Security Beefed Up at Kano Government House Ahead of Abba Yusuf’s Defection

Security was significantly tightened around the Kano Government House on Monday amid growing speculation that Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state governor, may be on the verge of defecting from his party.

Multiple security formations, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were deployed in and around the seat of power, creating an unusual atmosphere around the complex.

Several armoured personnel carriers were positioned at key access points, including the main gate and the roundabout leading into the premises, while movement into the area was subjected to heightened scrutiny and identification checks.

Although no official announcement has been made, political circles in the state have been rife with reports that Yusuf is weighing a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The security build-up appeared to fuel anxiety among residents, with a source telling TheCable that the tension spilled into surrounding neighbourhoods.

According to the source, some schools dismissed pupils earlier than scheduled after parents were alerted, while traffic congestion began to form along adjoining roads as the afternoon progressed.

“Some schools closed early after parents were contacted to pick up their wards ahead of the usual 3pm closing time,” the source said.

“At the time I passed there, traffic had begun building up around the government house and adjoining roads too.”

In December 2025, supporters of Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under the aegis of the Kwankwasiyya movement, urged their principal and Yusuf to defect to the APC.