Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf met with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday, fueling speculation about a possible switch by Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor arrived at the villa in the afternoon and left several hours later without speaking to the press. While details of the meeting were not officially released, sources indicate that Mr. Yusuf will return later in the week to brief the president on the topics discussed.
This meeting comes amid ongoing talks about a potential move by Mr. Yusuf from the New People’s Party of Nigeria (NNPP) to the ruling APC, a move that has reportedly been postponed several times since January. Negotiations are reportedly stalled due to demands from the governor, including guarantees of his nomination in the 2027 gubernatorial elections, influence over the appointment of federal officials in Kano State, and the replacement of certain federal officials.
These demands reportedly met with resistance within the APC, particularly from influential party members in Kano State who have ambitions for the governorship in the 2027 elections.
This visit marked Yusuf’s first known meeting with President Tinubu since the latter’s return to Abu Dhabi from an overseas trip. In recent days, the governor has remained politically active in Abuja, including chairing a meeting of the Kano State Executive Council at the state residence in the capital.
Meanwhile, this announced alliance has exacerbated the divisions within the NNPP. Former Kano State Governor and NNPP National Chairman, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, publicly condemned the move as a betrayal and warned of potential political repercussions. Some government officials and party supporters close to Kwankwaso are also reportedly considering resigning should Yusuf officially join the APC.
Despite the uncertainty, President Tinubu has already praised Governor Yusuf’s leadership and infrastructure initiatives in Kano State. He specifically highlighted road construction, urban renewal projects, and education reforms as notable achievements.
While political negotiations continue behind closed doors, Yusuf’s next steps are expected to significantly alter the political landscape of Kano State in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
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