By Bashir Ahmad Gwarzo

As Governor Abba Kabir navigates his anticipated defection to the APC, and the eminent adamancy of his deputy to remain in NNPP, the substitution of the deputy governor is imminent. However, this is not merely an administrative vacancy to be filled. It is a pivotal strategic decision that will determine whether his political consolidation succeeds or collapses under the weight of competing interests and factional tensions. The question facing the governor is this: who possesses the character, competence, loyalty, and strategic value to serve as his anchor during one of the most turbulent periods of his political career?

Moreover, in the event, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam’s impeachment became eminent, the development will obviously intensify hostility within the Kwankwasiyya faction against Governor Abba.

In this hostile environment, Abba cannot afford to select a deputy based on regional appeasement or factional compromise. The times demand strength, not capitulation; a leader who brings proven integrity, administrative excellence, and unwavering loyalty. Murtala Sule Garo embodies all of these. His proven loyalty to his political associates, combined with his well-documented generosity and philanthropic commitments, demonstrates a leader of principle and integrity. Garo’s strong family background and standing in society reflect the moral foundation necessary for high public office. In politics, loyalty cannot be manufactured; it must be demonstrated over time. Garo’s track record speaks for itself.

A deputy governor who embodies such qualities provides the governor with a trustworthy confidant during periods of political turbulence, which precisely what Governor Abba currently requires as he navigates the choppy waters of defection and factional realignment.
Some will argue that Kano South senatorial district deserves the deputy governorship.

Their agitation is understandable, and their concerns are legitimate. But political leadership requires more than regional representation; it demands the balancing of competing interests based on merit and strategic necessity.
What Murtala Sule Garo brings to the administration far outweighs the representational argument. His proven track record in infrastructure development, educational reform, and grassroots mobilization offers tangible governance benefits that cannot be replicated.

Governor Abba can address south senatorial concerns through strategic appointments, board positions, and development projects, as an alternative mechanisms that satisfy regional aspirations without compromising the selection of the most competent deputy. To sacrifice administrative excellence on the altar of regional representation would be to diminish the governor’s capacity to govern effectively and deliver results.
Consider, moreover, Kano North’s political configuration. Both Murtala Sule Garo and Hon. Abba Bichi command significant political influence within the APC from this zone. Relationship between Garo and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin politically might look strange, but this reality does not diminish Garo’s stature or viability. Rather, it demonstrates that Kano North’s political strength transcends any individual relationship or factional tension. By selecting Garo, Governor Abba consolidates the zone’s power and ensures robust representation at the highest levels of state governance. The zone’s influence remains undiminished regardless of inter-personal tensions.

The deputy governorship is not merely a ceremonial position; it is foundational to the governor’s re-election strategy for 2027. This is where Garo’s true strategic value becomes apparent. With his demonstrated capacity to mobilize hundreds of youth organizations across Kano’s 44 local government areas and his proven administrative competence, he is precisely the ally Governor Abba needs for a successful second-term bid.

As Commissioner for Local Governments, Garo spearheaded educational facility renovations across all 44 councils and executed critical infrastructure projects. His prior roles as Special Adviser to the Governor, Kabo Local Government Chairman, and ALGON Chairman demonstrate mastery of both local and state-level governance. This depth of experience is indispensable during political transition. Garo’s network, institutional knowledge, and track record make him an invaluable asset for campaign machinery and governance continuity. Selecting him is not merely an administrative convenience; it is a strategic investment in electoral viability.

The choice before Governor Abba is clear. He can select a deputy based on regional appeasement and watch his administration struggle under the weight of competing interests, factional hostility, and weak governance. Or he can select Murtala Sule Garo, a leader who consolidates grass-root power, brings proven administrative excellence, embodies loyalty and integrity, and positions him for a triumphant second term. This is visionary leadership.

Bashir Gwarzo write from Gwarzo Town

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s speculated defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), is reportedly a step away from reality following a decisive meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa today, sources familiar with the discussions have confirmed.

According to insider reports, the governor’s team expressed renewed confidence after the private talks, which appear to have resolved weeks of political uncertainty. A senior APC figure from the North-West told Politics Digest that President Tinubu’s intervention has provided Governor Yusuf with the necessary assurances to proceed with his planned move to the ruling party.

While no official statement has been released, the source indicated that the president addressed a major obstacle in the negotiations—the governor’s eligibility for an automatic APC gubernatorial ticket in the 2027 election.

“The path is now clearer,” the source stated. “The president has assured Governor Yusuf that his second-term ambition under the APC will be protected, provided he manages the internal political dynamics in Kano with care.”

Despite this progress, the presidency reportedly advised the governor against relying solely on top-level backing. He has been urged to continue consultations with key APC stakeholders in Kano to prevent potential internal friction.

This caution comes amid existing tensions within the state’s APC structure, involving factions loyal to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other influential figures with strong interests in Kano’s political future.

The mood within the governor’s camp marks a shift from earlier reports of hesitation from the APC leadership, which had been reluctant to offer written guarantees regarding an automatic ticket.

Governor Yusuf’s recent symbolic gestures—such as presiding over a state executive meeting in Abuja while wearing the red cap associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement—may soon give way to a formal declaration. The meeting with President Tinubu is understood to have been the final step before a public announcement that could reshape the political landscape of the North-West.

A significant unresolved factor remains the governor’s relationship with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. As Governor Yusuf moves closer to the APC, Kwankwaso is reportedly exploring alternative political alignments.

By Comrade Najeeb Nasir Ibrahim
Kano Concern Citizens for Good Governance

In politics, leadership is measured not by emotional loyalty to platforms, but by the courage to make strategic decisions that protect stability, relevance, and the collective interest of the people. Recent reports indicating that the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, may defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) should therefore be assessed with political maturity rather than sentiment.

Kano State, Nigeria’s most populous state, occupies a critical position in national politics. Any political decision taken by its governor has implications far beyond party structures—it directly affects governance, development, and Kano’s bargaining power at the federal level.

The Political Reality Behind the Decision

Governor Yusuf emerged under the NNPP, largely supported by the Kwankwasiyya movement. However, evolving political realities—particularly internal divisions within the NNPP and increasing national realignments—have made the status quo difficult to sustain.

The open invitation extended by the APC, reportedly backed by key party stakeholders, reflects recognition of Governor Yusuf’s political weight. More significantly, indications that a large majority of NNPP lawmakers in the Kano State House of Assembly may follow him suggest that this is not an isolated ambition but a calculated collective shift.

Why the APC Alignment Is a Wise Decision

First, alignment with the ruling party at the federal level enhances access to national resources, infrastructure funding, and policy collaboration. In Nigeria’s political system, federal-state harmony often determines the pace and scale of development. Kano cannot afford isolation at the centre.

Second, internal crises within the NNPP have increasingly become a distraction to governance. Political stability is essential for effective leadership. A move to the APC could consolidate political forces, reduce factional conflicts, and allow the governor to focus squarely on service delivery.

Third, with the 2027 general elections approaching, political foresight is essential. The APC’s nationwide structure, institutional depth, and electoral machinery offer a broader and more sustainable platform than a fragmented opposition party. This positioning strengthens both the governor’s future prospects and Kano’s influence in national decision-making.

Fourth, the move could contribute to building a wider northern political coalition—an important factor in shaping national leadership and policy outcomes in Nigeria.

Responding to the Critics

Critics frame the potential defection as a betrayal of loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement. While loyalty has its place, governance must always come before political sentiment. Political movements are vehicles for progress, not permanent constraints.

Others raise concerns about ideological inconsistency. However, Nigerian politics has long been shaped by strategic realignments. What ultimately matters is not party branding, but the ability to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Implications for Kano Politics

This moment represents a turning point in Kano’s political history. It signals a possible fragmentation of the Kwankwasiyya structure, a redefinition of long-standing political alliances, and a reshaping of opposition strength within the state. More importantly, it underscores early preparations for the decisive 2027 elections.

Conclusion

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s reported move toward the APC should be seen as a strategic and forward-looking political decision, driven by the need for stability, development, and relevance in national politics. While the decision carries political risks, leadership often demands difficult choices.

History will ultimately judge this decision by its outcomes. If Kano secures greater development, stronger federal collaboration, and political stability, then this move will stand as a wise and timely decision made in the best interest of the people.