Gov. Abba Yusuf Set to Pick Rurum as Deputy Governor After Planned APC Defection
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is reportedly finalising plans to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape.
Multiple sources told POLITICS DIGEST that the governor has concluded arrangements to leave the NNPP, with the defection expected to take place on January 6, 2026. The development follows recent endorsements of the planned move by party stakeholders from Dawakin Tofa and Rogo local government areas of the state.
If the defection materialises, it would mark a major setback for the NNPP, as Governor Yusuf is currently its only sitting governor nationwide. His exit would leave the party without control of any state government.
Sources disclosed that the governor has intensified consultations with key political actors across Kano, including members of the National Assembly, lawmakers of the Kano State House of Assembly, and local government chairmen, ahead of the APC congresses scheduled for February.
A source familiar with the development told POLITICS DIGEST that several NNPP lawmakers, including the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Yusuf Falgore, have endorsed the governor’s planned defection.
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Political insiders further revealed that the anticipated realignment has also triggered discussions around the office of the deputy governor. According to one source, the APC’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, Murtala Sule Garo, has been dropped in favour of Kabiru Alhassan Rurum.
“The decision was not taken lightly. Political realities, internal party pressures, and extensive consultations across the senatorial districts made it clear that a new political balance was required,” the source said.
The source added that APC leaders, in consultation with Governor Yusuf, agreed that Kano South Senatorial District should be strategically accommodated, a consideration that strengthened Rurum’s position ahead of Garo.
“Unlike Garo, Rurum enjoys the backing of several serving members of the Kano State House of Assembly and federal lawmakers. His long-standing relationships and inclusive political style make him a unifying figure,” the source noted.
Rurum’s political pedigree was also cited as a major factor. He previously served as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2017, and again from 2018 to 2019. He currently represents Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
“He commands strong grassroots support and has built relationships across party lines, giving him an edge in stabilising the party ahead of the 2027 elections,” the source added.
However, sources noted that not all NNPP office holders are expected to follow the governor to the APC. The Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo; Kano Central Senator, Rufai Sani Hanga; as well as some commissioners and special advisers, are likely to remain in the NNPP.
By PRNigeria
