Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has slammed Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the decision would result in several political and democratic victims in the state.
Shehu made the remarks in a post published on X on Friday, describing the governor’s choice as a hazardous political manoeuvre motivated by survival rather than public interest.
According to him, the governor’s defection is a betrayal of the people of Kano, who defended his mandate in the face of severe political pressure. He cautioned that the move could eventually work against the governor himself.
“The first victim of the avoidable, panicky and perilous jamboree decamping is Abba himself who will live to regret his action as it is a betrayal of Kano people who defended his votes against all odds of the federal might,” Shehu told journalists.
He emphasised that the decision could be regretted in the future.
Shehu further stated that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s influence will be weakened as a result of the defection, which might have an impact on his political status and significance.
His words were: “Kwankwaso, even though harvesting his sowings, is the next visible (victim) because, no doubt, with the governor’s crossover, his image has been brushed and his ranking and influence will nosedive even if he has no option but to submit himself cheaply in search of relevance.”
He also described democracy as a casualty, claiming that Kano voters will be forced to see their mandate transferred to a party they did not vote for, with no way of recall. According to him, this weakens the idea that democracy reflects popular will.
The analyst also mentioned potential repercussions for Kano’s traditional institutions, implying that the continuing emirate disputes may now be influenced by federal political interests as a result of the governor’s decision.
“Their royal highnesses, Aminu Ado and Sanusi Lamido, are another set of victims who are now forced to kneel to Tinubu, Kano’s proxy owner. The decamping will either prolong or shorten the legal war, depending on Tinubu’s preference, which may be Aminu Ado, who has never criticised him or his policies.
“As for Governor Abba, it is not yet Uhuru since the ongoing political (mis)calculations will continue to change colour and shape until the VILLAINS BECOME THE VICTIMS AND THE VICTIMS TURN TO VILLAINY.
“Until then, we will continue to fold our arms,” he said.