Uncertainty Trails Abba Yusuf’s Reported Defection To APC

There was no official confirmation on Monday over when Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, will formally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Earlier reports indicated that Monday, January 12, 2026, would mark Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP, with plans to register as an APC member at Ɗiso Ward in the Gwale Local Government Area of the Kano metropolis. However, those expectations were not confirmed at the ward level.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the APC in Ɗiso Ward, Malam Maje Kabir Ahmad, said the ward had not received any directive from the party’s leadership regarding the governor’s registration.

“We have not received any instruction from above concerning the governor’s coming today (Monday),” Maje said.

He added, however, that the ward remained on standby. He said, “Nevertheless, we are fully prepared. Even if it is late at night and the governor decides to register today, we will be ready to receive him.”

Maje explained that Ɗiso Ward occupies a strategic position in Kano politics, noting that it is home to key political actors, including the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, as well as Governor Yusuf himself.

He said, “Governor Abba and the APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are related by blood and political history, without doubt, the governor’s return to the APC would have a significant impact on the political landscape and development of Kano State.”

A visit to the APC ward office showed a modest, single-room structure located beside the Gwale Local Government Secretariat. The office currently lacks adequate furniture and equipment, although renovation work was ongoing, with visible improvements underway.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the governor’s alleged defection, the ward chairman reiterated the party’s readiness to receive him.

“Whenever the governor decides to formally join the APC, Ɗiso Ward is ready,” Maje said.