Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed support for the planned defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other top members of the New Nigeria People’s Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Kwankwaso, who is the leader of the NNPP, made his new position known through a short video that surfaced on Facebook on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The video was shared by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan.
The development has surprised many political stakeholders in Kano State, especially as Kwankwaso had earlier opposed any plan for Yusuf and other NNPP officials to leave the party.
In recent weeks, the former Minister of Defence had openly criticised the governor and other elected officials on the NNPP platform, accusing them of betraying the trust given to them by voters. He had also insisted that the party’s structure in Kano must be protected and remain united.
However, speaking in the video on Tuesday, Kwankwaso explained that he had reviewed his stance. He said the decision was taken to allow party members to exercise their political rights and to reduce growing tension within the NNPP in Kano State.
Political observers believe the change in position reflects ongoing political realignments in the state, as Kwankwaso appears to be adjusting to shifting loyalties in order to remain relevant in Kano’s changing political landscape.