By Muhammad Mamman
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has attributed recent political defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to financial considerations and the influence of the Federal Government.
Speaking candidly, the governor said access to federal funds for development projects has become a major driving force behind political realignments across the country. According to him, many politicians see little incentive in opposing the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which controls the nation’s financial resources.
“Nobody can dare challenge the Tinubu federal government because they are the ones giving us money to execute development projects,” Mr Yusuf was quoted as saying.
His remarks come amid a wave of defections by politicians from opposition parties to the APC, a trend that has intensified following the 2023 general elections. Analysts say the movement reflects the central role of federal allocations and political leverage in Nigeria’s governance structure.
The governor’s comments have sparked debate within political circles, with critics arguing that governance should be driven by ideology and accountability rather than access to funds, while others contend that cooperation with the centre is often necessary to deliver tangible projects at the state level.
As defections continue to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, Mr Yusuf’s remarks have added fresh fuel to discussions about the balance of power, resource control and political survival in the country’s democracy.
