The governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has jetted to France to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is as ex-governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, returned from his vacation, as fresh political developments unfold around Kano State politics.
According to Daily Nigerian, Abba Yusuf, who jetted out to France on Friday, had earlier sought to see his godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to make a final push for convincing him to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as allegedly directed by the president.
Sources said the governor came to Mr Kwankwaso’s house around midnight alongside a go-between called Sarkin Gobir (not Emir of Gobir) in a private vehicle.
Although sources said the meeting lasted for more than an hour, it is apparent the governor had not succeeded in convincing Mr Kwankwaso to join him.
Addressing a gathering of supporters at his residence a day after the meeting, Mr Kwankwaso declared that he had no price tag.
“First, we know that betrayal is not good. Everybody knows how that party is losing the sympathy of the people, especially with regards to insecurity and the economy.
“People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” Kwankwaso said.
Sources said the governor’s unprovoked political rebellion faced a major hitch when APC powerbrokers saw the backlash that greeted his decision in Kano.
Although NNPP lawmakers in both the State and National Assemblies as well as local government chairmen are largely defecting to APC alongside the governor, but majority of the grassroots supporters of the party have aligned with Mr Kwankwaso.
“APC leaders are keenly observing what is happening in Kano. The Kwankwasiyya supporters have made a bold and clear statement that they are with Kwankwaso.
“Kwankwaso is gaining sympathy from across the state. If Abba joins APC, Kwankwaso’s candidate may likely get a sympathy vote,” said a source.
Insiders familiar with the governor’s with the governor’s defection plans told this newspaper that the president is still vehement on having Mr Kwankwaso in APC.
“The people’s reaction is the reason why they are making a last-minute push to convince Kwankwaso to join him,” said a source.
Sources further told DAILY NIGERIAN that the governor would brief the president about his meeting with his estranged godfather, and then chart a course for the party’s progress after his defection.
Meanwhile, a former National Chairman of the APC has returned to the country after spending several weeks on vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Ganduje arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday at about 4:30 pm aboard an Emirates Airlines flight, after which he proceeded to Abuja at 8 pm.
Following his return, the former APC national chairman is expected to commence a series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings focusing on recent political developments in Kano State.
These engagements, according to a statement on Saturday issued by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, are aimed at reviewing the evolving political landscape and consulting widely with party leaders and other critical stakeholders.
The statement said Ganduje is also expected to participate in the ongoing APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise.
It added that the initiative, which he pioneered during his tenure as the national chairman, was designed to modernise the party’s membership database, enhance internal planning, and ensure that APC membership records are comprehensive, credible, and easily accessible.
“The former governor remains committed to strengthening party structures and promoting inclusive dialogue in support of democratic consolidation within the APC, particularly in Kano State,” the statement added.