Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Flies to France Amid Political Maneuvers, Ganduje Returns from Vacation
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has traveled to France to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as political developments heat up in Kano State. The move comes shortly after former governor Abdullahi Ganduje returned from his vacation, signaling renewed activity among APC leaders.
According to Daily Nigerian, Governor Yusuf’s trip follows an earlier attempt to meet his godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the NNPP, in a final bid to persuade him to defect to the ruling APC—allegedly at the direction of the president. Sources revealed that Yusuf visited Kwankwaso’s residence around midnight with a go-between, Sarkin Gobir (not the Emir of Gobir), in a private car. The meeting reportedly lasted over an hour but did not succeed in swaying Kwankwaso.
Speaking to supporters the next day, Kwankwaso reaffirmed his stance, stating he had “no price tag.”
“Betrayal is not good. Everyone knows the party is losing the sympathy of the people due to insecurity and the economy. If you are looking for someone with no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he said.
While many NNPP lawmakers at the state and national levels and several local government chairmen appear to be defecting alongside the governor, the majority of grassroots supporters remain loyal to Kwankwaso. Sources said APC leaders are closely monitoring reactions in Kano, noting that Kwankwaso’s growing support could generate a sympathy vote should Yusuf join APC.
Insiders familiar with Yusuf’s plans revealed that the president remains determined to bring Kwankwaso into the APC fold, and the governor’s France trip is part of a last-minute push to convince his estranged godfather. Yusuf is expected to brief Tinubu on the meeting and chart a path for APC’s progress in Kano following his defection.
Meanwhile, Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC National Chairman, returned from a weeks-long vacation in Dubai, UAE, arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday afternoon before proceeding to Abuja.
A statement from his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, noted that Ganduje will hold consultations with party leaders and stakeholders to review Kano’s evolving political landscape. He is also set to participate in the APC’s ongoing electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise, a project he initiated to modernize party records, enhance planning, and improve membership tracking.
The statement added:
“The former governor remains committed to strengthening party structures and promoting inclusive dialogue to support democratic consolidation within the APC, particularly in Kano State.”
With the political chessboard shifting ahead of the 2027 elections, questions remain about the impact of Abba Yusuf’s potential defection. Would it boost his bid for a second term, and how might it influence the broader APC strategy in Kano?
