Mammoth Crowd As Supporters Storm Kwankwaso’s Kano Residence Amid Governor Yusuf’s Defection to APC

In a show of unwavering loyalty, thousands of supporters of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), thronged his residence in Kano on Sunday. This massive gathering comes barely days after Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced his defection from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.

The supporters, primarily from Nasarawa Local Government Area, braved the afternoon sun to express their solidarity with Kwankwaso, the founder of the influential Kwankwasiyya movement. Eyewitnesses described the scene as a sea of red caps – the signature headgear of Kwankwasiyya followers – filling the streets around the former governor’s home.

Kwankwaso, who served as Kano’s governor from 1999-2003 and 2011-2015, took to his official Facebook page to share details of the visit. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed gratitude for their steadfast support during what he termed a “trying moment.”

“This afternoon, I was honoured to receive a solidarity visit at my residence in Kano from the resilient people of Nasarawa Local Government,” Kwankwaso wrote. “In our discussions, I reaffirmed my profound appreciation for their unwavering courage and determination. Despite the recent trials that have tested the faith and fortitude of many, they have chosen to stand firmly with us—not for personal gain, but for the collective progress and wellbeing of our people. Together, we remain resolute in upholding and advancing the timeless ideals of Kwankwasiyya. Thank you once again for your loyalty and solidarity. The journey continues, and victory is assured by the grace of God and the will of the people.”

Photos from the event, shared widely on social media, captured the mammoth crowd chanting slogans in support of Kwankwaso and the NNPP. The rally-like atmosphere underscored the deep-rooted influence of the Kwankwasiyya ideology in Kano, which emphasizes education, empowerment, and grassroots development.

The visit follows Governor Yusuf’s dramatic exit from the NNPP, a party he rode to victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election under Kwankwaso’s mentorship. Yusuf, often seen as Kwankwaso’s political protégé, cited the need for “strategic alignment with the center” as his reason for joining the APC. This defection has been met with fierce criticism from NNPP ranks, with Kwankwaso himself dubbing the day of the announcement as “World Betrayal Day.”

Political analysts in Kano believe the governor’s move could reshape the state’s power dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections. “Kano has historically thrived when aligned with the federal government,” one analyst noted, referencing past oppositions that led to developmental setbacks. However, Kwankwaso’s camp remains defiant, with the former presidential hopeful declaring, “I am not for sale,” in a recent address to supporters.

The APC, on its part, has welcomed Yusuf with open arms, reportedly preparing a grand reception for him and several defecting lawmakers. Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, praised Kwankwaso’s reported endorsement of the defection for promoting stability in Kano.

As tensions simmer, all eyes are on Kano – a key northern battleground state. With Kwankwasiyya’s grassroots strength still evident from Sunday’s turnout, the political chess game between the NNPP and APC is far from over.