By
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
The planned defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has generated intense political debate within Kano State and beyond. The development has become a major talking point across social media platforms and the mainstream media nationwide.
As the 2027 election cycle gradually gathers momentum and looms on the political horizon, permutations, realignments, and strategic calculations are understandably taking place across Nigeria’s political divides.
The NNPP platform on which Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf contested and won the 2023 gubernatorial election is currently enmeshed in a protracted legal battle, with the Supreme Court yet to pronounce on which faction is the legitimate leadership of the party—whether the faction symbolized by the fruit-bearing logo or the one adorned with the red-coloured book insignia.
There is also the issue of the alleged overbearing influence of the leadership of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in the governance of Kano State. Reports suggest that certain powerful interests may be exerting undue influence on government affairs in ways that could be inimical to the broader objectives and autonomy of the present state leadership.
Undoubtedly, the APC enjoys a formidable national structure, wider political spread, and greater access to resources and human capital than the NNPP. The NNPP’s control of only one state places it at a significant disadvantage, especially given the expectation that Kano State resources could be stretched to support presidential and other national electoral ambitions—a burden that may overstretch the state’s capacity.
The achievements of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration over the past three years across key sectors—education, healthcare, and economic empowerment—have been widely acknowledged. As highlighted by Hon. Tajo Othman, the State Commissioner for Local Government, these accomplishments represent record-breaking progress within a remarkably short period. Such strides are commendable and reassuring for the people of Kano State.
A possible defection to the APC could attract stronger federal government collaboration in Kano’s infrastructural development agenda. This includes the completion of the Lagos–Kano railway project, the revival of moribund industries, and the stimulation of commercial activities, which remain the backbone of the state’s economy.
Any initiative by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf aimed at attracting investment, reducing unemployment, creating wealth, and strengthening the security architecture will ultimately contribute to restoring Kano’s historic status as a commercial and industrial hub.
Joining the APC may also serve as a political safeguard, insulating the state government from potential uncertainties and mitigating adverse consequences should the Supreme Court judgment favor the opposing litigants within the NNPP.
In this light, aligning with a larger party possessing extensive national reach and influence appears to be a strategic and pragmatic decision rather than a political miscalculation.
The ideals of the Red Cap Revolution would continue to serve as a guiding philosophy within an APC-led government in Kano State. Such a move would neither amount to political suicide nor ideological betrayal by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, but rather a calculated and forward-looking strategy aimed at securing Kano State’s future under his leadership.
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