Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Sani Hanga, has cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf against defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such a move as an act of betrayal.
His warning comes amid mounting internal disagreements within the NNPP over reports that the Kano governor may be considering a move to the ruling APC.
Speaking with journalists on Monday, Hanga stated that defecting to the APC would be viewed unfavourably by Kano voters, whom he described as people who place a high premium on loyalty and political consistency.
He argued that those reportedly urging Governor Yusuf to join the APC do not have his best interests at heart.
The lawmaker also reminded the governor of his long-standing political relationship with NNPP leader and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that Yusuf’s political career was nurtured under Kwankwaso’s mentorship.
According to Hanga, “anyone who truly loves” Governor Yusuf would not encourage him to “betray the people of Kano, the North and Nigeria,” especially during a period marked by fuel subsidy removal and new tax policies.
He added that urging the governor to abandon Kwankwaso would amount to ingratitude, noting that Kwankwaso supported Yusuf from the early stages of his political journey to his current office.
Reaffirming his loyalty to Kwankwaso, the senator dismissed speculation that the NNPP leader was quietly backing Yusuf’s alleged defection plans, insisting that such claims were unfounded.
Hanga stated that Kano people do not “cheer betrayal,” warning that any move by Yusuf to defect would not be welcomed by the electorate.
He declared: “I am with Kwankwaso 1,000% until death. No elected official should be as unwise as those planning to join the APC at this time.”
The senator urged Governor Yusuf to distance himself from those pushing him toward defection and instead remain steadfast with the NNPP and its leadership.