Veteran political activist Buba Galadima has sharply criticised the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an act of political betrayal with historical significance.
Galadima, a close ally of former Kano governor and NNPP leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, argued that Governor Yusuf’s decision to quit the party that helped propel him to power was not merely a tactical shift but a betrayal of the trust placed in him by both party leaders and the electorate. According to reactions from within NNPP circles, the decision has been so contentious that some supporters have suggested the day of Yusuf’s defection should be recorded in history for its impact on relationships and party unity.
Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP officially communicated to party officials and followed by his planned alignment with the APC triggered widespread debate among political stakeholders in Kano. The NNPP leadership has warned that the move could reverse political gains and disrupt grassroots structures built under the Kwankwasiyya movement, which secured significant electoral victories in the 2023 governorship race.
Critics of the defection have framed it as a breach of loyalty not only to Kwankwaso but also to the voters who supported Yusuf based on the NNPP platform, with some insiders proposing that the governor’s actions could have long-term implications for party cohesion and electoral behaviour ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of the APC, however, view the defection as a strategic realignment that could enhance cooperation between Kano State and the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They argue the move is rooted in pragmatic considerations for development and governance rather than personal ambition. Independent voices note that realigned political landscapes now place emphasis on coalition building as parties maneuver ahead of the next national polls.
Political analysts say the reaction to Yusuf’s defection highlights broader tensions in Nigerian politics over loyalty, party identity, and accountability to the electorate, issues likely to intensify as the 2027 general elections approach.
