2027 Realignment: Governor Yusuf’s APC Defection Rewrites Kano’s Political Map

Opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP) have strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling party. The opposition insists that the move will not change Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, alongside his ADC counterpart, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the defection as a reflection of personal ambition rather than political strength. They argued that elite political movements driven by self-interest do not automatically translate into electoral victories.

Similarly, the Labour Party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, cautioned against equating high-profile defections with mass support, stressing that voter loyalty ultimately determines election outcomes.

On its part, the APC welcomed Governor Yusuf into the party. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the defection as a boost for the ruling party and an endorsement of its governance philosophy, stating that the APC remains committed to democratic inclusiveness and national development.

Governor Yusuf had announced his resignation from the NNPP on Friday, ending weeks of speculation and political tension in Kano State. His decision came despite the backing of former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In recent months, several governors elected on the platform of the PDP have crossed over to the APC, including Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and most recently, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. Numerous lawmakers, former governors, ex-ministers, and party leaders have also made similar moves.

Despite concerns raised by opposition parties, President Bola Tinubu and other APC leaders have consistently dismissed claims that the ruling party is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, maintaining that the APC remains open to all Nigerians.

Reacting to Yusuf’s departure, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, described the move as a betrayal of the Kano electorate and a setback for the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He warned that politicians who trade loyalty for convenience often face political consequences.

In a statement, the NNPP noted that the party recently conducted congresses across all levels, supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and recorded victories in supplementary elections held just months ago. The party dismissed claims of an internal crisis as unfounded and politically convenient.

Drawing parallels with past political history in Kano, the NNPP recalled the 1983 elections, where mass defections failed to secure electoral success, stressing that voters ultimately determine political outcomes.

The party urged its members and Kano residents to remain calm and united, expressing confidence that principled leadership would prevail.

Despite the NNPP’s objections, Governor Yusuf is expected to formally register with the APC today in Kano. His spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, confirmed that the governor would be joined by 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight federal lawmakers, and all 44 local government chairmen. The governor is also expected to inaugurate the APC’s electronic membership registration exercise in the state.

Explaining his decision, Yusuf said the move was aimed at strengthening unity and ensuring people-centred governance across Kano State, regardless of political affiliation. He described his return to the APC as a “homecoming,” noting that he was previously a member of the party before joining the NNPP.

Meanwhile, former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is currently abroad, is expected to return to Nigeria today and may travel directly to Kano to welcome the governor.

Opposition parties have continued to question the morality of elected officials defecting mid-term. Ememobong reiterated that electoral mandates belong to the people and political platforms, insisting that defections would not guarantee APC victory in 2027.

ADC’s Abdullahi also accused defecting governors of seeking political protection rather than public service, arguing that poor performance records would ultimately cost them at the polls.

Senator Usman echoed similar sentiments, stating that political office holders switching parties does not automatically weaken opposition strength, adding that voter sentiment remains the deciding factor in elections.

Responding to the criticisms, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed opposition claims as speculative, insisting that the growing number of defections reflects increasing public confidence in the party’s leadership and policies.