President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening held a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the State House, Abuja, fueling renewed speculation over a possible political realignment.
Governor Yusuf, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), arrived at the Presidential Villa and was led to the President’s first-floor office by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, the engagement comes amid sustained rumours that the Kano governor may be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political observers believe the meeting may be connected to ongoing discussions around Yusuf’s political future, particularly as talks surrounding his reported defection have intensified in recent weeks.
The national leader of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier dismissed claims that he approved or endorsed any planned defection by the governor, stressing that no such consent was given.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that negotiations over the potential defection have faced challenges, including disagreements over assurances ahead of the 2027 general elections, such as the possibility of an automatic governorship ticket.
The unfolding situation is also said to have heightened tensions between some supporters of Governor Yusuf and loyalists of his political mentor, Kwankwaso, further complicating the political dynamics in Kano State.
Deji Elumoye
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