The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) have criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling party, insisting the move will not alter the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and his ADC counterpart, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the defection reflects personal interest rather than political strength, arguing that elite movements do not automatically translate into electoral gains.
Interim National Chairman of a faction, Senator Nenadi Usman, also warned against equating high-profile defections with popular support, stressing that voter sentiment, not party switches, will determine outcomes in 2027.
The APC, however, welcomed Yusuf, with its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, describing the defection as a boost for the party and a validation of its governance agenda.
NNPP condemned the move, with its National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, calling it a betrayal of Kano voters and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He rejected claims of an internal party crisis, citing recent congresses and electoral wins as evidence of party stability.
Yusuf is scheduled to formally register with the APC in Kano today, alongside several lawmakers and local government chairmen, according to his spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa.
Opposition parties maintain that despite recent defections nationwide, electoral strength will ultimately be decided by voters in 2027.
Keywords: Kano politics, Abba Yusuf, APC, NNPP, 2027 elections
