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News Analysis: Governor Yusuf’s Defection — What Is Kwankwaso’s Next Line of Action?

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State has recently been inundated by seismic political developments: the resignation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and key cabinet members from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), their anticipated defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the declaration of January 23 as ‘World Betrayal Day’ by Yusuf’s former political benefactor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Given the profound loyalty Governor Yusuf had previously shown Kwankwaso, his recent political realignment has left many observers stunned. What is particularly striking is that Yusuf is defecting to the very opposition party against which Kwankwaso fiercely contested to install him as governor.

Political analysts note that, contrary to popular perception, politics is seldom driven by ideology. Instead, they argue it thrives on dominance, survival, and compromise—qualities repeatedly weaponized by political godfathers and their protégés for advantage. Rare exceptions, such as the relationships between Kashim Shettima and Babagana Zulum in Borno or Yahya Bello and Usman Ododo in Kogi, only underscore the rule.

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If this is the reality, would it not be unwise for Kwankwaso to simply handpick another political heir to fill the vacuum left by Yusuf? Some commentators argue it would be more strategic for the NNPP leader to elevate his focus to the national stage, rather than remain confined to a cycle of state-level politics that has proven repetitive and unyielding.

The central question remains: which path will Kwankwaso now take? Will he anoint a new successor to challenge his ‘prodigal son,’ Yusuf, in the next election? Should he align with opposition forces like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to weaken President Bola Tinubu’s APC nationally while curtailing Yusuf’s influence in Kano? Or might he pursue a twin-track strategy, engaging on both fronts simultaneously?

Kwankwaso himself has hinted that the current realignment has forced a strategic recalculation. In a widely circulated video, he stated that recent events have made preparation for the next move imperative ahead of 2027.

“Going by what is happening in Kano today, we need to start preparing because there are people hell-bent on destroying what we built over time,” Kwankwaso said.

The coming months will reveal whether the seasoned political figure chooses retribution, reinvention, or a combination of both as his way forward.

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NNPC Ltd Commends Chevron Nigeria Ltd on Successful Awodi-07 Discovery

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing efforts to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were concluded in mid-December 2025, with all activities executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards. Following the completion of comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, bringing the programme to a successful close.

Results from the well are highly encouraging, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. This outcome represents a notable milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture,on strengthening confidence in the underlying asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area. The success of Awodi-07 further highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration, sound technical evaluation, and the strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and its Joint Venture partner.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical competence, and consistent delivery of value.

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He stated: “The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves. This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”

Also speaking on the milestone, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the Awodi-07 results as a clear demonstration of the value of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable, enabling operating environment.

According to him: “This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation.”

NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Ltd work together under a joint venture agreement to operate several oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. In this partnership, Chevron owns 40 per cent of the assets, while NNPC Limited holds the remaining share. The arrangement allows both companies to combine resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources more effectively.

Through this collaboration, the partners aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, which would support government revenue, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s energy supply.

Signed:
Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd
26th January 2026

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Ganduje, Barau Raise Governor Yusuf’s Hands Into APC

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Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf made the declaration at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House.

The declaration was made in the presence of the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator representing Kano South; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; among other dignitaries.

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He noted that his return is firmly anchored on working more closely with the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Those who raised Governor Yusuf’s hand were the immediate former Governor of Kano State and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin.

 

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Commissioner Of Internal Security AVM Ibrahim Resigns

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The Kano state commissioner for internal security and special services AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd) has resigned his post with immediate effect.

The Commissioner disclosed this in a letter of resignation addressed to the executive governor of Kano state Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, a copy of which was sent to GLOBAL TRACKER in Kano on Monday.

According to him, the decision is based on strained relationship between Kano state governor and his political mentor Engineer Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

The letter reads “I write with profound gratitude and a deep sense of duty to formally tender my resignation from my position as the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Kano State, with immediate effect. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to you, Your Excellency, for the trust and confidence you reposed in me.

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First, by appointing me as the Director General of the Special Services Directorate in June 2023, and subsequently elevating me to the role of Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services.

It has been a distinct honour and privilege to be entrusted with the duty of ensuring the safety and security of our beloved Kano State under your leadership.

“However, following the recent turn of events, I believe it is in the best interest of the state and the administration that I step aside from this role. This decision, though difficult, is made after careful consideration.

My service in these roles has been guided by the enduring principles of our leader and mentor, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which emphasise justice, discipline, and service to the people.

“I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have contributed, however modestly, to the security and wellbeing of our citizens.

“I assure you of my continued support to the government and people of Kano State, as well as its goals for a safe, stronger, and more prosperous Kano State.

Once again, I thank you for the invaluable opportunity to serve. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with wisdom, strength, and good health while you steer the affairs of our great state.

May Allah (SWT) bless Kano State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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