Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf reportedly held a late-night meeting with his political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence in Kano on Tuesday.
According to sources, the closed-door meeting came ahead of the governor’s trip to France on Friday, where he is expected to meet President Bola Tinubu.
The meeting according to DAILYNIGERIAN was part of a last-ditch effort by the governor to persuade Kwankwaso to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly at the president’s urging. According to insiders, Yusuf arrived at Kwankwaso’s residence around midnight in a private vehicle, accompanied by a go-between identified as Sarkin Gobir (not the Emir of Gobir).
Although the discussion reportedly lasted over an hour, sources said the governor failed to secure Kwankwaso’s support.
A day after the meeting, Kwankwaso addressed supporters at his residence, where he dismissed speculation about defecting to the APC, insisting he could not be bought.
“First, we know that betrayal is not good. Everybody knows how that party is losing the sympathy of the people, especially with regards to insecurity and the economy,” he said.
“People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso.”
Sources further revealed that the governor’s defection plan has hit a major obstacle following strong grassroots resistance in Kano. While several NNPP lawmakers at both state and national levels, along with some local government chairmen, are reportedly prepared to defect with the governor, the bulk of the party’s grassroots supporters remain firmly loyal to Kwankwaso.
“APC leaders are watching developments in Kano very closely. Kwankwasiyya supporters have clearly demonstrated that their loyalty is with Kwankwaso,” a source said.
“Kwankwaso is gaining sympathy across the state. If Abba joins APC, a Kwankwaso-backed candidate could benefit from a sympathy vote.”
Insiders familiar with the situation said the public backlash is the reason behind renewed efforts to persuade Kwankwaso to join the APC, noting that President Tinubu remains keen on having him in the ruling party.
“The reaction of the people is why there is a last-minute push to convince Kwankwaso,” another source disclosed.
Sources added that Governor Yusuf is expected to brief the president on the outcome of his meeting with his estranged political mentor and then determine the next steps following his anticipated defection.
Meanwhile, VERITY NEWS learnt that key Kano APC figures, including former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, APC state chairman Abdullahi Abbas, Nasiru Gawuna and Murtala Garo have returned to Nigeria after their end-of-year holidays and Umrah pilgrimage.
The governor is expected to formally announce his defection after consultations with APC leaders in the state.