Internal crisis looms within the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party chieftains have warned the Presidency against a “forced marriage” regarding the anticipated defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
While sources indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keen on a political realignment that would see the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leadership absorbed into the APC, local stakeholders are expressing deep-seated reservations about the return of the Kwankwasiyya movement to the ruling party.
The ‘Villa’ Connection
The development follows a recent meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf at the Presidential Villa. Sources close to the Presidency revealed that the talks were aimed at perfecting the defection process for the governor and Kwankwaso.
An impeccable source confirmed that a follow-up meeting between the President and Kwankwaso is imminent.
“Our leader (Kwankwaso) is set to meet with the President at any moment. This is a follow-up to the engagement with Governor Yusuf,” a Kwankwasiyya insider stated.
However, while the Presidency is reportedly pushing for Kwankwaso’s inclusion to ensure a “clean sweep” of Kano politics, local APC leaders are wary. They argue that Kwankwaso’s “domineering nature” could disrupt existing party structures and marginalize those who have kept the party afloat during its time in the opposition.
Fears of ‘Forced Marriage’
A prominent APC stakeholder in Abuja, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that imposing Kwankwaso on the state chapter could backfire.
“Many stakeholders believe the President should allow Governor Yusuf to defect without Kwankwaso. There is the fear of a ‘forced marriage’ because the existing structure will not be treated fairly once the former governor joins the fray,” the source said.
The source further cautioned the Presidency to consider the unique volatility of Kano politics, citing instances where incumbent powers lost despite having the federal “might.”
The Leadership Question
In Kano, the state APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, declined to comment directly on the Kwankwaso meeting but clarified the party’s hierarchy should the governor defect.
“It is established practice that if the Governor joins us, he becomes the leader of the party in the state. (Abdullahi) Ganduje and possibly Kwankwaso would serve as our political fathers,” Abbas said.
The Barau Jibrin Factor
Beyond the leadership tussle, the 2027 gubernatorial ambitions of Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, are adding a layer of complexity to the negotiations. Reports suggest that as part of the defection deal, Governor Yusuf may be seeking an automatic ticket for a second term—a move that could clash with Senator Barau’s interests and create fresh friction within the party.
As the political landscape in the North-West prepares for a potential seismic shift, observers say the success of this realignment depends on whether President Tinubu can balance the interests of the newcomers with the loyalty of the party’s old guard.
