Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is said to be weighing a difficult decision over a possible move from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), amid hesitation and unresolved concerns.
Sources familiar with the situation say the governor is reluctant to take the step without the full support of his political mentor, fearing the fallout such a decision could trigger. Although discussions around a defection have been ongoing for weeks, the move has reportedly stalled due to unmet conditions.
It was gathered that Governor Yusuf, after consulting widely with key stakeholders, insisted that any agreement surrounding his defection must be clearly spelled out and formally documented before he could make a public announcement. Those conditions, however, are said to remain unsettled.
A source close to the matter disclosed that some party leaders doubt the governor’s willingness to act decisively on his own.
“Each time the issue comes up and meetings are held with party figures and stakeholders, the governor seems to pull back,” the source said.
According to the source, the governor is seeking firm guarantees, including a ministerial slot and the replacement of certain Kano-based federal appointees with individuals loyal to him.
The source added that such demands are unusual, noting that other governors who defected to the APC did so without similar arrangements. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, was cited as an example of someone who made the move without extended negotiations.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf on Tuesday held his second State Executive Council meeting in Abuja since taking office. Insiders revealed that expectations were high that he would use the occasion to formally announce his defection. However, no such declaration was made, further fuelling speculation about his next move.
Attempts to get a reaction from the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, were unsuccessful as at the time this report was filed.