Kwankwaso Alleges Kano Officials Being Pressured to Back Yusuf’s Alleged APC Defection Plan

Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has raised concerns that public office holders and political appointees in Kano State are allegedly being forced to support Governor Abba Yusuf’s reported plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso made the claim in a short video message released on Tuesday, where he alleged that elected officials and appointees were being compelled to openly declare loyalty either to the Kwankwasiyya political movement or to the Gandujiyya bloc associated with the APC.

According to him, those affected include members of the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and other political office holders. He said many of them had contacted him privately to express distress over what they described as intimidation and pressure since the political tension began.

Kwankwaso disclosed that he had received numerous calls from officials who said the situation had taken a serious emotional and physical toll on them.

“Since this crisis started, several chairmen, councillors, political appointees and lawmakers have reached out to me about what they are going through,” he said. “Some told me they haven’t slept for days. Some were even hospitalised. This is very unfortunate.”

He claimed that officials were instructed to declare where they stood politically, a move he described as unpleasant and unhealthy for democratic practice.

Kwankwaso said after consulting with party leaders and close associates, he advised those under pressure to comply if doing so would protect them from further intimidation.

“We told those who were compelled to append their signatures or declare positions to go ahead if that would ease the pressure on them,” he stated. “The most important thing is their safety and well-being.”

He added that political battles are not won through coercion, stressing that the real contest lies ahead.

“We know the battle for 2027 is still before us. Our supporters are there. They know themselves, and we know them,” he said, thanking party members and supporters who he claimed had also been pressured with inducements and promises.

Kwankwaso also referenced recent comments by Governor Yusuf in which the governor reportedly praised the achievements of the former administration while criticising abandoned projects by earlier governments.

The political tension follows growing speculation that Governor Yusuf may be planning to defect from the NNPP to the APC, a move believed to have deepened the rift between him and his long-time political ally and mentor, Kwankwaso.

Neither the Kano State Government nor the governor’s camp has officially confirmed plans to defect, but the allegations have intensified debate over loyalty, political realignment and the future of Kano’s power structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

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