There remains no official confirmation on when Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, will formally defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite widespread speculation across the state.
Earlier reports had suggested that Monday, January 12, 2026, would mark the governor’s exit from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and his registration into the APC at his Ɗiso Ward in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano metropolis. However, as of Monday, those expectations were yet to materialise at the ward level.
Speaking with DAILY POST, the Chairman of the APC in Ɗiso Ward, Malam Maje Kabir Ahmad, said the party had not received any official directive from its leadership regarding the governor’s anticipated visit to the ward office for registration and collection of an APC membership card.
“We have not received any instruction from above concerning the governor’s coming today (Monday). Nevertheless, we are fully prepared. Even if it is late at night and the governor decides to register today, we will be ready to receive him,” Maje said.
He described Ɗiso Ward as politically strategic, noting that it is home to influential figures within the APC, including the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, as well as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf himself.
“Governor Abba and the APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are related by blood and political history. Without doubt, the governor’s return to the APC would have a significant impact on the political landscape and development of Kano State,” he added.
The APC ward office, a modest single-room facility located beside the Gwale Local Government Secretariat, was observed to be undergoing renovation. Although it currently lacks adequate furniture and office equipment, visible improvements suggest preparations are ongoing, possibly in anticipation of a high-profile political event.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the alleged defection, the ward chairman reiterated that the APC in Ɗiso remains on standby to receive Governor Yusuf whenever he decides to formally join the party.
Meanwhile, when ConfirmNews visited the APC Ɗiso Ward office on Sunday to assess the level of preparation ahead of the anticipated defection, the governor was occupied with official state duties. He was at the Government House, presiding over a graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of the Kano State Government’s vocational skills acquisition programme.
At the event, Governor Yusuf supervised the distribution of empowerment tools and support materials to 2,260 beneficiaries, in line with his administration’s efforts to promote self-reliance and reduce youth unemployment across the state.
However, political observers pointed out an unusual development at the ceremony. Notably absent were references to the Kwankwasiyya movement, its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the signature songs traditionally associated with the movement—features that usually dominate public events involving the governor.
Analysts say this omission has further fueled speculation about Governor Yusuf’s political future, as rumours of a possible defection to the APC continue to gain momentum within Kano’s political circles.