Deputy Governor, Kwankwasiyya Allies Boycott Yusuf’s First Event After Dumping NNPP

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf flagged off the distribution of motorcycles to social media promoters on Saturday at the Open Arena of the Government House, marking his first major public outing since resigning from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) last Friday. The event, however, exposed growing rifts in the administration as Deputy Governor Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo and several officials aligned with the Kwankwasiyya political movement stayed away.

Top government figures and allies of the governor attended the ceremony, including Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly Ismail Falgore, Secretary to the State Government Umar Farouq, former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Northwest University Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, as well as Commissioners Yusuf Labaran (Health), Alhaji Umar Doguwa (Water Resources), Comrade Ibrahim Waiya (Information), and Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud (Agriculture).

Notably absent were commissioners seen as loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Kwankwasiyya leader and former Kano governor. These included Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation Yusuf Kofar Mata; Commissioner for Sports Mustapha Kwankwaso; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and the Physically Challenged Amina HOD; Commissioner for Tourism Aisha Saji; Commissioner for Internal Security AVM Ibrahim Umaru (rtd); and Head of Service Abdullahi Musa.

The boycott comes amid Yusuf’s planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, January 26, 2026, alongside 22 state assembly members, eight federal lawmakers, and 44 local government chairmen. A press release from the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated that the move aims to foster cooperation with the federal government, boost infrastructure, enhance security, and promote unity in Kano.

Yusuf’s resignation from NNPP, cited due to internal crises, has triggered a wave of exits from his administration. Former Special Adviser on Political Matters Sunusi Sirajo resigned in a viral video, accusing the governor of betraying Kwankwaso. He claimed his earlier resignation letter was rejected by officials. Other resignations include Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute Sumaila Abdullahi Esq, Managing Director of Kano Zoo Sadiq Kura Mohammad, and Senior Special Assistant on Intergovernmental and Foreign Affairs Abdullahi Ahmad Namama.

In response, Yusuf appointed Mustapha Hamza Buhari as the new Special Adviser on Political Matters, signaling efforts to stabilize his team ahead of the APC switch.

NNPP has condemned Yusuf’s defection as a “cold betrayal of sacred trust,” rejecting his claims of party instability. Kwankwaso, in a statement, declared he is “not for sale” amid the political realignment. Some Kano residents have praised the governor’s decision, viewing it as a step toward better governance.

The developments highlight the intensifying political crisis in Kano, with Yusuf’s APC return expected to reshape alliances in the state.