‘You’ll Regret It’ — Kwankwaso Issues Strong Warning to Gov Yusuf Over Move From NNPP to APC

NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso has stated that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will regret his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a BBC Hausa interview, Kwankwaso described the governor’s exit from the party as shocking and confusing, dismissing speculation that it was pre-arranged. Governor Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP on January 23 and joined the APC on January 26, 2026, less than three years after winning the governorship on the NNPP platform, a party deeply tied to Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement.

Key Points:

The defection could destabilize the NNPP’s structure and influence in Kano State, a key political stronghold.
It may impact governance continuity and party-backed projects in Kano if internal rivalry affects administration focus.
Kwankwaso’s movement stands to lose a sitting governor, weakening its bargaining power ahead of future elections.
The move reflects deeper realignments within Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Timing is significant as defections often reshape political loyalties and electoral strategies mid-term.

The long-term political fallout in Kano and its effect on NNPP’s cohesion will become clearer in the coming months.

Sources: Vanguard, BBC Hausa