‘Yusuf Weakens Godfatherism, Boosts APC Chances In Kano ‘

A media analyst, Abdulmalik Suleiman, has said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s political diplomacy and development projects have reshaped Kano State’s political landscape and strengthened the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Suleiman made the assessment in Kano on Tuesday when he commented on the recent political realignment in the state.

He said Yusuf had significantly weakened the influence of political godfathers in Kano by establishing an independent political identity and building relationships with major political figures.

According to him, the governor’s defection to the APC had also helped to unite prominent leaders and former governors, including former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Senator Kabir Gaya.

“Gov Yusuf is a manager of men. Since he defected to the ruling APC, he has been able to unite all the leaders and ex-governors, Ganduje, Shekarau and Senator Kabir Gaya.

Today, there is no division,” Suleiman said.

He said the rapprochement had reduced the longstanding rivalries that had characterised Kano politics, creating what he described as a more peaceful political environment.

“In Kano APC today, there is no crisis or conflict of interest. They are all working together harmoniously like a united family. This is due to Abba’s good leadership and diplomacy,” he said.

Suleiman further argued that Yusuf’s emergence as an independent political force had diminished godfatherism in the state.

“Gov Yusuf has diminished godfatherism in Kano by creating a niche for himself, thereby freeing Kano of any burden. He is not controlled by anyone; he relates to all leaders on equal terms. That is why there is peace,” he added.

He attributed the development of major infrastructure projects across the state to the relative political stability, citing the flyovers at Dan Agundi and Tal’udu, the dualisation and rehabilitation of major roads within the metropolis and across the five emirates, as well as the renovation of schools and hospitals.

He also mentioned the restoration of streetlights and water facilities across the state.

On the opposition, Suleiman claimed that the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition parties had lost political ground in Kano.

He said former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo of the NDC could not, in his assessment, match Yusuf’s political goodwill.

“This massive infrastructural development has changed the face of Kano. Because of this performance and the peace in the state, there are no more NDC and other opposition parties in Kano.

“Former Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo of the NDC is not a match to the towering goodwill of Gov Yusuf. The entire structure has collapsed into the APC,” he said.

Suleiman said unity among APC leaders in Kano had strengthened the party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that this could translate into substantial support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the state.