Nigeria TV Info 

Shekarau Defends Yusuf’s APC Defection, Recalls Kwankwaso’s Past

KANO, Nigeria – Former Kano State Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has publicly defended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s reported plan to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), disputing claims that such a move would amount to betrayal.

Speaking in a viral audio message, Shekarau argued that political realignments are personal decisions shaped by context and consultation, not acts of disloyalty. He challenged criticisms from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who had labelled Yusuf’s potential defection as betrayal, insisting the governor should not be judged harshly for considering a party switch.

Highlighting political precedent, Shekarau recalled that *Kwankwaso himself defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC while serving as governor, retaining his mandate without relinquishing office — the same route now attributed to Yusuf’s possible move. “When he was in PDP, he also left with the governorship seat to APC,” Shekarau noted, questioning why Kwankwaso would criticise an action he once undertook.

Shekarau also revisited the formation of the NNPP and internal disagreements over power sharing that contributed to his own exit from the party years ago. He stressed that leaders have the right to choose their political path, especially after consulting with key stakeholders.

The debate reflects escalating tensions within the NNPP and the broader Kwankwasiyya camp, with the APC reportedly warming up to welcome Governor Yusuf into its ranks as political alliances shift ahead of the 2027 elections.