"I Am the Leader": Governor Abba Yusuf Asserts Political Dominance Over Ganduje Following APC Defection

Governor Abba Yusuf declares himself the leader of APC in Kano, stating Abdullahi Ganduje cannot give him orders following his defection from the NNPP.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 9:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

A New Power Dynamic in Kano APC

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially asserted his authority over the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying that his defection does not make him a subordinate to his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje. Addressing a gathering of supporters on April 10, 2026, the Governor emphasized that by virtue of his office, he holds the mantle of party leadership in the state. While Yusuf noted that a level of "mutual respect" exists between him and the former National Chairman, he was firm in stating that Ganduje cannot dictate the affairs of the state or the party to him.

Defense Against Accusations of Betrayal

The Governor’s remarks served as a direct rebuttal to critics from the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who have labeled his defection a betrayal. Yusuf argued that his departure was a preemptive strike against an internal party crisis that threatened the stability of Kano. He contended that his advice to the NNPP leadership had been repeatedly dismissed, leaving him with no choice but to seek a more stable platform. "If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected," Yusuf stated, characterizing the move as an act of public service rather than personal disloyalty.

The "Betrayal" Counter-Argument

Turning the tables on his detractors, Governor Yusuf questioned the transparency of his former movement. He asked supporters whether the broader Kwankwasiyya membership had been consulted before certain leaders attempted to make unilateral decisions for the NNPP. By framing the actions of his former allies as the true betrayal, Yusuf sought to justify his transition to the APC as a transparent move toward "progress." He highlighted the strategic advantage of moving from the isolation of the NNPP to being part of a dominant political bloc that includes over 31 governors.