The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has characterized Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a choice rooted in his own political survival, cautioning that his move has created a significant rift within Kano's political landscape in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, the Secretary of the NNPP Board of Trustees, Engineer Buba Galadima, stated that the governor's alliance with former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who has been a longstanding opponent of NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, constitutes a betrayal of the movement that facilitated his rise to power.
"His motivations are purely self-serving — personal, personal, personal," Galadima asserted when questioned about whether the defection benefitted the Kano populace.
"This does not serve the people of Kano or contribute to peace there. He hoped we would accept this, but we cannot agree on any of those points."
Galadima contended that Yusuf's decision might have been perceived differently had he transitioned to a different political party rather than the APC.
"Had Governor Yusuf transitioned from NNPP to any platform other than APC, I could have viewed it positively," he remarked.
"In this scenario, it simply reflects an act of survival."
Labeling the defection as a profound betrayal, Galadima lamented that the NNPP leadership felt a deep sense of hurt.
"If I could shed tears over anything, this situation has affected me profoundly," he noted.
"I am usually not swayed by emotions, but this has struck a deep chord."
He recounted the extensive efforts made to ensure Yusuf's victory as governor.
"We did everything conceivable for Abba Kabir Yusuf to succeed — and he did, indeed, succeed," Galadima recalled.
"For three days, Kwankwaso and I were sleepless. We traveled extensively, we fought hard, and we put everything on the line."
Galadima also claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari played a crucial role in Yusuf's eventual rise to power after enduring years of legal challenges.
"The individual who took our triumph in 2019 and handed it to Ganduje later affirmed, 'This young man won his election. Grant him his victory,'" he explained.
"Abba Kabir Yusuf became governor through judicial determination and with the support of Buhari. Divine intervention was involved."
He accused Yusuf of forsaking the political principles that upheld him throughout his career.
"He abandoned his prior convictions and placed his trust in individuals instead," said Galadima.
"He thought that regardless of whether he won again, the APC would still claim the victory, so why not join them?"
In response to claims suggesting that Yusuf had liberated himself from Kwankwaso’s influence, Galadima dismissed this notion.
"Just three months into his term, he turned his back on Kwankwaso," he stated.
"However, he continued to publicly show him respect. The reality behind closed doors differs."
Galadima mentioned that the NNPP had deliberately chosen to maintain silence until Yusuf publicly confirmed his departure.
"We opted to remain silent so he could publicly announce his departure," he noted.
"Today, we have garnered the sympathy of the people of Kano."
He argued that Yusuf has lost grassroots backing.
"If a free and fair election were held today, Abba Kabir Yusuf would struggle to secure even five percent of the votes from the people of Kano," Galadima remarked.
On the significance of Yusuf appearing alongside Ganduje, Galadima found it deeply distressing.
"All of them — Ganduje, Bado Jibril, and others — emerged from Kwankwaso’s political mentorship," he emphasized.
"It is painful to witness them lift up Abba’s hand."
He contended that resentment towards Kwankwaso's popularity spurred this defection.
"They perceived Kwankwaso as being too favored by the ordinary citizens," Galadima asserted.
"They imagined they could undermine him. They are mistaken."
Galadima further indicated that Yusuf’s assertion about ending 'blind loyalty' was aimed not at Kwankwaso but rather directed towards his new allies — Tinubu and Ganduje — signaling that he would not exhibit such loyalty to them either.
Regarding Yusuf's commitment to the NNPP, Galadima was unequivocal.
"I do not believe he was ever truly NNPP," he stated.
"He merely benefited from the party."
He alleged that Yusuf had already been aligning himself with APC interests even while serving under the NNPP banner.
"He was not advancing the NNPP agenda; he was serving the interests of the APC," Galadima claimed.
Despite the loss of their only governor, Galadima asserted that the NNPP would endure.
"Prior to his leadership, we had no one — no councilor, no legislator, no governor," he remarked.
"What has prevented God from executing that miracle once cannot halt Him again."
Turning to the national political arena, Galadima suggested that President Bola Tinubu is consolidating his power in anticipation of 2027.
"If Tinubu has delivered well, why does he require everyone to join his party?" he questioned.
"Why is he advocating betrayal?"
He alleged that there was state coercion against opposition figures, claiming,
"By employing the EFCC, ICPC, and pressuring the judiciary, the system is rigged."
Issuing a warning against possible electoral subversion, he declared, "Nigeria has transformed.
Nobody can afford to rig the elections in 2027," he cautioned.
"Nigeria today is not the Nigeria of the past. The populace will not tolerate it."
As the interview concluded, Galadima expressed disappointment with the time limitations imposed.
"Next time, if you lack sufficient time for me, kindly refrain from contacting me," he advised.
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