standing firm on internal democracy and the NNPP closing ranks, the battle for Kano is far from over.