By Muhammad Mamman
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, was noticeably absent from the state’s New Year celebrations, signalling a growing rift between him and the current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Kwankwaso’s absence comes amid heightened tension over ongoing political realignment and rumours of possible defection talks involving senior NNPP figures. Sources within the party say relations between the two leaders have become increasingly strained in recent weeks, with disagreements reportedly centred on control of the party’s structures in the state and future political strategy.
Governor Yusuf, who attended the celebration hosted by the state government, made no public reference to Kwankwaso’s absence, but party insiders suggest the divide is becoming more difficult to ignore. The situation has fuelled speculation about looming shifts within the NNPP, particularly as national political blocs position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Kwankwaso, a major political force in Kano and a key figure in northern politics, has yet to issue an official statement explaining his decision to skip the event. However, commentators say the move reflects deepening mistrust between the two allies, who once worked closely to consolidate the NNPP’s stronghold in the state.
Political observers warn that the widening gulf between the two leaders could weaken the party’s cohesion in its most influential base, with potential implications for upcoming statewide and national political contests.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the NNPP nor representatives of the governor’s office had commented further on the alleged defection talks or the future of the party’s internal negotiations.
