By Mahmoud Muhammad Bureau Chief North-West
Despite media hype surrounding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the reality on the ground in Kano State House of Assembly tells a different story. While the governor’s move has been touted as a significant political realignment, he has failed to secure a two-thirds majority in the Assembly, leaving his legislative control in doubt.
Out of the 40 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, only 21 have openly aligned with Governor Yusuf, falling short of the 27 needed for a two-thirds majority. This means 19 lawmakers remain outside his control, potentially denying him dominance on critical legislative matters. The arithmetic is clear: without a supermajority, Governor Yusuf cannot unilaterally shape the Assembly’s direction or force through sensitive legislation.
The media blitz surrounding the defection has created a perception of inevitability around the governor’s control of Kano politics. However, the numbers reveal a more complex reality. The Assembly remains divided, competitive, and far from conquered. This balance of power preserves the legislature’s relevance and ensures it is not reduced to a rubber stamp.
For Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the NNPP and a key figure in Kano politics, the stakes are high. Backing down would be seen as political extinction, given his deep roots in Kano and the Kwankwasiyya movement’s significance. As such, a tough fight is inevitable, making Kano’s political landscape one of the most volatile and defining phases in its history.
The hype surrounding Governor Yusuf’s defection may ultimately backfire, creating inflated expectations and pressure. Without sweeping legislative control, every setback becomes a public failure, inviting continuous resistance, strategic obstruction, and heightened scrutiny. Rather than consolidating authority, the governor risks presiding over a tense, polarized environment.
In conclusion, despite the media noise, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has momentum but not mastery in Kano State. The Assembly’s composition ensures a balance of power, and Kwankwaso’s determination to fight means the political battle is far from over. As Kano politics unfolds, one thing is clear: power will be decided on the floor of the Assembly, not on social media timelines.
Editor -in-Chief of The Northern Star online newspapers, MAHMOUD MUHAMMAD & Editor at large, Baba
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