Less than 24 hours after resigning his membership of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo, of his appointment, in what political observers describe as the first major signal of a sweeping political realignment in the state.

Akahi News gathered that Surajo, a former Chairman of Madobi Local Council and a known loyalist of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been replaced by Mustapha Bakwana, a former Special Adviser to ex-APC National Chairman and immediate past Kano Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Bakwana previously served as Political Adviser under Ganduje’s administration, a development that has further fuelled speculation that Governor Yusuf is consolidating new power blocs ahead of an impending political realignment.

A social media post by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, confirmed Surajo’s removal, although no official reason was given for the decision.

Sacking Signals Cabinet Reshuffle and Political Realignment

Political analysts say the sudden dismissal of Surajo may signal a broader cabinet reshuffle as Governor Yusuf distances his administration from entrenched Kwankwasiyya loyalists.

Akahi News learnt that the move comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Governor Yusuf and Senator Kwankwaso, including disagreements over alleged coercion of officials during the defection process and concerns about loyalty ahead of future elections.

While the Governor has not formally announced his new political destination, insiders suggest that his strategy points toward a large-scale realignment aimed at stabilising his political base and securing legislative and grassroots backing.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of his Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, Governor Yusuf cited deepening internal crises within the NNPP and the need to safeguard the broader interests of Kano people as key reasons for leaving the party.

He reportedly highlighted persistent internal disputes and unresolved legal challenges that have unsettled the party’s national structure, widening internal divisions and weakening cohesion.

Mass Defection Looms as Lawmakers, Council Chairmen Pledge Loyalty

The Governor is not alone in exiting the NNPP. Akahi News gathered that no fewer than 44 local government chairmen, 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and eight federal lawmakers have declared loyalty to Governor Yusuf and pledged to move with him into the ruling party.

However, the impending defection has fractured the Kwankwasiyya political family, with cabinet members and senior political appointees reportedly divided over their next political steps.

According to a credible source quoted by The Guardian, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, is allegedly aligning with Senator Kwankwaso and may not follow Governor Yusuf into the new political arrangement. Efforts to reach the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba, were unsuccessful as his phone line was reportedly switched off.

Observers also note that the Deputy Governor has been absent from three consecutive public engagements at the Government House and has been sighted at Senator Kwankwaso’s residence during several solidarity meetings.

Other cabinet members who are yet to publicly dump the NNPP include the Commissioners for Science and Technology, Dr. Yusuf Kofar-Mata; Special Duties, Nasiru Garo; Sports, Mustapha Kwankwaso; Internal Security, AVM Ibrahim Umar; Humanitarian Affairs, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; and Women Affairs, Amina Abdullahi.

Kwankwaso Mobilises Loyalists Ahead of 2027 Political Battle

Meanwhile, Senator Kwankwaso has reportedly directed his loyalists to brace for what he described as a serious political struggle ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence, Kwankwaso appealed to his followers to remain steadfast in the ideology of Kwankwasiyya and resist inducements.

He urged them to remain committed to the movement, stressing the difficulty of sustaining political mobilisation without compromising principles.

“Be strong and persevere. In this state of ours, we need people who are progressive in ideology, not people who will take money and shift loyalty,” he was quoted as saying.

Kwankwaso further encouraged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation among families, friends, and neighbours, emphasising that the struggle for political freedom and social justice is not an easy one.

Akahi News gathered that the unfolding political developments are expected to significantly reshape Kano’s political landscape, influence party alignments ahead of the next general elections, and redefine the balance of power within the state.

As political manoeuvring intensifies, stakeholders and residents are watching closely to see how the Governor’s next steps will affect governance stability, legislative cooperation, and grassroots political mobilisation.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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