Kano: ‘Gov Yusuf’s Defection To APC Is Simple Self-preservation’ – Baba Yusuf

Political activist, Baba Yusuf, has stated that the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is driven by political survival rather than ideology.

Abia Radio News reports that Yusuf made this known during an interview with ARISE Television, citing an incident that happened during the swearing-in of Yusuf.

According to him, members of the Kwankwasiyya movement accused Kwankwaso of exerting excessive control over Governor Yusuf.

He said, “It is pure and simple self-preservation. A few months after his swearing-in, there were chants across Kano saying, ‘Aba ya tsaya da kansa’ meaning, ‘Aba, stand on your own feet.’ That was the beginning of what we are seeing today.

“There was an overbearing hold on the Governor by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. This is a classic template of godfatherism playing out between a godfather and a godson.”

Yusuf noted that Governor Yusuf initially relied heavily on Kwankwaso’s political machinery but ultimately chose to break away.

He stated, “He had no independent political structure. He leaned on the Kwankwasiyya structure, which we must give credit to Kwankwaso built a movement that resonated deeply with the masses of Kano.

“Aba Kabir Yusuf used the opportunity created by that overbearing influence and Kwankwaso’s political overreach to free himself.” 

Assessing the impact of the defection on Kwankwaso’s national standing, Yusuf said the effect would be mixed, but that the former governor would resurge politically.

Yusuf noted that the erosion of Kwankwaso’s influence at the grassroots is not yet decisive.

He added, “In the short to mid-term, this has weakened him. But in the mid-to-long term, Kwankwaso could resurge politically in Kano. Kano is a very interesting state. If you go back to history, we are masters of protest votes.

“To be honest with you, the erosion of Kwankwaso’s value at the grassroots is not significant. What remains to be seen is how this plays out in voting patterns, and how Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf delivers dividends of democracy between now and 2027.”