Gov Yusuf’s Defection: Kano APC Warns Of ‘Forced Marriage’ Travails.

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State have cautioned the Presidency against what they described as the dangers of a “forced marriage” in the planned defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his political godfather, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ruling party.

The warning follows growing unease among APC stakeholders in Kano over reports that both the governor and the former state governor may defect together from the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

Sources disclosed that while many APC leaders in the state are open to Governor Yusuf joining the party, there is strong resistance to the possible entry of Kwankwaso.

According to the sources, several party leaders fear that allowing the former minister to join the APC could amount to a “forced marriage,” arguing that the existing party structures in Kano may not be treated fairly if Kwankwaso becomes part of the fold.

Despite these concerns, it was gathered that the Presidency is insisting that Governor Yusuf must defect alongside his godfather to ensure a total collapse of the NNPP structure in Kano State.

This is coming amid reports that the former Kano governor is expected to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the defection plan. The meeting is said to be scheduled shortly after a similar engagement between the President and Governor Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf had met President Tinubu on Monday at the Presidential Villa. Although details of the meeting were not officially disclosed, insiders within the ruling party said discussions centred on finalising arrangements for the governor’s defection, alongside his political mentor.

A source familiar with the matter said the President has agreed in principle to meet Kwankwaso following his recent meeting with Governor Yusuf.

“I want to tell you that our leader (Kwankwaso) is set to meet with the President at any moment from now,” a source close to the Kwankwasiyya movement said.

Sources further indicated that Governor Yusuf may have played a significant role in facilitating the anticipated meeting.

Kwankwaso, the NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has previously held meetings with President Tinubu. However, earlier talks reportedly failed to produce an agreement, largely due to conditions allegedly proposed by the former governor.

In past discussions, Kwankwaso was quoted as saying he would not defect to the ruling party without clarity on what he and his supporters would gain from such a move.

A highly placed source within the APC, however, revealed that President Tinubu is now willing to engage Kwankwaso directly to discuss the terms under which he could join the party.

When contacted in Kano, the APC chairman in the state, Abdullahi Abbas, declined to comment on the reported planned meeting between President Tinubu and Kwankwaso.

He, however, clarified the party’s stance on leadership should Governor Yusuf eventually defect.

According to Abbas, if Yusuf joins the APC while serving as governor, he would automatically assume leadership of the party in Kano State, in line with established party practice.

“It is my personal opinion that Governor Yusuf, after joining us, becomes the leader of our party in the state, while (Abdullahi) Ganduje and possibly Kwankwaso, if they agree to defect, will serve as our political fathers,” he said.

Political analysts believe a direct meeting between President Tinubu and Kwankwaso could significantly alter the political dynamics in Kano State and the wider North-West, given Kwankwaso’s strong political base.

Meanwhile, developments surrounding the defection talks have continued to spark intense debates within the APC in Kano.

Party insiders said several stakeholders have raised concerns about the prospect of a “forced marriage” if Kwankwaso is compelled into the party.

According to sources close to the party in Abuja, many Kano APC leaders favour Governor Yusuf’s defection without his godfather. However, it was learnt that strategists around the Presidential Villa have persuaded President Tinubu to insist on Kwankwaso’s inclusion.

Some party bigwigs are reportedly opposed to Kwankwaso’s defection, citing fears that his influence could dominate and reshape the party structure to their disadvantage.

A stakeholder said: “Many stakeholders in the state have expressed their views that the president should allow Governor Yusuf to defect to the APC without his political godfather, Kwankwaso, but President Tinubu is insisting that he wants the former governor to also defect. We don’t understand why the president has continued to lobby the man who has not shown him love.

“We are also hearing that some stakeholders are talking of forced marriage in case Kwankwaso joins the APC. They say that there is the fear of a forced marriage because the existing stakeholders of the APC believe that they will not be treated fairly when Kwankwaso joins the structure.”

Another source emphasised that the Presidency must comprehend the distinct political dynamics of the North, noting that the influence of governors does not always accurately reflect the will of the people.

“If the stakeholders are dissatisfied with a forced marriage, it has an effect on when the people usually decide. We have seen incumbent governors defeated in Kano, Zamfara, and even Senator Aminu Tambuwal lost to the APC in Sokoto. So, it is better that the Presidency also listens and blends the opinions of local stakeholders,” the source said.

Beyond the issue of a forced alliance, it was also gathered that unresolved discussions surrounding the governorship ambition of the Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau, are contributing to rising political tension in Kano, with some sources claiming that Governor Yusuf may be seeking an automatic ticket upon his defection to the APC.