There was a tense atmosphere and disquiet in Kano state on Monday, following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was rescheduled to Monday after the January 5 date.
Governor Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP but decided to join the ruling APC to improve on his development efforts in the state, his aides say.
It was also learnt that Yusuf’s decision stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP that could jeopardise his mandate.
Although, there was no official speech from the State Government or formal ceremony heralding the defection, it was clear that the Governor and his administration were no longer of the NNPP platform.
Unlike before the defection, some government officials were walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with the infinity insignia of the famous President Bola Tinubu’s freedom cap.
The Tinubu cap had surfaced since Sunday at a Government House function attended by the Governor and cabinet members.
The NNPP flag at the main entrance to the seat of power was removed leaving the pole naked, while new national flags were flying.
The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also seen removed when The Nation correspondent visited the two premises.
Senior government officials were not in their offices, except their junior counterparts spotted holding talks in groups.
The discussants did not wear the Kwankwasiyya caps and their discussions were not without the defection.
Heavy security apparatuses, including armoured tanks and personnel, were deployed at the State Government House.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS) and those of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen tightening security at the gate of the State House.
A grapevine source disclosed that the Governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.
“We are no longer in NNPP. The most important things about the defection to APC have been done and the process is still ongoing,” a member of the cabinet told The Nation on Monday.
Credible sources said that Yusuf was billed to fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu, having defected.
It was gathered the ceremony was skipped to avoid violence between the governor’s supporters and those of his benefactor Rabiu Kwankwaso who has kicked against the defection.
Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano, who doubles as factional leader of the NNPP, has vehemently disapproved the move, insisting that the governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.
The disagreement between Yusuf and Yusuf has divided the state.
It was however, gathered Governor Yusuf decamped with all the chairmen of local government councils and all NNPP House of Assembly members to the APC.
