{"id":26900,"date":"2026-01-16T10:37:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T10:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/26900\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T10:37:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T10:37:10","slug":"inside-kanos-power-struggle-what-yusufs-moves-mean-for-kwankwaso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/26900\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Kano\u2019s power struggle: What Yusuf\u2019s moves mean for Kwankwaso"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n <\/a><\/p>\n

The decision of Abba Yusuf, Kano State Governor, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria People\u2019s Party (NNPP) has heightened political tension in the ancient city, triggering a fierce power struggle with far-reaching implications for the influence of Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor and NNPP leader.\n<\/p>\n

Governor Yusuf, a long-time prot\u00e9g\u00e9 of Kwankwaso and a product of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, came to power in 2023 largely on the back of the former governor\u2019s political machinery.\n<\/p>\n

However, recent developments suggest a gradual shift in the balance of power, as the governor consolidates authority and asserts growing independence from the structure that produced him.\n<\/p>\n

Read also:\u00a0Kano NNPP crisis deepens as Deputy Governor Gwarzo aligns with Kwankwaso camp<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Yusuf\u2019s quiet moves toward APC power brokers<\/p>\n

Perhaps, to facilitate his entrance and acceptance into the ruling party, the Kano governor, in recent months, has been hobnobbing with political actors in the APC and with figures seen as direct political rivals to Kwankwaso. One of such figures is Abdullahi Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor.\n<\/p>\n

Ganduje was deputy to Kwankwaso during his tenure as governor of Kano State, but in recent years, the two political heavyweights have become bitter rivals in Kano politics.\n<\/p>\n

Political analysts say Governor Yusuf defecting under Ganduje\u2019s watch would amount to a major political victory for the former APC national chairman and a direct blow to Kwankwaso.\n<\/p>\n

Building a power base outside Kwankwasiyya\n<\/p>\n

Political watchers say the Kano governor\u2019s recent appointments, policy decisions and political engagements point to a deliberate effort to build a personal power base distinct from the Kwankwasiyya movement.<\/p>\n

While there has been no open confrontation between the two leaders, insiders say their relationship is not cordial.\n<\/p>\n

Over the past months, sources say Governor Yusuf has reshuffled key positions within government and party structures, sidelining some figures known to be loyal to Kwankwaso while elevating others seen as loyal primarily to him. These changes, analysts say, reflect an attempt by Yusuf to tighten his grip on the state ahead of future political contests.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we have seen in recent months is that the Kano governor has taken steps to reassert his authority and free himself from Kwankwaso by gradually building his political structure across the state,\u201d a source in the NNPP, who did not want his name in print, told BusinessDay.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a move aimed at building his political identity, and it is certainly part of the things creating friction.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

APC\u2019s strategy and Tinubu\u2019s 2027 calculations<\/p>\n

Olarewaju Adesanya, a political analyst, told BusinessDay that Kwankwaso\u2019s refusal to defect to the ruling party may have necessitated the APC\u2019s move to poach Governor Yusuf, given how crucial Kano is to President Bola Tinubu\u2019s re-election bid.\n<\/p>\n

According to him, Tinubu has weighed his political chances in Kano and decided to deliver a political punch to Kwankwaso, as it appears the Kano governor has chosen to pitch his tent with Tinubu and the APC.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, seeing that Kwankwaso\u2019s base needs to be depleted for them to succeed in the state in the 2027 general election, the game was successfully hatched in a swift move to wane Kwankwaso\u2019s influence in Kano politics,\u201d Adesanya said.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThe political optics in Kano are changing, and Governor Yusuf\u2019s alignment with Ganduje is a strong pointer to that effect.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Read also:\u00a0NNPP says Kano executive dissolution irreversible, faults alleged court ruling<\/a><\/p>\n

Kwankwasiyya movement and its enduring grip\n<\/p>\n

Kwankwaso, a former governor and two-time presidential candidate, remains the undisputed symbol of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which has dominated Kano politics for over a decade.\n<\/p>\n

The movement\u2019s red-cap symbolism, grassroots networks and disciplined structure were instrumental in Yusuf\u2019s electoral victory. Any perceived weakening of Kwankwaso\u2019s control therefore has broader implications for the movement\u2019s future.\n<\/p>\n

Observers note that the tension reflects a familiar pattern in Nigerian politics, where godfathers and political heirs often clash once power is secured. From Lagos to Rivers and beyond, governors who emerged through dominant political patrons have historically sought autonomy after assuming office. <\/p>\n

Analysts tap Kwankwaso\u2019s popularity<\/p>\n

Hammed Muritala, a political commentator, noted that while the defection of the Kano governor to the APC could create cracks and internal tensions within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement, it may not immediately wane Kwankwaso\u2019s influence in Kano politics.\n<\/p>\n

Muritala described Kwankwaso as a political enigma in the state, arguing that he has built not just a political structure but a loyal and formidable grassroots movement that transcends party lines and has survived similar political shifts in the past.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the governor\u2019s defection may temporarily weaken internal cohesion within the NNPP, history suggests that Kwankwaso\u2019s political base has repeatedly adapted, reorganised and, in many cases, emerged stronger.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw what happened in the last general elections, where his candidate defeated the candidate of the sitting governor and ruling party at the centre,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n

Similarly, Emmanuel Taiwo, a politician, said Kwankwaso remains a household name in Kano politics because of his long-term investment in human capital in the state and its environs, stressing that this has made him very popular among the downtrodden and even the elite.<\/p>\n

According to him, this explains how Kwankwaso returned as Kano governor in 2011 and later mobilised support for the current government.\n<\/p>\n

Taiwo argued that support for Kwankwaso in Kano is organic and warned that the governor could be the one at the receiving end if he defects without Kwankwaso\u2019s blessing or support.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cKwankwaso is the leader of politics in Kano State and, to some extent, the North-West. I believe Yusuf won\u2019t move without his blessing, and anyone Kwankwaso supports will win the next election because of his popularity,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n

National implications and 2027 stakes\n<\/p>\n

For now, the stakes remain particularly high in Kano. Kwankwaso\u2019s influence extends beyond the state, positioning him as a key opposition figure nationally.<\/p>\n

Analysts say any erosion of his authority in Kano could weaken his bargaining power ahead of the 2027 general election.\n<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, political watchers say Governor Yusuf\u2019s moves may also be shaped by the national political climate, where defections and realignments have become common as politicians seek relevance within the ruling APC or emerging opposition coalitions.\n<\/p>\n

Although the Kano governor has repeatedly affirmed loyalty to the NNPP, speculation about possible future realignments continues to swirl within political circles.\n<\/p>\n

Read also:\u00a0Shekarau defends Governor Yusuf, says defection not a betrayal of Kwankwaso, NNPP<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Why Gov Yusuf is dumping NNPP and Kwankwaso<\/p>\n

Speaking on the necessity of Governor Yusuf\u2019s defection to the ruling party, a source close to the Kano government told BusinessDay that the move was informed by the governor\u2019s desperation to secure re-election in 2027 on what he considers a viable platform.\n<\/p>\n

According to the source, the governor is apprehensive about the viability of the NNPP in the 2027 elections, due to divisions arising from unresolved leadership crises within the party.\n<\/p>\n

The source also said the governor is worried about the massive following and rising profile of Jibrin Barau, deputy president of the Senate, \u00a0in Kano politics.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be aware that Barau is highly favoured by the leadership of the APC in Kano and at the national level for the 2027 governorship ticket, which he is likely to get on a platter.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may also know that Barau declared his interest in the Kano governorship a long time ago and has been working hard towards it, as he enjoys strong grassroots support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking further, the source said:\n<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is the fear of Barau that is driving Governor Yusuf to the APC because he has weighed his chances and knows he does not stand a chance with Barau running on the APC ticket.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Iwok Iniobong<\/a> <\/p>\n

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.
\n
\nOver the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
\n
\nA versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.
\n
\nIniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University. <\/p>\n

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