Abba Yusuf Ganduje APC clash escalates as Kano governor insists Abdullahi Ganduje cannot give him instructions after party realignment
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, speaking during a meeting with political supporters in Kano, has dismissed suggestions that former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has authority over him, insisting that he remains the political leader of the party in the state.
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The remarks come amid heightened political reactions following Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC, a move that has continued to generate debate across Kano’s political landscape.
Governor Yusuf said his decision to realign politically was informed by internal crises within the NNPP, stressing that it was taken in what he described as the best interest of stability and governance.
He rejected accusations of betrayal levelled against him, arguing instead that his camp had foreseen the challenges within the former party and acted proactively to avoid further political disruption.
According to him, the Abba Yusuf Ganduje APC clash narrative being promoted by critics ignores the broader context of political developments that led to his defection.
“We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” Yusuf said.
He further defended his political shift, insisting that his movement into the APC strengthened his political standing rather than weakened it, noting his alignment with a wider national structure.
The governor added that claims of betrayal were inconsistent, questioning whether others who left the NNPP before him were also held to the same standard.
“They say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano today?” he asked, with supporters responding in affirmation of his leadership.
Yusuf also maintained that while he respects Ganduje as a senior political figure, such respect does not translate into control over his decisions as governor.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” he stated.
Also read: Abba Yusuf Defects to APC, Sparking Kano Political Turmoil
The development highlights growing political tensions within Kano State’s evolving party dynamics as realignments continue to reshape alliances ahead of future elections.
