Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has asserted his dominance within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, declaring that former National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, cannot dictate political decisions to him.
The governor made the remarks while addressing supporters amid ongoing reactions to his recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC—a move that has generated significant political debate across Kano State and beyond.
Yusuf’s defection has particularly stirred controversy among loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political bloc with deep roots in Kano politics. Critics have accused the governor of abandoning the movement, while supporters argue that the move reflects a strategic repositioning.
Speaking at a gathering, Yusuf defended his decision to leave the NNPP, insisting that it was driven by internal crises within the party rather than personal ambition or betrayal.
“I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” he said.
According to the governor, his early exit from the NNPP helped avert a broader political crisis that could have negatively impacted governance and stability in Kano State.
“By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see,” Yusuf added.
The governor also addressed accusations of betrayal from members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, questioning the consistency of such claims. He pointed out that some individuals within the movement had previously taken similar political decisions without broader consultation.
“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he asked.
A major highlight of Yusuf’s address was his response to suggestions that his move to the APC places him under the influence of Abdullahi Ganduje. The governor firmly rejected the notion, emphasizing that his political standing in Kano remains independent.
“They say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano today?” he asked, drawing loud support from the crowd.
“Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?” he continued.
Yusuf maintained that while he holds Ganduje in high regard, their relationship is based on mutual respect rather than hierarchy or control. He stressed that leadership of the APC in Kano State now rests with him.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.
Political analysts say the governor’s comments reflect an attempt to consolidate his authority within the APC following his defection, while also reassuring supporters of his independence. The development is expected to shape the political landscape in Kano as stakeholders within both the APC and NNPP continue to react to the shift.
As the situation evolves, Yusuf’s assertion of leadership may influence alignments within the party and determine how political structures in Kano State are redefined ahead of future electoral contests.
