KANO, NIGERIA — The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has broken his silence following the shock defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a scathing interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Kwankwaso described the move as a “betrayal” and predicted a political dead-end for the governor in the 2027 elections.
The “Ganduje” Factor: “He Has Already Lost”
Kwankwaso’s most stinging remark targeted the governor’s new alliance with his long-term rival and former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
“The moment Ganduje raises his hand, he has already lost the election,” Kwankwaso declared, referring to the traditional gesture of endorsement.
He suggested that by joining the APC—a party led in the state by Ganduje—Governor Yusuf has effectively alienated the loyal Kwankwasiyya base that brought him to power in 2023.
Betrayal and Regret
The former Governor of Kano State expressed disbelief at the turn of events, noting that the defection was unexpected and would have severe consequences for Yusuf’s political future.
- The “Betrayal”: Kwankwaso noted that the NNPP platform and the Kwankwasiyya movement provided the foundation for Yusuf’s rise, making his exit a deep personal and political sting.
- The Promise of Regret: “We never expected this kind of betrayal… He will regret his decision,” Kwankwaso added.
Context: The 2027 Automatic Ticket
Kwankwaso’s reaction comes just 48 hours after Governor Yusuf formally joined the APC and was reportedly promised an automatic ticket for the 2027 governorship race by the party leadership.
While the APC is celebrating the “capture” of Kano, Kwankwaso insists that the people of Kano remain loyal to his movement and will punish the governor at the polls. “Let him first say we didn’t allow him to govern; we will give him an answer,” Kwankwaso warned.
