APC Takes Crucial Step as Party Welcomes Kano Governor
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). This significant move, which comes with the departure of 73 elected officials including members of the State Assembly and local government chairmen, has stirred political reactions within Kano State and beyond.
The APC in Kano has openly welcomed Yusuf, expressing optimism regarding his alignment with the party. Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, the APC State Secretary, indicated the party’s eagerness to accommodate Yusuf and his supporters, stating, “He is welcome. Our doors are open, and we welcome him.” In anticipation of Yusuf’s defection, the party has even reserved registration number 001 for him at his home ward, Chiranci-Diso. Sarina emphasized that they are prepared to integrate the governor’s cabinet members and political associates into the APC fold.
Yusuf’s defection comes at a politically charged time as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, and internal conflicts within the NNPP have been escalating. Following Yusuf’s resignation, there have been calls from within the NNPP, particularly from factional chairman Mas’ud Eljibril, demanding that he officially resign before moving to the APC. Complicating matters, court rulings have recognized Eljibril’s faction as the legitimate wing of the NNPP, further intensifying the political landscape.
The NNPP has recently faced internal discord as factions vie for leadership positions, displaying the fractures within the party as it prepares for future electoral challenges. Notable figures within the NNPP, such as Rabiu Kwankwaso, who reportedly was influential in Yusuf’s political journey, have reacted to the governor’s anticipated shift. Kwankwaso has expressed feelings of betrayal regarding the situation, marking the day of Yusuf’s defection as “world betrayal day.”
Moreover, the symbolic removal of the NNPP flag from the Kano State Government House signifies the ongoing political transformation under Yusuf’s leadership and foreshadows his impending association with the APC. Observers view these developments as a major gain for the APC, potentially increasing its political capital in Kano State and influencing strategies for the upcoming elections.
In summary, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s imminent move to the APC marks a pivotal moment in Kano’s political arena, accompanied by several high-profile defections and a broader shift in party loyalty as factions within the NNPP struggle for identity and influence. As we approach the 2027 elections, the implications of these political maneuvers will significantly shape the electoral landscape and party dynamics across Nigeria. The APC appears better positioned to leverage these developments, potentially consolidating power and support in the region as internal conflicts within competitor parties unfold.
