Why Kano Gov’s Defection To APC Is Inevitable

…The Barau Factor

Indications emerged on Sunday that plans by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress has become inevitable.

The governor, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had initially planned to officially join the APC on Monday, January 5, 2026, but shifted the event to Monday, January 12.

Sources close to Yusuf said the governor is unmoved by the objection of his political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso to the planned defection

A source in the Kano NNPP said the disagreement between the governor and Kwankwaso, who is the leader of the NNPP, has led to the parting of ways of the two long standing associates.

Giving an insight into why the two Kano politicians may never find a common ground, the source, who did not want his name in print, cited a number of reasons why the two politicians cannot resolve their differences.

The source cited the governor’s desperation to secure his re-election in 2027 on a viable platform, which he considered to be the APC.

According to him, the governor is apprehensive over the viability of the NNPP in the 2027 elections, owing to divisions arising from unresolved leadership crisis in the party.

The governor, the source, said, is also scared by the massive following and the rising profile of the incumbent Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau commands in Kano politics.

“You must be aware that Barau is highly favoured by the leadership of the APC in Kano and at the national level for the 2027 governorship ticket, which he will likely get on a platter.

“You may also know that Barau declared his interest in the Kano governorship a long time ago and he has been working hard towards it as he enjoys grassroots support in Kano.

“So it is the fear of Barau that is driving Governor Yusuf to the APC because he has weighed his chances and he knows he does not stand a chance with Barau running on the APC ticket.

“The governor,s case is not helped by the leadership crisis in the NNPP, with a faction claiming to have suspend Kwankwaso who is the leader of the party,” the Kano politician said.

Speaking further on the governor’s chances should he defect to the APC, the source said President Bola Tinubu and the APC leaders would not hesitate to cede the ticket to him.

According to him, Yusuf himself would not be defecting if he has not been assured of the APC ticket for his re-election in 2027, adding that Tinubu and the APC leadership would not have any difficulty prevailing on Senator Barau to give the governor a chance.

“Everybody knows that Barau, despite his popularity in Kano, is not a do-or-die politician. I don’t see him objecting to such a request, especially if it’s coming from President Tinubu,” the source added.

Why Kano Gov’s Defection To APC Is Inevitable is first published on The Whistler Newspaper