According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, April 10, 2026, Abba Kabir Yusuf has stated that the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, does not have the authority to issue directives to him, emphasizing that he remains the leading figure of the party in the state.
The governor made this clarification while addressing reactions that followed his recent decision to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and align with the APC.
The move had attracted criticism from various quarters, prompting Yusuf to explain his position.
According to him, his political shift should not be interpreted as a betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has been a strong force in Kano politics.
He maintained that his loyalty to the movement remains intact despite the change in party affiliation.
Yusuf explained that the decision to exit the NNPP was largely influenced by ongoing internal disputes within the party.
He indicated that the unresolved crisis created conditions that made it difficult to continue effectively within the party’s structure.
He further reiterated that his political decisions are guided by considerations of stability and governance, rather than external pressures or personal disagreements.
The governor suggested that the internal issues in the NNPP had reached a point where a change became necessary.
While acknowledging Ganduje’s political stature and experience, Yusuf made it clear that respect does not translate into subordination.
He stressed that leadership within the state remains his responsibility and cannot be overridden by external influence.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.
