As the battle for political dominance in Kano State intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, Governor Abba Yusuf has boldly responded to recent statements from the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, dismissing his threats and asserting that his administration will not be intimidated. The ongoing political rivalry between the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heating up, with both sides preparing for a fierce showdown.
At a press briefing on January 8, 2025, at the Government House in Kano, Governor Yusuf made it clear that the current NNPP administration will not cower in the face of any political pressure from the APC. “Let me be clear,” he said. “Whoever threatens the good people of Kano will face the consequences. We are ready, and I will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who seek to destabilize this state.”
Yusuf’s comments came in direct response to statements made by Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, who recently asserted that the APC would reclaim Kano in the 2027 elections. “Those who are claiming to take over Kano in 2027 should understand that they are merely making empty threats. Power belongs to God, and only He determines who leads the people,” Yusuf added, echoing a sentiment of divine sovereignty in matters of leadership.
A War of Words: Kwankwaso vs Ganduje
The political tension in Kano began to rise earlier when Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 general elections, publicly claimed that his party would significantly reduce the APC’s influence in the state in the run-up to the 2027 elections. “We will deplete their support base in Kano,” Kwankwaso boldly stated, igniting a flurry of reactions from APC members, who have long considered the state a stronghold.
In response, the APC’s Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, quickly dismissed Kwankwaso’s statement, asserting that the NNPP posed no serious threat to the APC’s grip on power in the state. Ibrahim’s statement was swiftly followed by remarks from Ganduje himself, who, speaking at the 8th and 9th APC Kano State House of Assembly Forum Dinner, expressed disbelief over Kwankwaso’s claims of widespread popular support.
Represented by the APC State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, Ganduje was forthright in his criticism of Kwankwaso’s political position, suggesting that the former governor would not have won any elections without internal issues within the APC. “I swear to God, if not for our internal issues, Kwankwaso wouldn’t have won any election in Kano. This time around, he will face the reality. Those who supported him before are now regretting their decisions,” he said, signaling the APC’s resolve to reclaim Kano in the upcoming polls.
Despite these pointed attacks, Governor Yusuf remained unshaken. He responded, “Our focus is not on 2027. We are more concerned about fulfilling the mandate entrusted to us by the people of Kano. We will not be intimidated by any threats or distractions.”
Governor Yusuf’s Vision for Kano’s Future
Governor Yusuf’s strong response underscores his commitment to his administration’s ongoing development efforts in Kano. “Our mission is to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano, and to serve them with dedication and integrity,” he said. Yusuf emphasized that his government is more focused on the welfare of the people and the fulfillment of their mandate than on political rivalry.
He also took a moment to address the notion of external pressures and conspiracies that often emerge in election cycles, particularly in highly contested states like Kano. “We believe in God, and we know that no matter how many people conspire against us, they cannot succeed if God wills otherwise,” he said with confidence.
In a subtle jab at his political opponents, Yusuf pointed out the volatility of political allegiances. “I want to remind everyone that the strength of the people of Kano is not dependent on any individual or political party. It is determined by our shared values and aspirations. We will continue to focus on what truly matters – the well-being of our people.”
The APC’s Position on 2027 Elections
While the NNPP appears focused on defending its current hold on power, the APC is not backing down in its bid to retake control of Kano. The party’s internal dynamics, including its leadership shakeups and evolving strategies, suggest that it is gearing up for a fierce battle in the coming years.
Abdullahi Ganduje, despite the challenges faced by the APC in recent years, remains resolute in his belief that the APC is the party to beat in 2027. He insists that Kwankwaso’s claim to the people’s support is exaggerated, dismissing the former governor’s political influence as overblown. “Kwankwasiyya is done,” Ganduje declared, referring to Kwankwaso’s political movement, implying that it no longer commands the loyalty it once did. “The people of Kano are waking up to the reality that we have what it takes to lead them to greater heights.”
Ganduje’s remarks at the APC dinner painted a picture of a party that is reasserting itself after a difficult period. His comments, while aimed at diminishing the credibility of the NNPP’s leadership, also highlight the ongoing friction within Kano’s political establishment.
The Road Ahead for Kano
With the 2027 elections still two years away, the political landscape in Kano remains volatile and uncertain. Both the NNPP and APC are strategizing, preparing for what promises to be a hard-fought contest for the soul of the state.
For now, Governor Yusuf’s focus is squarely on governance and development. As he concluded his remarks at the press briefing, he expressed hope that the state would not only emerge victorious in 2027 but that the people of Kano would continue to thrive under the leadership of his administration. “May God grant us the strength and ability to achieve this and to witness 2027 in good health and prosperity,” he said.
