Talks concerning the defection of the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have hit a snag, as the ruling party has not agreed to his request for an automatic ticket in the upcoming 2027 governorship election, according to information obtained by THISDAY.
Reports indicate that one of the conditions proposed by Governor Yusuf for his switch to the APC includes securing an automatic ticket for the next governorship election. However, the APC's reluctance to fulfill this requirement has raised concerns within the governor's camp, resulting in multiple postponements of the planned defection dates.
During high-level discussions with the APC national leadership in Abuja on Saturday, the Kano State chapter of the party expressed confidence that Governor Yusuf would join at an appropriate time, denying any engagement regarding the automatic ticket demand.
Governor Yusuf's potential defection has captured headlines for several weeks, yet his demand for an automatic ticket seems to be conflicting with the political aspirations of various APC figures in the state, notably the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who is also aiming for the governorship in 2027.
Sources close to the former governor and the previous National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, revealed to THISDAY that the ruling party is hesitant to compromise the ambitions of its national leaders in favor of the governor's move.
In addition to the automatic ticket, the governor is seeking the right to appoint a minister for Kano State in the Federal Executive Council and to nominate his supporters for other federal roles, even those currently held by APC members from the state. It has been noted that although other governors from various political affiliations have transitioned to the APC, they have not made demands similar to those of Governor Yusuf. Negotiations are expected to continue, the source affirmed.
Furthermore, sources confirmed that Senator Jibrin is a major contender for the governorship seat. The APC leadership has clarified that Governor Yusuf, alongside other interested candidates, will need to participate in the party's governorship primaries.
It has been reported that governors from Rivers State and Plateau State, Siminalayi Fubara and Caleb Mutfwang respectively, did not impose any such demands.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has reportedly pledged to remain with the NNPP. This stance could lead to significant conflict and the possibility of impeachment if Yusuf decides to officially leave the party.
Further signs of the stalled defection emerged on Friday when Governor Yusuf convened the first State Executive Council meeting of 2026 in Abuja, where he still sported his characteristic Kwankwasiyya red cap and prominently displayed the NNPP flag. The Kwankwasiyya movement is led by the National Leader of the NNPP and former governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who has branded Yusuf's potential switch as a betrayal.
Despite this, Kwankwaso has not dismissed the possibility of joining the APC but has emphasized that certain conditions must be met first. In a video shared by his aide Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso stated, "I cannot simply join them without a solid agreement on the ground."
However, Governor Yusuf’s appearance at the State Executive Council meeting in Abuja, donning his Kwankwasiyya attire and emblem, diminished the expectation of a formal announcement regarding his defection.
The SEC meeting, which included the deputy governor and other commissioners, marked the 37th since the administration commenced and was held at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where Yusuf reiterated his commitment to effective governance.
The Kano State chapter of the APC has reiterated that Governor Yusuf is on the path to joining the party, denying any discussions related to providing him with an automatic ticket for the upcoming elections.
In a phone interview with THISDAY in Kano, the party’s secretary, Alhaji Zakari Sarina, clarified that the circulating rumors of such a meeting were unfounded and should be disregarded. He indicated that these rumors stem from "enemies of Kano" aiming to disrupt the relationship between the governor and the party. Sarina stated, "We express our disappointment at the dissemination of false information which lacks substance. There has never been a time when discussions were held in Kano about denying the governor our ticket."
Sarina assured that the party is welcoming to the governor and urged everyone to remain patient, emphasizing that the APC would not yield to attempts to create discord with the state governor at a time when the state is striving for essential development.
The APC Secretary has asked supporters to remain calm and assured them that efforts are underway to ensure a smooth transition, while the denial follows rampant speculation about meetings with the governor in which he purportedly requested written confirmation of an automatic governorship ticket for the 2027 elections.
Close sources revealed that Governor Yusuf convened a confidential meeting on Saturday in Abuja with prominent APC figures, including former Governor Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Jibrin, to discuss his possible party switch next week. Additionally, Vice President Kashim Shettima is said to be closely monitoring the situation, with President Bola Tinubu expected to receive a final update on the developments.
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