Gov Yusuf to control APC in Kano if Kwankwaso defects with him – Political Scientist

A renowned political scientist with Bayero University, Kano, BUK, Professor Kamilu Fagge, says the APC constitution clearly recognizes the sitting governor as the leader of the party in any state, which would automatically place Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano’s political hierarchy.

Speaking to SolaceBase, Prof. Fagge said that such an arrangement could be unacceptable to Kwankwaso, who has maintained strong political influence in the state for decades.

Prof. Fagge observed that the ongoing rift between the two leaders fits into a familiar pattern in Nigerian politics, where relationships between incumbent governors and their political benefactors often break down after the transfer of power.

He said these fallouts are usually driven by disagreements over control of party structures, appointments, and policy direction, stressing that the Kano situation is not an isolated case but part of a broader national trend.

The academician further pointed out that emerging facts suggest the existence of a serious internal crisis between Senator Kwankwaso and his political godson, Governor Yusuf.

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According to him, these tensions, coupled with internal disagreements within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), may eventually compel the governor to consider leaving the party.

Prof. Fagge added that the instability within the NNPP at both state and national levels has weakened internal cohesion and may be contributing to Governor Yusuf’s alleged consideration of alternative political platforms.

Reacting to Senator Kwankwaso’s public call for Governor Yusuf to resign his position should he decide to join the APC, Prof. Fagge said that, in principle, the demand aligns with democratic norms.

He explained that voters cast their ballots based on party platforms rather than individual candidates, as political parties are clearly indicated on ballot papers.

He argued that resigning after defection would therefore be the morally and constitutionally appropriate step.

However, Prof. Fagge noted that Nigeria’s political practice often departs from this principle. He recalled that several governors have defected to other parties after winning elections without resigning their offices, describing the trend as a reflection of weak party ideology and enforcement of internal democracy.

He added that Senator Kwankwaso himself had previously defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, retaining his political position, which he highlighted as a contradiction between political ideals and practical realities in Nigeria’s democracy.

He concluded that unless there is a major political realignment or compromise, the feud between Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf is likely to persist, with significant implications for Kano State politics and the future of the NNPP in the state.