You will regret leaving NNPP, Kwankwaso tells Kano governor

By Samuel Solomon

The former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has stated that Governor Abba Yusuf and his cabinet will eventually regret their decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an interview with BBC Hausa released Wednesday morning, Mr Kwankwaso stated that the move caught many by surprise, adding that he still finds the governor’s departure to the APC difficult to comprehend.

“I am aware that many people believe the governor’s defection to the APC was a prearranged deal between us,” Mr Kwankwaso remarked. “However, I find what is happening hard to believe; it feels like a dream.”

Governor Yusuf officially resigned from the NNPP last Friday and formally joined the APC on Monday. The transition was marked by an elaborate ceremony at the Government House, attended by high-ranking APC leaders in Kano.

The defection comes less than three years after Mr Yusuf was elected under the NNPP banner.

However, ​Governor Yusuf stated that his return to the APC is anchored on the necessity of working in a closer alliance with the federal government for more effective support for transforming the state’s critical sectors, including social welfare, infrastructure, and inclusive economic development.

But Mr Kwankwaso disagreed and said “It is disheartening to witness Governor Yusuf divert the NNPP’s mandate and that of the people of Kano toward the Gandujiyya APC (his rival, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje) without providing a convincing justification,” he stated.

Mr Kwankwaso said whenever he reflected on these events, he found himself questioning what truly transpired and where accountability lies.

“Who is at fault? It’s my fault, is it the party’s fault or is it the members? I have yet to find a definitive answer”, Mr Kwankwaso stated in the interview.

He said the most disappointing part is the governor’s return to Mr Ganduje camp.

When asked about the governor’s chances of reelection, Mr Kwankwaso stated that Governor Yusuf was losing ground by allowing Mr Ganduje to endorse him.