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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) have strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling party, insisting that the move will not alter the political equation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition parties described the defection as an act driven by self-interest rather than popular mandate, warning that elite political realignments do not automatically translate into electoral victory.
Opposition: Defection Reflects Moral Failure, Not Strength
Reacting separately, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and his ADC counterpart, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the governor’s move represents a moral failure rather than political momentum for the APC.
Ememobong argued that electoral strength is determined at the polls, not by defections, stressing that Kano remains an NNPP-leaning state until voters decide otherwise.
“A governor may defect, but the people did not defect with him. Elections are decided by voters, not political manoeuvring,” he said.
The LP Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, echoed similar sentiments, cautioning against mistaking political migrations for grassroots support.
Quoting a Hausa proverb, Usman noted that the movement of governors to one party does not signal the collapse of opposition politics ahead of 2027.
NNPP Accuses Yusuf of Betrayal
In a strongly worded statement, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, described Yusuf’s resignation as a betrayal of the Kano electorate and a major blow to the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The party rejected the governor’s claim of an irreconcilable crisis within the NNPP, noting that the party had recently conducted congresses at all levels under INEC supervision and won supplementary elections in Kano State just months ago.
Drawing parallels with Kano’s political history, the NNPP recalled the 1983 election, when a similar wave of defections ended in electoral defeat for defectors.
“History shows that those who trade loyalty for convenience rarely escape the judgment of the people,” the party stated.
Wave of Defections Across States
Yusuf’s defection comes amid a growing wave of political realignments, with several governors previously elected on opposition platforms moving to the APC. Among them are Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
Beyond governors, lawmakers, former ministers and senior party officials have also crossed over to the ruling party.
Despite criticism, President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders have repeatedly denied allegations of pursuing a one-party state, insisting the party remains inclusive.
APC Welcomes Yusuf, Calls Move ‘Homecoming’
The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, welcomed Yusuf’s return, describing it as a homecoming and a boost to the party’s democratic credentials.
“The more committed democrats we have, the stronger our democracy becomes. These defections show that our principles and policies are being embraced by Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.
He dismissed opposition claims that defections would weaken the ruling party in 2027, describing them as speculative and unrealistic.
Yusuf to Register with APC Today
Despite objections from the NNPP, Governor Yusuf is scheduled to formally register as an APC member in Kano today, alongside 22 state lawmakers, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen, according to his spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.
The governor is also expected to inaugurate the APC’s e-registration exercise in the state.
Speaking on his decision, Yusuf said the move was aimed at strengthening governance and unity.
“This is not just a political decision. It is about ensuring that governance remains people-centred and that development reaches every part of Kano State,” he said.
Ganduje Expected Back in Kano
Meanwhile, former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, is expected to return from London today. A former Chief of Staff to Ganduje, Mohammed Garba, confirmed that the former governor may head straight to Kano to officially receive Yusuf into the APC.
ADC: Defectors Seeking Protection
ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi accused defecting governors of seeking political protection rather than serving the electorate, insisting that poor governance records would haunt them at the polls.
“Joining the APC does not mean the people are joining them. Failed governors cannot deliver their states in 2027,” he said.
