Gov Yusuf Sacks Political Aide, Appoints Ganduje’s Ex-Adviser Amid NNPP Defection Crisis

In a swift political maneuver that has deepened the rift within Kano’s ruling circles, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has dismissed his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo, and replaced him with Mustapha Bakwana, a former adviser to ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. This development comes less than 24 hours after Yusuf’s high-profile resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), signaling a major realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sunusi Surajo, a staunch ally of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Chairman of Madobi Local Government Area, was relieved of his duties without an official reason provided. However, sources close to the government suggest it stems from escalating tensions between Yusuf and Kwankwaso, including allegations of coercion during the defection process and questions over loyalty. The sacking was confirmed via a social media post by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the governor’s spokesman, who announced Bakwana’s appointment in the same breath.

Bakwana, who previously served as political adviser under Ganduje – the former APC National Chairman – brings a wealth of experience from the opposition camp. His appointment has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as Yusuf’s bid to consolidate power by bridging old divides, while critics see it as a betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya movement that propelled him to office in 2023. Political analyst Usman Okai of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) slammed the move, accusing Yusuf of “dancing to Ganduje’s tune” and abandoning his ideological roots.

The aide’s dismissal appears to be the tip of a larger cabinet reshuffle, as Yusuf navigates strained relations with Kwankwaso. In his resignation letter to the NNPP chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf cited “persistent internal disputes and legal challenges” that have “widened divisions and weakened cohesion” within the party. Effective from January 23, 2026, the resignation was followed by a wave of defections: 44 local council chairmen, 22 state assembly members, and 8 federal lawmakers pledged loyalty to Yusuf and are set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the move has fractured the Kwankwasiyya loyalists. A credible source revealed that Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo is aligning with Kwankwaso and refusing to defect. Efforts to reach Gwarzo’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba, proved futile as his phone was switched off. Notably, the deputy governor has skipped three consecutive public functions at the Government House and has been spotted at Kwankwaso’s residence for solidarity meetings.

Other cabinet members remaining loyal to NNPP include Commissioners for Science and Technology, Dr. Yusuf Kofar-Mata; Special Duties, Nasiru Garo; Sports, Mustapha Kwankwaso; Internal Security, AVM Ibrahim Umar; Humanitarian Affairs, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; and Women Affairs, Amina Abdullahi. Dr. Kofar-Mata publicly resigned his position to pledge allegiance to Kwankwaso, further highlighting the divide.

The NNPP has strongly condemned Yusuf’s exit, labeling it a “betrayal of trust” and rejecting his claims of internal crises. In a statement, the party warned that the defection could return Kano to “political forces previously rejected by the electorate.” Kwankwaso, addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence, urged them to “renew their faith in the Kwankwasiyya ideology” and resist monetary inducements. “Be strong and persevere. We need like-minded progressives, not those who can be bought over,” he appealed, vowing to fight for their interests ahead of 2027.

This isn’t Yusuf’s first major shake-up. In December 2024, he sacked the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, and five commissioners amid similar tensions with Kwankwaso, including the scrapping of key offices to curb influence. Analysts predict more realignments as Kano’s political landscape heats up, with the APC eagerly awaiting Yusuf’s formal entry, reportedly offering him membership card 001.

As the dust settles, Kano residents are watching closely, hopeful that these changes prioritize governance over political intrigue.