Kano politics has predominantly been in the Opposition

The resignation of Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State from the NNPP leading towards the 2027 general elections is a big mistake. The reason is simple – it will mean he does not understand the evolutionary history of Kano politics! If he had, he would have known that Kano politics has always essentially aligned with opposition politics, and never purposefully leaned toward the center. The pattern of its politics since independence validates this assertion.

In the 1st Republic, while the North and the nation formed NPC governments, Kano overwhelmingly voted an opposition party, the NEPU. Likewise, in the 2nd Republic, while the North and the nation voted NPN, Kano still tilted toward the opposition and voted for the PRP.

Under the present dispensation as well in 1999, Kano rejected the perceived Conservative Party, the ANPP, and overwhelmingly voted the perceived liberal PDP. But when it turned out that PDP formed the national government as well, Kano promptly voted it out after only one term in 2003 and voted in the opposition party, the ANPP.

Then in 2015, along with other opposition parties, Kano joined the bandwagon and fused into the newly formed APC in opposition to the national government of the PDP. It remained in the APC for two terms under controversial circumstances but in 2023 moved back to its opposition stance by voting in a fringe opposition party, the NNPP. Even when the courts, at the tribunal and Court of Appeal levels, tried to move the state into the ruling national party, the APC, Kano electorate staunchly stood against the move and the Supreme Court, perceiving the danger fraught in the process, reversed the move in its final verdict. Hence, keeping Kano politics where it has always been – predominantly in the opposition!

To this end, therefore, by now moving out of the opposition NNPP party and joining the APC, the ruling party at the center, Gov. Yusuf and the APC are automatically courting defeat in 2027. Either the APC wins national government and loses Kano State, or it wins Kano State and loses the national election. But they cannot win both as Kano’s election pattern over the years doesn’t support that. The trajectory is clear; now the choice is left for the APC and Gov. Yusuf to make.

Umar Ardo, Phd, sent this piece from Abuja

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.