Following the political earthquake that saw Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, departing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a mass exit of dozens of elected officials, and deepening divisions within the ruling political structure in the northwestern state; the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former presidential candidate of NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has defiantly pledged to remain true to his political principles and refused to be “for sale.”
At the same time, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has openly criticized Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, accusing him of abandoning political loyalty for expediency and warning that such actions could have serious political consequences. The party said leaders who betray the trust of their supporters often face rejection by the electorate.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Working Committee, the NNPP described the governor’s recent political posture as a betrayal of the confidence reposed in him by members of the Kwankwasiyya movement. The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, rejected claims by Governor Yusuf that the NNPP was grappling with an “irredeemable crisis,” describing the assertion as an afterthought aimed at justifying his actions.
The party maintained that the support and loyalty of the Kwankwasiyya movement were instrumental to Governor Yusuf’s emergence, warning that disregarding that political base could have long-term implications. It added that history has shown that leaders who sacrifice honour and loyalty for short-term gains rarely escape public judgment.
However, the state government has issued a stern warning against inflammatory statements or insults directed at the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former governor of the state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The warning was particularly aimed at supporters of Governor Yusuf, urging them to exercise restraint in their public conduct.
In a statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the government said it would not tolerate acts of indiscipline or disrespect toward Kwankwaso, emphasizing his enduring influence and contributions to Kano’s political landscape, irrespective of current political realignments.
Speaking during the distribution of motorcycles to party members at the Open Space Theatre, Government House, Kano, with Governor Yusuf present, Dawakin Tofa stressed the need for maturity and discipline among supporters. He cautioned that political disagreements should not degenerate into personal attacks, noting that respect for leadership and internal cohesion are vital for peace, stability, and effective governance in the state.
Recall that in a letter addressed to the Diso-Chiranchi Ward chairman of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, Governor Yusuf announced his resignation from the party with effect from January 23, 2026, citing persistent internal conflicts, unresolved leadership disputes, and ongoing legal battles that he said had weakened the party’s cohesion at both state and national levels.
The governor expressed gratitude for the support the NNPP provided since 2022 but insisted his decision was guided by considerations he described as being in the best interest of the people of Kano State.
Joining Yusuf in the exit were a substantial number of his political allies — including 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen across the state — marking a significant mass resignation from the party’s ranks.
The defections have heightened speculation that Yusuf and his camp are preparing to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC’s Kano State chapter and national leadership are reported to be positioning to receive the governor, with party officials confirming preparations to facilitate his e-registration and political integration. One prominent move saw the reservation of the 001 electronic registration number specifically for Yusuf at his Chiranchi-Diso ward, a symbolic gesture signaling the ruling party’s intentions.
APC state secretary Ibrahim Zakari Sarina signalled openness to welcoming Yusuf and his entire political structure, indicating that the party is ready to accommodate not just the governor but his aides, lawmakers, and supporters.
Amid the political realignment, Rabiu Kwankwaso addressed supporters at his residence in Kano, rejecting any notion that he would abandon his long-held ideals for personal gain. Kwankwaso reiterated that his political struggle has been driven by conviction and principles, emphasizing that he remains committed to the emancipation of ordinary Nigerians rather than political handouts or positional bargaining.
“I’m not for sale,” Kwankwaso declared, stressing that the Kwankwasiyya Movement has endured not because of financial incentives but through shared values and discipline. He warned members not to lose focus despite recent political shifts, and urged early mobilisation and organization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While many of Yusuf’s former aides and cabinet members are expected to align with the APC, not all have followed suit. Sunusi Kwankwaso, special adviser on political matters to Governor Yusuf, resigned his appointment in protest and publicly declared his unwavering loyalty to Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya ideology, refusing to join the APC.
Political commentators describe the situation as a major realignment in Kano’s political order, raising questions about the NNPP’s future strength in the state and the resilience of Kwankwaso’s support base. Party leaders loyal to Kwankwaso remain defiant, while those joining Yusuf’s camp are seen as embracing a new chapter within the dominant national party.
The developments in Kano have major implications for national politics, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Analysts suggest that Governor Yusuf’s movement towards the APC could bolster the ruling party’s influence in northern Nigeria, while Kwankwaso’s steadfast refusal to defect without assurances of top political positions — including reports that he might only consider a new party home if offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket — further complicates the political calculus.
As both camps prepare for the next electoral cycle, Kano remains a pivotal battleground where loyalty, ideology, and political ambition continue to shape the course of Nigerian politics.
