How Abba Kabir Yusuf Dethroned Ƙwanƙwaso Politically
By Dalhatu Zubairu
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
For more than two decades, Kano politics has revolved around one towering figure: Engr. Rabiu Musa Ƙwanƙwaso. As the architect of the Ƙwanƙwasiyya movement and the political benefactor of many, including the current governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ƙwanƙwaso has long been regarded as the undisputed kingmaker of Kano. But recent developments suggest that the once unshakeable hierarchy has shifted—dramatically.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s impending defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) marks the most significant political realignment in Kano since 1999. And more importantly, it signals a rare moment in Nigerian politics: the student outgrowing the master.
The Breaking Point
Reports indicate that Governor Yusuf’s decision to leave the NNPP has thrown the Ƙwanƙwasiyya camp into confusion. While Ƙwanƙwaso has publicly warned that “nobody betrays the movement and succeeds,” the governor appears unmoved. Multiple sources say his decision is “irreversible,” even if it means a complete rupture with Ƙwanƙwaso.
The governor’s consultations with state lawmakers, federal legislators, and local government chairmen—many of whom have endorsed his move—show that he is not walking alone. In fact, the majority of the NNPP’s elected officials in Kano seem to be aligning with him, not with Ƙwanƙwaso.
This is the first major sign that the power structure has tilted.
Why the Rift Became Inevitable
Several factors contributed to this political divorce, such as internal NNPP crises, which insiders say the party has been weakened by litigations and internal distrust, making it an unstable platform for 2027.
So as well, another factor is fear of losing the 2027 ticket, which some sources claim Ƙwanƙwaso’s inner circle had already resolved—that Governor Yusuf would not get the NNPP ticket for a second term.
Growing independence and Governor Yusuf’s rising popularity and visible governance achievements reportedly made some in the Ƙwanƙwasiyya hierarchy uncomfortable. Many in the political arena saw it as strategic timing with APC congresses approaching in early 2026; Yusuf’s move positions him to influence the party structure in Kano.
Each of these points weakened the bond between godfather and protégé.
The APC Angle—Fulfilling an Old Speculation
During the tense period of the Supreme Court litigation over the 2023 governorship election, there were widespread speculations that part of the behind-the-scenes negotiations involved Governor Yusuf eventually aligning with the APC. While never confirmed, his current move gives new life to those rumors.
Now, with the governor reportedly set to defect in early 2026, many observers believe he is simply fulfilling a long-anticipated political understanding.
Ƙwanƙwaso’s Diminishing Grip
Ƙwanƙwaso’s reaction has been firm but defensive. He has since denied involvement in the defection plans and reaffirmed loyalty to the NNPP and its ideology as he warned supporters against “betrayal” and attempted to rally lawmakers and party structures to stay with him.
But the numbers tell a different story. Local government chairmen, state assembly members, and even federal lawmakers appear to be drifting toward the governor’s camp.
If Governor Yusuf successfully takes the bulk of the NNPP structure with him into the APC, Ƙwanƙwaso may find himself leading a movement without a state—a symbolic dethronement.
What This Means for Kano and 2027
This realignment could reshape Kano’s political landscape in several ways: APC regains dominance with Yusuf joining; Kano may return fully to APC control, strengthening the ruling party ahead of 2027. NNPP’s national relevance weakens, and losing its only governor would be a major blow to the party’s future. Ƙwanƙwasiyya faces its biggest test yet without state power, and the movement may struggle to maintain its influence. While new alliances emerge, Yusuf’s move could trigger a wave of political recalibrations across the North.
Conclusion: A Political Throne Reclaimed
For years, Ƙwanƙwaso was the kingmaker of Kano. But politics is fluid, and power is never permanent. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s bold defection—backed by the majority of Kano’s political machinery—signals a shift that few saw coming.
If politics is a chessboard, then Abba has just made the move that places his godfather in check.
Whether Ƙwanƙwaso can escape the checkmate remains to be seen.