President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has held a closed-door meeting with Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, fueling growing speculation over a possible defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Titansloaded reports that the meeting, confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, took place shortly after President Tinubu returned from the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, marking Governor Yusuf’s first official engagement with the President since then.
Although details of the discussion were not disclosed, political observers believe the visit is connected to ongoing consultations surrounding the governor’s potential realignment ahead of future political contests.
Sources indicate that Governor Yusuf has reportedly secured the backing of a majority of elected officials, party executives, and influential support groups in Kano State following weeks of strategic consultations.
The Kano State House of Assembly is also said to have endorsed the proposed move, citing internal crises and unresolved legal disputes within the NNPP that could threaten the political stability of its members.
If confirmed, the defection would represent a major political shift in Kano State and could significantly alter the balance of power in the North-West geopolitical zone.
The development may also signal a political separation between Governor Yusuf and his long-time mentor, former Kano State Governor and NNPP national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who has openly opposed the planned defection.
Analysts note that Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states, making any alliance or realignment involving its leadership critical to national politics.
Neither the Presidency nor the Kano State Government has officially announced a defection, but the high-profile meeting has intensified speculation within political circles.
The APC leadership has remained silent on the matter, while party insiders suggest that negotiations are ongoing behind the scenes.
Political watchers believe that a formal announcement, if any, could come in the coming weeks as consultations progress.
The meeting underscores President Tinubu’s continued engagement with key political actors across party lines as his administration consolidates power.
As discussions continue, Nigerians await clarity on whether Governor Yusuf will formally cross over to the ruling party or remain within the NNPP framework.
