Kano’s political landscape was thrown into renewed speculation late last night following a reported high-level, closed-door meeting between the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the member of the House of Representatives representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, and the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi.
Sources further disclosed that the meeting was initially expected to include the Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila.
However, it was confirmed that the Senator could not attend, having travelled to Mecca to observe the lesser Hajj.
Credible sources revealed that the meeting, held at Government House Kano, lasted for an hour, with intense deliberations believed to have centred on unfolding political realignments ahead of the anticipated decamping of the Kano State Governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development comes amid growing and persistent rumours that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has concluded plans to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could significantly reshape Kano State’s political power structure.
Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential political figures in Kano South Senatorial District, particularly across Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure.
His political strength and grassroots appeal were instrumental in altering voting patterns in the zone, culminating in the historic victory of the NNPP in areas where the party previously had little or no footing.
Political observers often describe Rurum as a master tactician and rare political figure, citing his unprecedented return as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly for a second time within the same legislative tenure.
After initially being removed by his colleagues who elected Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Speaker then, Rurum staged a remarkable comeback, becoming the first lawmaker in Kano’s history to preside over the Assembly twice in one tenure.
This achievement is largely attributed to his political maturity, interpersonal skills and ability to manage legislative power dynamics.
Although Rurum parted ways with the APC during the administration of former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his political dominance remained intact, as he went on to win his seat under the NNPP platform with an overwhelming margin.
In Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure, he is consistently regarded as the most electorally successful politician, enjoying unmatched grassroots loyalty.
Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi, on the other hand, is no stranger to Kano politics.
His political relationship with Rurum dates back to their days in the Kano State House of Assembly, where he once served as Chief Whip before later emerging as Majority Leader following Rurum’s return as Speaker.
Renowned for his exceptional mobilisation skills, Dan’agundi is widely considered one of the most effective grassroots mobilisers in Kano Central Senatorial District, and Kano State at large..
His political clout was vividly demonstrated by the historic One Million Man March organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an event widely described as unprecedented in Kano State’s political history alongside several other high-profile political mobilisations.
Before the renewed rumours of Governor Abba’s planned defection to the APC, Dr. Dan’agundi was frequently mentioned as a potential Deputy Governorship candidate on the APC ticket for the 2027 elections.
The calculations at the time reportedly revolved around possible governorship contenders such as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibril, and the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abba Kabir Bichi.
However, insiders now suggest that the political equation has shifted following Governor Abba’s anticipated move into the APC.
Sources close to the development disclosed that the meeting between Governor Abba and the two APC power brokers is closely linked to his planned defection.
Discussions are also believed to have touched on the strategic selection of a Deputy Governor from Kano South Senatorial District a zone that has never produced a Deputy Governor in the state’s history.
Given the growing political bond and mutual trust between Governor Yusuf and Hon. Kabiru Rurum, speculation is mounting that Rurum could emerge as a leading contender for the position, should His Excellency Aminu Abdulsalam decline to follow the governor into the APC.
Efforts to reach Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum for comments were unsuccessful, as his mobile lines were switched off as at the time of filing this report.
Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi, when contacted, neither confirmed nor denied the meeting.
However, he responded pointedly, asking, “Is it wrong or unlawful if my governor invites me for a discussion?”
As political tension builds and alignments continue to shift, rumours persist that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the NNPP to the APC could happen at any moment an action that may redefine Kano politics ahead of 2027.
