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Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticised reports that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the move could create several political and democratic casualties in the state.
Shehu shared his views in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. He described the alleged defection as a dangerous political gamble driven by self-preservation rather than the interests of the people.
“A Betrayal of Kano Voters”
According to Shehu, Governor Yusuf’s reported move amounts to a betrayal of Kano residents who stood by him during intense political pressure following the 2023 elections.
He argued that the governor’s decision could eventually backfire and damage his political future.
“The first victim of this avoidable, panicky and risky defection is Abba Kabir Yusuf himself,” Shehu said.
“He may live to regret the action because it betrays the people of Kano who defended his mandate against overwhelming federal pressure.”
Shehu added that political survival often comes at a cost and warned that Yusuf may soon discover that defecting does not guarantee long-term security.
Kwankwaso’s Influence at Risk
The commentator also pointed to the possible impact on Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under which Yusuf was elected.
Shehu said the governor’s defection would weaken Kwankwaso’s political influence and reduce his relevance on the national stage.
“With the governor’s crossover, Kwankwaso’s image will suffer,” he said.
“His ranking and influence could sharply decline, leaving him with limited political options.”
Democracy as a Casualty
Beyond individual politicians, Shehu warned that democracy itself could become a victim of the defection.
He argued that Kano voters would be forced to watch their electoral mandate shift to a party they did not support, without any constitutional means of recall.
“This development undermines the core principle of democracy,” Shehu said.
“The will of the people is set aside, and voters are left powerless.”
Traditional Institutions Could Be Affected
Shehu further suggested that Kano’s traditional institutions might also feel the impact of the governor’s move, especially amid ongoing emirate disputes in the state.
He claimed that federal political interests could now influence the outcome of the legal battles surrounding the Kano emirate crisis.
“The emirate disputes may now hinge on federal preferences,” he said.
“This could prolong or resolve the legal battles depending on political calculations in Abuja.”
Uncertain Political Future Ahead
Shehu concluded by warning that Kano’s political landscape would remain unstable, with shifting alliances and unpredictable outcomes.
“For Governor Abba, this is not yet freedom,” he said.
“Political calculations will continue to change until today’s villains become tomorrow’s victims, and victims turn to villainy.”
He added that observers would continue to watch developments unfold.
