High-level Tinubu meeting paves way for Gov Yusuf’s APC defection

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appears to be moving closer to defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, sources say.

Insiders report that Governor Yusuf’s camp celebrated the private discussion, which they say has resolved much of the political uncertainty surrounding the potential defection.

Senior party officials familiar with the talks describe the governor’s earlier “risky political dilemma” as significantly de-escalated, with assurances from the presidency regarding his political future.

Although no official statement has been issued, a senior APC leader from the North-West confirmed to Politics Digest that President Tinubu’s intervention has given Governor Yusuf the confidence to proceed with plans to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

A key issue—his eligibility for an automatic APC gubernatorial ticket in 2027—has reportedly been addressed.

“The course is becoming clearer,” the source said.

“The president has assured that Governor Yusuf’s second-term ambitions under the APC will be safeguarded, provided internal party alignments in Kano are carefully managed.”

Despite the apparent breakthrough, the presidency has advised the governor to continue consultations with APC stakeholders in Kano to avoid sparking fresh internal tensions.

This guidance comes amid ongoing disagreements within the state’s APC structure, particularly involving loyalists of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other influential figures.

The positive development marks a stark contrast to earlier reports of uncertainty, when APC leaders were reluctant to offer written guarantees for an automatic ticket.

Governor Yusuf’s recent public gestures, including meeting the Kano State Executive Council in Abuja wearing the signature Kwankwasiyya red cap, may now precede a formal declaration of his defection.

However, the so-called “Kwankwaso factor” remains a significant consideration.

As Yusuf edges closer to the APC, his political relationship with mentor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is reportedly under strain, with Kwankwaso exploring a potential “third force” coalition, possibly in partnership with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Politics Digest will continue tracking developments in Kano and Abuja as political maneuvering intensifies and a possible defection draws near.