Defection rumour: Police deploy security at Kano Govt House

Heavy security was deployed at the Kano State Government House on Monday amid reports of a planned defection by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Daily Trust observed a strong presence of combined security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) at the main entrance and other strategic points within the Government House complex.

The spokesman of the Kano State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, told Daily Trust that the deployment was part of routine security operations and not targeted at any specific development.

“It is part of our improved visibility across the state. It is our normal visibility patrol and deployment to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order. It is not that we are anticipating anything; it is just part of our improved strategy,” Kiyawa said.

He added that the deployment was not limited to the Government House. “It is also at other strategic locations across the state. It is not just about deployment but visibility patrol to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order,” he said.

A senior aide to the governor, who spoke off the record, also dismissed suggestions that the security presence was linked to any planned defection.

“Are we defecting today (Monday)? The answer is no. So why will the deployment be about defection?” the aide said. “When we noticed the heavy presence, we contacted the police and were told it was part of their improved visibility strategy. They also said they had intelligence that some groups were planning protests similar to the OccupyNigeria protests in some major cities, and Kano is one of the identified states. They said they were only being proactive.”

However, a senior police officer familiar with the deployment told Daily Trust that the security measures were largely influenced by political developments in the state.

“You know there have been a series of meetings at the Government House, and they are not unconnected with political developments. There was also a planned protest said to be for today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday),” the officer said.

“But the deployment is not unconnected with the issue of decamping or whatever. We do not want to be caught off guard in case of any unforeseen development. With all these defection talks, we cannot rule out the possibility that meetings with local government chairmen or other groups could trigger a security breach, so you secure critical places to maintain law and order,” he added, requesting anonymity.

Daily Trust reports that although the alleged defection has not been officially confirmed, the governor is widely believed to be concluding plans to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development is said to have strained his relationship with his political benefactor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Our correspondent observed that at least seven Armoured Personnel Carriers belonging to the police were stationed at strategic locations, including the main gate and the roundabout leading to the Government House. Security checks were also intensified, with access subjected to strict identification procedures.

APC posters with gov’s image reportedly printed ahead of anticipated defection

Daily Trust further gathered that posters bearing the image of Governor Yusuf alongside the APC logo are being quietly printed and stockpiled in parts of Kano State ahead of the anticipated defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Findings revealed that the printing is being carried out discreetly to avoid public attention, amid growing speculation that the governor is set to formally join the APC.

Some printing press operators, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that politicians and supporters have been bringing printing jobs “silently” in recent days in anticipation of the defection.

One of the printers said the clients insisted that the materials be handled with caution and kept out of public view until an official announcement is made.

Daily Trust observed that the posters prominently feature the governor’s photograph alongside the APC broom symbol, suggesting preparations for a political realignment.

When our correspondent visited the Government House, there was no visible official activity, with security operatives dominating the premises. Flags of the NNPP across sections of the complex were few, with some appearing old, torn and dirty, while several flagpoles stood without any flags.

Efforts to reach the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable at the time of filing this report. Similarly, calls to a known Kwankwaso loyalist, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, were unanswered, while Sanusi Sirajo Kwankwaso declined to comment.

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