Behind closed doors: Tinubu hosts Kano Governor in lengthy Secret talks

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, held a private meeting with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the State House, Abuja, fueling intense speculation about the governor’s political future and a possible switch from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Yusuf arrived at the villa shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time, dressed in his signature white agbada and red cap, a symbol closely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement led by his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He was escorted to the President’s office by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. The discussions, held behind closed doors, lasted several hours, with the governor later departing the premises.

No official details emerged from the Presidency or the governor’s office regarding the agenda. However, the meeting has drawn widespread attention due to persistent rumours of Yusuf’s impending defection to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reports indicate that negotiations have been ongoing for weeks, with some sources suggesting the governor has sought assurances, including an automatic ticket for re-election in Kano.

Earlier accounts noted that APC e-registration exercises in the state were reportedly paused on instructions from President Tinubu, pending the governor’s formal move.

The potential realignment would represent a significant political development in Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state and a key electoral battleground.

Yusuf, who won the 2023 governorship election on the NNPP platform with strong backing from Kwankwaso, has maintained loyalty to the NNPP publicly.

Kwankwaso himself has previously dismissed speculation about any approved defection, emphasizing the movement’s grassroots support in Kano.

President Tinubu, who recently returned from international engagements including the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, has prioritized strategic outreach to opposition figures as part of efforts to broaden the APC’s base.

Monday’s meeting follows earlier reports of the governor’s interactions with other APC-aligned figures in Abuja.