Battle for Kano: Kwankwaso Blows Hot, Yusuf Digs In

The political temperature in Kano State continues to rise as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf moves to consolidate his grip on power ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid an escalating feud with his former political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

On Tuesday, Governor Yusuf announced a fresh round of appointments into key positions in the state government, a move widely seen by political observers as part of efforts to strengthen his political structure and shore up loyalty across critical blocs within the state.

The development comes against the backdrop of growing tension between the governor and Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who has openly expressed anger over Yusuf’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to supporters, Kwankwaso vowed that Governor Yusuf would “regret” his decision to abandon the NNPP, insisting that the political machinery that brought him to power remains firmly under his control. The former Kano governor accused Yusuf of political betrayal and warned that the NNPP would fiercely resist any attempt to weaken its influence in the state.

However, Governor Yusuf appears undeterred. Sources close to the Government House say the governor is determined to chart an independent political path and leverage the advantages of incumbency to build a formidable structure ahead of the next election cycle.

Analysts say the unfolding rivalry sets the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in Kano, a key battleground state with significant electoral weight in national politics. With both camps mobilising supporters and recalibrating strategies, the battle for Kano is expected to intensify as 2027 draws closer.