Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the defection of Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as deeply personal and significant, expressing optimism that more governors from the North-East would soon align with the ruling party.

Shettima made the remarks on Saturday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, during a grand reception organised to formally welcome Governor Kefas into the APC.

According to the Vice President, the defection is a source of pride for the region, noting that the North-East now has an increased number of governors on the APC platform. He added that the governors of Bauchi and Adamawa states could, at the right time, reassess their political choices and join what he described as a progressive political movement.

At the ceremony, Shettima formally declared Kefas as the leader of the APC in Taraba State and called on party members to unite behind him. He said such unity would strengthen the governor’s efforts to foster cohesion in the state while delivering meaningful democratic dividends to the people.

Earlier, Governor Kefas explained that his decision to defect to the APC, alongside members of his cabinet, federal and state legislators, and local government officials, was guided by a commitment to reposition Taraba for growth and development, rather than personal political ambition.

He praised President Bola Tinubu as a transformational leader whose vision aligns with the aspirations of Taraba State, adding that the move to the APC was consistent with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Kefas assured residents that his government would remain focused on people-centred governance, with tangible development initiatives across key sectors of the state.

Also speaking at the event, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the governor’s defection as a strategic and well-considered decision taken in the best interest of the people of Taraba State.

He said the state is richly endowed with resources and that its alignment with the APC signals the beginning of a new era of growth and renewal. Yilwatda further urged governors still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reconsider their political affiliations and join what he termed a progressive national movement.

Pressure is mounting on Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, to resign following his refusal to join Governor Abba Yusuf in defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has triggered sharp political reactions across the state.

The call for Gwarzo’s resignation was publicly advanced by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who argued that it was untenable for a deputy governor to remain actively involved in executive decision-making while no longer aligned with the political direction of the administration. According to him, trust and confidentiality are central to governance, and political divergence at that level could compromise sensitive government processes.

Waiya, speaking during a local radio programme, said resignation would be the most honourable option available to the deputy governor under the circumstances. He warned that continued participation in State Executive Council meetings by an official no longer politically aligned with the governor raises concerns about loyalty and the handling of confidential information.

However, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has firmly rejected the call, insisting that the deputy governor remains constitutionally empowered to remain in office. The party maintained that the State Executive Council is a constitutional body, not a partisan platform, and should not be dragged into political disputes arising from party defections.

Concerns over Gwarzo’s political future intensified shortly after Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC earlier in the week. Both men were elected on the NNPP platform, but Gwarzo is widely known as a loyalist of former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, from which Governor Yusuf also emerged before his move to the APC.

Former Niger State Deputy Governor, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, warned that the political situation could become precarious for Gwarzo, suggesting that pressure from other political actors might eventually culminate in impeachment proceedings, despite any personal efforts at maintaining a working relationship between the governor and his deputy.

Governor Yusuf’s defection was accompanied by a significant political shift in the state legislature. He reportedly moved to the APC alongside 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local government chairmen and 484 councillors. Before the defection, the Kano State House of Assembly comprised 24 NNPP members and 14 APC members, excluding two NNPP lawmakers who died recently. With 22 NNPP legislators defecting, the APC’s strength in the Assembly rose to 36 seats, leaving two NNPP members and two vacant seats. The Assembly is expected to resume sitting on Monday.

In a formal response, NNPP Publicity Secretary Engr. Ibrahim Karaye described the commissioner’s remarks as politically motivated and inconsistent with constitutional provisions. He stressed that Gwarzo, having been elected on a joint ticket with the governor, retains a valid mandate from the people of Kano State and remains legally entitled to discharge his duties, irrespective of party realignments.

The party further argued that the deputy governor has played a significant role in the administration’s achievements so far, warning that attempts to undermine his position could destabilise the government. NNPP also criticised Waiya, stating that he was not actively involved in the political struggle that produced the current administration and therefore lacked the moral authority to question the deputy governor’s loyalty or contributions.

Beyond the resignation controversy, Waiya also addressed the lingering Kano emirate tussle, assuring residents that the issue would soon be resolved through dialogue and lawful engagement with stakeholders. He reiterated the government’s commitment to peace, respect for traditional institutions and adherence to the rule of law. The dispute dates back to the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024 following the repeal of the 2019 Emirates Council Law.

Meanwhile, some Kano commissioners have publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Yusuf, dismissing reports of internal divisions within the State Executive Council. Waiya described such claims as misleading, stressing that governance is driven by institutional control and legality, not political speculation. He listed key ministries, including Education, Health, Works, Finance, Justice, Agriculture and Infrastructure-related portfolios, as fully aligned with the governor.

Adding to the pushback, the Kwankwasiyya Movement condemned the call for Gwarzo’s resignation, describing it as unnecessary and potentially destabilising. In a statement signed by Hon. Habibu Saleh Mailemo, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Media Team, the movement said the deputy governor’s mandate was derived directly from the electorate and could not be questioned at the discretion of any individual.

The group urged Kano State officials to prioritise unity, dialogue and governance over internal political disagreements, warning that actions capable of heightening tension could undermine democratic stability. It reaffirmed its support for the deputy governor and called on all political actors to remain committed to peace, constitutional order and the collective interest of the people of Kano State.

Several political appointees loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have resigned from the Kano State Government following Governor Abba Yusuf’s decision to quit the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.

The resignations are widely viewed as a protest against the governor’s move, which loyalists describe as a betrayal of Kwankwaso, their political leader and founder of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Among those who stepped down is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Sunusi Sirajo. In a video circulated on social media, Sirajo announced his resignation, citing his refusal to be associated with what he termed political betrayal. He declared his unwavering loyalty to Kwankwaso and said his decision followed confirmation that Governor Yusuf had exited the NNPP, with expectations he may align with the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sirajo disclosed that he had initially submitted a formal resignation letter, but efforts to have it officially acknowledged were unsuccessful. He said the letter was also sent to the office of the Secretary to the State Government but was reportedly rejected, prompting him to publicly announce his resignation.

According to him, the video was meant to formally notify the public of his exit from government, while expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve and the work carried out over the past two years.

In a swift response, Governor Yusuf, through his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, announced the appointment of Mustapha Hamza Buhari as the new Special Adviser on Political Matters, replacing Sirajo.

Other officials who have reportedly resigned include the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, Sumaila Abdullahi Esq; the Managing Director of the Kano Zoo, Sadiq Kura Mohammad; and the Senior Special Assistant on Intergovernmental and Foreign Affairs, Abdullahi Ahmad Namama, among others.

Meanwhile, symbols of the NNPP have been removed from the Kano State Government House. Videos circulating online show the governor’s spokesperson personally removing the party’s flag from the seat of power. A visit to the Government House also confirmed that NNPP flags had been taken down from the main entrance, further underscoring the political realignment unfolding in the state.