Uncertainty continues to surround reports that Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, may soon defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as no official confirmation has emerged from party structures at the ward or state level.

Speculation had intensified over the weekend following reports that Monday, January 12, 2026, would mark the governor’s formal exit from the NNPP and his registration as an APC member at his Ɗiso Ward in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano metropolis. However, developments on Monday suggested that the anticipated political move did not materialise as expected.

Ward Officials Say No Directive Received

Speaking to DAILY POST, the Chairman of the APC in Ɗiso Ward, Malam Maje Kabir Ahmad, said the party at the ward level had not received any official instruction regarding Governor Yusuf’s planned visit for registration and collection of an APC membership card.

According to him, despite widespread speculation and heightened public interest, no communication had come from the party’s leadership directing the ward to prepare for the governor’s registration on Monday.

“We have not received any instruction from above concerning the governor’s coming today, Monday,” Maje told DAILY POST. “Nevertheless, we are fully prepared. Even if it is late at night and the governor decides to register today, we will be ready to receive him.”

His remarks underscored the disconnect between online reports and realities on the ground, highlighting the informal nature of the discussions surrounding the alleged defection.

Expectations That Failed to Materialise

Earlier reports had suggested that Governor Yusuf would formally switch parties on Monday, a move that would represent a major political realignment in Kano State. The anticipated registration at Ɗiso Ward was widely circulated as the symbolic first step in that process.

However, according to ward officials, no such exercise took place, and there was no official presence of the governor at the APC ward office throughout the day.

Political observers note that high profile defections of sitting governors are rarely spontaneous and usually follow extensive consultations and internal party coordination. The absence of clear directives at the ward level has therefore raised questions about whether the reports were premature or part of strategic political signalling.

Strategic Importance of Ɗiso Ward

Malam Maje Kabir Ahmad also explained why Ɗiso Ward holds significant political weight in Kano’s power dynamics.

Ɗiso Ward, located in Gwale Local Government Area, is home to several influential political figures, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf himself and the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas.

According to Maje, the personal and political ties between these figures add to the significance of any potential return by the governor to the APC.

“Governor Abba and the APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are related by blood and political history,” he said. “Without doubt, the governor’s return to the APC would have a significant impact on the political landscape and development of Kano State.”

This connection has fueled speculation that negotiations may be ongoing behind the scenes, even in the absence of a formal announcement.

Background to the Defection Speculation

Governor Yusuf was elected under the platform of the NNPP, a party that made historic gains in Kano during the last election cycle. His victory marked a major setback for the APC in a state long regarded as one of its northern strongholds.

Since then, political tensions between the NNPP and APC in Kano have remained high, with governance, legislative alignments, and control of political structures frequently contested.

Analysts say rumours of a possible defection reflect broader national trends, where governors and senior politicians often realign with ruling parties ahead of future electoral cycles to secure political relevance and access to federal influence.

Why the Development Matters Now

The timing of the speculation is particularly notable as Nigeria gradually enters the prelude to the next general election cycle. Party strength, internal cohesion, and strategic alliances are already under review across several states.

A defection by Governor Yusuf would not only reshape Kano’s political balance but could also weaken the NNPP nationally, where Kano remains one of its most important strongholds.

For the APC, regaining the Kano governorship would represent a significant political boost, potentially altering calculations ahead of future elections.

State of the APC Ward Office

Meanwhile, DAILY POST observed that the APC ward office in Ɗiso Ward, a single room structure located beside the Gwale Local Government Secretariat, is currently undergoing renovation.

The office reportedly lacks adequate furniture and basic office equipment, although visible renovation work is ongoing. Ward officials said the improvements are part of broader efforts to strengthen party infrastructure at the grassroots level.

Political analysts note that the condition of ward offices often reflects the level of preparedness for major political activities, including high profile registrations and rallies.

For now, there is no official confirmation from either Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the NNPP, or the APC national leadership regarding a planned defection.

Observers say attention will shift to statements from state or national party officials, as well as any public appearances by the governor that may signal his political intentions.

Until such confirmation emerges, the reports remain speculative, with ward level officials maintaining that no formal process has begun.

Despite widespread reports suggesting an imminent defection, uncertainty persists over whether Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will formally join the APC. The lack of directives at the ward level, combined with official silence from party leadership, suggests that any such move may still be under negotiation or yet to be finalised.

As political actors and citizens await clarity, the situation highlights the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria and the strategic calculations that often unfold away from public view.