Ex-Kano Governor Shekarau Defends Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Move to APC
Former Kano State Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has defended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a legitimate exercise of his political rights rather than an act of betrayal.
Shekarau’s comments respond to criticism from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who accused Yusuf of “betraying” the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) by planning to defect to the APC.
The former governor’s intervention adds a new dimension to the controversy surrounding Yusuf’s defection and its potential impact on the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should not be branded a betrayer for making political decisions. Realignments are personal choices influenced by circumstances and consultation,” Shekarau said.
Recalling Kwankwaso’s own political history, Shekarau noted, “When he was in the PDP, he moved the governorship seat to the APC. Why didn’t he leave it behind? The same approach likely applies to Abba taking the NNPP seat to APC.”
He added that if such moves are considered offensive, Kwankwaso himself had already set the precedent.
In a viral audio message, Shekarau, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, reminded critics that Kwankwaso defected from PDP to APC while still in office without giving up his mandate.
“Governor Abba Yusuf is simply following in those footsteps,” Shekarau said, questioning why Kwankwaso would accuse Yusuf of betrayal when he had done the same.
Shekarau, who served as Kano Governor from 2003 to 2011, also recounted his reasons for leaving the NNPP. He explained that disagreements over power-sharing arrangements and the marginalisation of promised positions, including a senatorial ticket, compelled him to exit the party.
He stressed that political decisions, such as defections, should not automatically be viewed as acts of betrayal, especially when leaders act in consultation with their supporters and in the collective interest.
A former Education Minister and ex-Senator representing Kano Central (2019–2023), Shekarau concluded that Yusuf has every right to join the party of his choice and that Kwankwaso’s criticism ignores the political precedent he himself established.
