Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is reportedly planning a comprehensive reshuffle of his cabinet following his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to sources close to the state government.
A source linked to the Governor’s office disclosed that the proposed reshuffle will affect all sectors of the State Executive Council and could lead to the replacement of a large number of commissioners and special advisers.
“The Governor wants a cabinet that aligns fully with his vision for the state under the new political alignment,” the source said. “He is looking for people who will execute policies without hesitation and place the APC’s agenda first.”
The source added that loyalty has become a critical factor in the new political phase, noting that some commissioners may be dropped not necessarily due to poor performance, but because allegiance now carries greater weight.
Reports indicate that Governor Yusuf recently defected to the APC alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.
The move marked a clear departure from his former political benefactor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
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Political analysts say the defection and the anticipated cabinet reshuffle are strategic steps aimed at consolidating the Governor’s political authority ahead of future political contests.
“This is about building loyalty and ensuring that the executive arm of government reflects his APC affiliation,” said Dr. Yusuf Sada of Partners Against Corruption.
A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added, “The Governor is sending a strong message: if you want to be part of this government, you must fully embrace the party’s ideals. There is no room for half-measures.”
Following the defection, several commissioners and top government officials have resigned from the Kano State cabinet.
Those who stepped aside include Ibrahim Umaru, Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services; Nasiru Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties; Dr. Yusuf Kofarmata, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation; Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; and Hon. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Others are Laminu Rabiu, Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board; Hassan Danbappa, Managing Director of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA); and Engr. Nura Jafar Shanono, Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering Construction Agency (WRECA).
The affected officials reportedly reaffirmed their loyalty to Senator Kwankwaso, stating that their resignations were in line with their commitment to realign with the NNPP.
Efforts to reach the Governor’s media office for official confirmation of the planned reshuffle were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, residents and political observers in Kano State are closely monitoring developments, with growing speculation over who will retain their positions and who may be replaced.
“People are anxious, and everyone is trying to read the signals,” said Comrade Isyaku Ibrahim. “The next few weeks will reveal who is truly in the Governor’s inner circle.”
(Kano Times)