The Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano State Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has alleged that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the consent of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Speaking during an appearance on the Arise TV Morning Show, Dawakin Tofa claimed that the alleged political move also had the backing of former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
According to him, the ongoing political discussions are part of wider consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. He alleged that Governor Yusuf considered honouring President Tinubu’s invitation to join the APC as a way to address what he described as a political miscalculation by Kwankwaso.
Dawakin Tofa further alleged that Kwankwaso may be indirectly working towards President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 through strategic political alignments and engagements taking place behind the scenes.
He said the evolving political landscape in Nigeria has generated different interpretations and narratives as politicians begin preparations for the next election cycle.
The Kano government spokesperson also claimed that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi may face political challenges in Kano State because of the conservative nature of the state’s political environment.
According to him, political acceptance in Kano is influenced by ideological and regional considerations that could shape voter behaviour ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dawakin Tofa also alleged that some politicians opposed to a Yoruba presidency are holding consultations and political meetings in South-West cities such as Abeokuta and Ibadan. He described Kwankwaso as a politician who abandoned his political ideology for personal interests.
He argued that the political manoeuvres currently taking place may eventually favour President Tinubu and weaken the opposition ahead of 2027.
On claims that about five million supporters attended a political gathering at Kwankwaso’s residence, Dawakin Tofa dismissed the figure as unrealistic and exaggerated.
He said the residence could not practically accommodate such a crowd, noting that even the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano has a capacity of about 16,000 people.
According to him, political figures are often inflated during election periods to project popularity and political strength.
Dawakin Tofa also stated that Kano remains a conservative political environment and suggested that individuals associated with Biafra advocacy may struggle to gain widespread political acceptance in the state.
He further claimed that Kwankwaso and Peter Obi hold opposing political views and ideologies that may make political collaboration difficult.
According to him, people with conflicting political interests and ideologies would find it difficult to work together effectively to govern a complex country like Nigeria.
