Kano Gov Yusuf visits Tinubu in Aso Rock, as defection speculation gains traction
The Governor of Kano State Abba Yusuf on Monday visited President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a private meeting.
Reports say that the Governor was at the Villa, making his way to the President’s office at about 4pm.
There have been speculations about Yusuf’s planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from his current party the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to sources, the defection plan has been stalling since the beginning of the year, as the leadership of the APC allegedly refused Yusuf’s request for an automatic gubernatorial ticket for the 2027 general election.
The move is viewed as having the potential to ruffle some political bigwigs in the party, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who according to speculations is nursing an ambition for the 2027 governorship race in Kano.
Yusuf is also seeking to nominate a Minister to represent Kano State in the Federal Executive Council and appoint his loyalists in positions at the federal level.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State who is considered as political godfather to Governor Yusuf, has described the planned defection as an act of betrayal, warning him to set the plan aside or face consequences in 2027.
Kwankwaso’s son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, alongside some cabinet members have vowed to resign as soon as the Governor defects to the APC officially.
According to reports, that the ongoing e-registration of the APC has been suspended in Kano based on the President’s directive, who wants Governor Yusuf to be the first to register after joining the party officially.
The President had in a birthday statement on January 5 poured encomiums on the Governor in celebration of Yusuf’s 63rd birthday, praising his giant strides in the State.
