Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticised the reported defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the move would create multiple political and democratic victims in the state.
Shehu made the remarks in a post shared on X on Friday, where he described the governor’s decision as a risky political move driven by survival rather than public interest.
According to him, the governor’s defection amounts to a betrayal of the people of Kano, who he said defended his mandate against intense political pressure. He warned 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 said.
He added that the decision may be regretted in the future.
Shehu also said the defection would weaken the influence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that the move could affect his political standing and relevance.
According to him, “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 further described democracy as another casualty, arguing that Kano voters would be forced to watch their mandate transferred to a party they did not vote for, without any means of recall. According to him, this undermines the principle that democracy reflects the will of the people.
The commentator also pointed to possible implications for Kano’s traditional institutions, suggesting that the ongoing emirate disputes could now be influenced by federal political interests following the governor’s move.
“Their royal highnesses, Aminu Ado and Sanusi Lamido are another set of victims who are now forced to kowtow before Tinubu, the owner of Kano by proxy. The decamping will either prolong the legal fight or cut it short depending on Tinubu’s preference which for strategic reasons may be Aminu Ado who has never criticised him or his policies.
“As for Governor Abba, it is not yet Uhuru because the ongoing political (mis) calculations will keep on changing in color and shape until such a time when the VILLAINS WILL BECOME THE VICTIMS AND THE VICTIMS WILL TURN TO VILLAINY.
“Until then we will continue to fold our arms,” he concluded.
