Amid mounting speculation about a possible switch of allegiance, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
The governor, dressed in his signature flowing white babanriga and a red Kwankwasiyya cap, made his way to the President’s office at 4:13 pm local time.
The closed-door meeting has fuelled rumours that the governor, elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), may be considering a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While the governor was in Abuja, he held the State Executive Council meeting at the Kano State Governor’s Lodge on Friday.
The President returned to Nigeria from a foreign trip on Sunday.
However, the governor declined to make any comments when approached by State House correspondents after the meeting with the President.
There were reports that the governor’s defection hit a snag after the APC refused to accede to his purported demand for an automatic governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Meanwhile, the NNPP’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had dismissed claims that he endorsed any planned defection, insisting that no such approval was given.
Yusuf May Get Membership Card Tuesday or Wednesday – Kano APC chair
Meanwhile, the APC chairman in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, has hinted that Governor Yusuf may formally register and collect the party’s membership card between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Abbas disclosed this while addressing about 1,500 ad hoc staff members engaged by the party to conduct its ongoing electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise across the state.
According to him, the commencement of the exercise in Kano was deliberately delayed to allow the return of the party’s national leader in the state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the governor from Abuja, where they were engaged in meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Be on standby. We may call on you tomorrow, Tuesday, depending on the arrival of the party leader, Ganduje, and the governor in Kano, so that you can commence work. But it will not exceed Wednesday,” Abbas said.
The APC chairman explained that although the e-registration exercise had commenced nationwide about two weeks ago, Kano State opted to wait due to prevailing political developments, particularly speculation surrounding the governor’s possible defection.
“We felt it would not be polite to hurriedly commence the process without giving them the opportunity to join the party,” he noted.
Abbas charged the ad hoc staff to conduct the exercise with fairness and diligence, stressing that the APC is a democratic party open to all, regardless of status or background. He warned against discrimination, insisting that anyone who indicates interest in joining the party must be registered.
He further disclosed that the party had instituted a reward system to encourage massive mobilisation, adding that local government areas and wards that record the highest number of registered members would be rewarded.
“We want to surpass every state, including Lagos, within the remaining weeks of this exercise. Those who perform well will be rewarded accordingly,” he said, citing assurances by Dr Ganduje.
Abbas also emphasised the importance of e-registration, noting that party membership is a prerequisite for contesting or voting in party affairs. He added that only individuals with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and voter cards would be eligible for registration.
“The exercise will last until the end of the month, and it is through this process that we can determine our strength and prepare adequately for future electoral victories,” he stated.
Calm In Kano
Kano State was calm yesterday, with businesses and daily activities continuing unhindered amid speculation surrounding the meeting between Tinubu and Yusuf in Abuja.
Last week, security around the Kano State Government House was significantly tightened following reports of an imminent defection.
On Monday, January 12, a heavy deployment of security operatives was observed in and around the seat of power, raising tension and public speculation.
A visit to the Government House showed seven Armoured Personnel Carriers belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services stationed at strategic points, including the main entrance and the roundabout leading to the complex.
Security checks were intensified, with strict identification procedures for entry and exit from the premises.
However, following the failure of the anticipated defection, the heavy security presence has since been scaled down. Normalcy has returned to the area, with commercial and personal activities proceeding without disruption across the ancient city.