Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has firmly stated that former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, cannot dictate to him on political matters in Kano State, following his recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC. The governor made the declaration during a public address to his supporters, as reactions continue to grow over his party switch. He emphasized that he now leads the APC in Kano, asserting his authority within the party structure despite external speculation.
Yusuf’s move has sparked widespread debate across the state, particularly among loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has long been associated with the NNPP. At the gathering, he defended his decision, describing it not as betrayal but as a necessary action taken after observing internal fractures within the NNPP. “I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” he said.
He explained that his early decision helped avert a larger political crisis in Kano, which could have deeply affected millions of residents. “By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see,” the governor added. He also responded to critics accusing him of abandoning the Kwankwasiyya Movement, questioning the sincerity of such claims.
Yusuf pointed out that some members had previously left the NNPP without consulting others, calling that a form of betrayal as well. “Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he asked. He further dismissed claims that he had aligned himself under Ganduje’s influence after joining the APC. Instead, he asserted his leadership role in the party.
“他们 say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano Today?” he asked, prompting loud cheers from supporters who chanted his name. “Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?” he continued. Yusuf maintained that while he respects Ganduje as a political figure, their relationship does not mean he is under any form of control.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf declared. His remarks underscore a growing shift in political dynamics in Kano, as he positions himself as the central figure in the APC’s state structure. The governor’s stance signals a new chapter in Kano politics, with implications for party unity and governance in the coming electoral cycle.
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