January 23, 2026, marks the end of speculation and suspicion in Kano State as Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside members of his Executive Council and lawmakers, formally resigned their membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)—the very platform that brought them to power—in preparation for their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

While the character of Nigerian politicians no longer surprises anyone, the unfolding political drama in Kano is particularly shocking, considering the deep-rooted relationship between the governor and his political mentor, the national leader of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Through generosity, political goodwill, and decades of mentorship, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf rose to prominence and ultimately emerged as governor.

A relationship that spanned over thirty (30) solid years—built on loyalty, trust, and shared political struggle both in and out of office—has now been sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.

Truthfully, this is not the best way to repay favour. Betrayal cuts deep, especially when it comes from those nurtured and supported over the years. The body language of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in recent days speaks volumes; it is evident that he feels deeply betrayed. One can only imagine the political capital lost by the Kwankwasiyya Movement—an organic political structure that groomed Governor Abba “Gida Gida” from his formative political years to his eventual emergence as governor after a fiercely contested election.
Ironically, the governor now seeks refuge among the same political forces that fought him relentlessly and openly declared his mentor persona non grata.

One critical question begs for an answer: Why defect now?
You defeated the ruling APC in 2023 as an opposition candidate. You are now an incumbent governor, armed with state resources and political leverage. Is there a special reward, protection, or federal backing exclusive to APC governors that opposition governors are denied? Otherwise, it is difficult to rationalize this pursuit of convenience, especially when Senator Kwankwaso commands massive grassroots followership across Kano State.

History appears to be repeating itself. Senator Kwankwaso once endured a painful political betrayal from his former protégé, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, after helping him become governor. Today, he is confronted with a similar reality from Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf. Indeed, politics is not for the faint-hearted. Leadership, truly, is a heavy cross of endurance.

Can Senator Kwankwaso ever again repose such trust in anyone aspiring to become governor? Reports suggest that the Deputy Governor has refused to defect alongside the governor—a move that may signal deeper political calculations ahead.

Nigeria’s political space desperately needs cleansing. Betrayal of trust and the exchange of loyalty for convenience must never be celebrated. We must strive to build a political system anchored on truth, integrity, consistency, and ideological alignment—not one driven by opportunism.

Engr. Joshua Chinedum Elekwachi
Writes from Abuja.