In a dramatic political upheaval, Mustapha Kwankwaso, the eldest son of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside several key commissioners, has vacated his office ahead of an anticipated mass defection of Governor Abba Yusuf to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to insider reports, Mustapha Kwankwaso, who serves as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, has cleared his office despite not formally submitting his resignation.
His action is seen as a direct response to Governor Yusuf’s imminent departure from the NNPP—a move strongly opposed by his father, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The brewing crisis has split the Kwankwasiyya movement, the political pillar of the NNPP in Kano. While Governor Yusuf has yet to publicly announce his defection, his aides and a majority of State House of Assembly members have confirmed the plan, citing internal party disputes.
In a strategic countermove, Rabiu Kwankwaso has been hosting meetings at his Miller Road residence with loyalists who intend to remain in the NNPP. He has opened a “loyalty register,” which several high-profile officials have signed. Those declaring allegiance to Kwankwaso include:
· Yusuf Kofar-Mata, Commissioner for Science and Technology
· Adamu Aliyu, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs
· Ibrahim Umar, Commissioner for Internal Security (a retired Air Force officer)
· Hamza Kachako, Commissioner for Mineral Resources
Other notable figures who reportedly signed the register include the state’s Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, the Executive Secretary of the Kano Scholarship Board, Musa Danzaki, and the Managing Director of Kwari Textile Market, Hamisu Dogonnama.
Legislators Take Sides
The division extends to the National Assembly. Senators and House of Representatives members such as Rufa’i Hanga (Kano Central), Mukhtar Yarima, Abdulkarim Ado, and Sani Wakili have pledged loyalty to Kwankwaso.
At the state level, lawmakers Yusuf Aliyu and Zakariyya Ishaq are among those standing with Kwankwaso, though the governor reportedly retains the support of the majority in the State Assembly.
Despite the high-profile defections from his cabinet, Governor Yusuf appears to command broad support at the grassroots. All 44 local government chairpersons, their deputies, and most ward-level executives have reportedly aligned with the governor’s planned shift to the APC.
Insiders describe the move as a “palace coup” by Yusuf, who was for decades considered Rabiu Kwankwaso’s “ultimate loyalist.” Proponents argue the governor is seeking to liberate his administration from his predecessor’s influence to focus on governance. Critics within the Kwankwasiyya camp, however, view it as a profound betrayal.
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