Ganduje Dismisses Kwankwaso’s Defection to ADC as Inconsequential to APC Dominance in Kano

Abdullahi Ganduje dismisses Rabiu Kwankwaso’s move to the ADC as the end of his career, insisting the APC remains firmly in control of Kano State.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 6:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Kano Political Landscape Shifts Amid High Profile Defections

In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje addressed the shifting political allegiances in Kano State, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains the dominant force. Ganduje’s comments follow a series of dramatic reshuffles, most notably the move of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The former governor expressed total confidence in the ruling party's structure, suggesting that the recent influx of over 30 governors nationwide proves the APC's enduring appeal and stability.

Critical Assessment of Kwankwaso’s Strategic Move

Ganduje offered a sharp critique of Kwankwaso’s decision to join the ADC, comparing his political rival to a bird moving aimlessly between branches. He argued that the defection marks a terminal point for Kwankwaso’s career, suggesting that the ADC is a crowded house of competing presidential ambitions. According to Ganduje, the internal friction among high ranking members within the ADC will ultimately prevent the party from achieving its electoral goals, leaving the APC without a serious challenger in the region.

Gawuna’s Departure Framed as Personal Ambition

The defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, to the ADC was characterized by Ganduje as a matter of personal choice rather than a betrayal. Ganduje noted that Gawuna likely recognized a lack of opportunity for a future gubernatorial run within the APC now that the incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has joined the party. He emphasized that in a democracy, individuals are free to seek out platforms where their personal political ambitions can be more easily fulfilled.