### Political Turmoil in Kano: Kwankwaso's Denial and Yusuf's Defection The political landscape in Kano State has been shaken by conflicting reports regarding the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP and former governor of Kano, has publicly denied endorsing Yusuf's move, despite earlier indications of support. This situation highlights the rift between Kwankwaso and Yusuf, as well as the broader implications for the NNPP and Kano politics. - **Kwankwaso's Denial**: Kwankwaso has firmly stated that he did not approve of Yusuf's defection to the APC, attempting to clarify his position amidst swirling rumors [https://businessday.ng/politics/article/i-did-not-approve-abba-yusufs-defection-to-apc-kwankwaso]. - **Contradictory Endorsements**: In a surprising twist, Kwankwaso has also been reported to endorse Yusuf's defection, creating confusion about his true stance [https://independent.ng/kwankwaso-makes-u-turn-backs-abba-yusufs-planned-apc-defection]. - **Political Tensions**: The absence of Kwankwaso's loyalists at Yusuf's public events further underscores the growing divide between the two leaders [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/kwankwasos-loyalists-absent-at-gov-yusufs-defection-outing]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Kwankwaso's Position**: - Denies endorsing Yusuf's defection [https://mojidelano.com/kwankwaso-denies-approving-abba-yusufs-move-to-apc]. - Claims that he has not given approval for any NNPP members to join the APC [https://afripost.ng/2026/01/14/i-did-not-give-approval-to-abba-yusuf-to-join-apc-kwankwaso]. 2. **Yusuf's Actions**: - Governor Yusuf is reportedly moving forward with plans to defect to the APC, despite opposition from the NNPP leadership [https://mcebiscoo.com/gov-yusufs-defection-isnt-just-about-kano-heres-why]. - The Kano State Government has been accused of coercing officials to sign defection documents [https://newtelegraphng.com/kwankwaso-kano-govt-disagree-over-alleged-forced-defection-to-apc]. 3. **Party Dynamics**: - The NNPP has expressed full support for Yusuf amid the rift with Kwankwaso [https://empowerednewswire.org/nnpp-declares-full-backing-for-gov-yusuf-amid-rift-with-kwankwaso]. - The political climate in Kano is tense, with implications for the upcoming elections as factions within the NNPP vie for control [https://naija247news.com/kwankwaso-rift-widens-as-kano-governor-yusuf-prepares-to-defect-from-nnpp-to-apc]. ### Evidence of Political Shifts - **Public Statements**: Kwankwaso's conflicting statements have created uncertainty about his leadership and the future of the NNPP in Kano. - **Loyalty Issues**: The absence of Kwankwaso's supporters at key events indicates a potential fracture within the party [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/kwankwasos-loyalists-absent-at-gov-yusufs-defection-outing]. - **Defection Trends**: The ongoing defections from the NNPP to the APC could reshape the political landscape in Kano, especially with the 2027 elections approaching [https://nivonews.com/2026/01/13/kwankwaso-endorses-kano-governor-yusufs-move-to-apc-shakes-state-politics]. ### Conclusion: A Divided Political Future The situation in Kano is emblematic of deeper political divisions within the NNPP and the challenges facing its leadership. 1. **Kwankwaso's Denial**: His refusal to endorse Yusuf's defection raises questions about his influence and the loyalty of party members. 2. **Yusuf's Defection**: The governor's determination to switch parties could lead to significant shifts in political alliances and power dynamics in Kano. 3. **Implications for NNPP**: The ongoing rift may weaken the party's position ahead of the elections, as internal conflicts distract from broader political strategies. The unfolding drama in Kano politics will be crucial to watch as it may set the tone for future electoral contests in Nigeria [https://naija247news.com/kwankwaso-rift-widens-as-kano-governor-yusuf-prepares-to-defect-from-nnpp-to-apc].