By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The reported decamping of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered renewed political calculations in Kano State and across Northern Nigeria.
Kano’s strategic importance in national politics, driven by its large voting population and historical influence, makes any major political shift involving its leadership particularly significant. Political observers note that the development reflects the increasingly fluid nature of party alignment and strategic positioning within the country’s democratic landscape.
Adding to the unfolding narrative, hours after the reported defection, the former Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, accompanied by a former Governor of Niger State and the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, paid a courtesy visit to Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Although the visit was officially described as a courtesy call, its timing has attracted widespread attention, with analysts viewing it as part of broader consultations among senior political figures in the North.
The twin developments point to a period of reassessment and negotiation rather than settled outcomes, as political actors continue to adjust to shifting realities ahead of future electoral cycles.
