Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, has dismissed his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo, barely a day after announcing his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), intensifying the political realignment unfolding in the state.
Surajo, a former chairman of Madobi Local Government Area and a key figure within the Kwankwasiyya political movement, was replaced by a former aide to ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who also served as national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development has fuelled speculation about Governor Yusuf’s changing political direction.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, confirmed the removal through a social media post, although no official reason was given.
However, sources within Government House said the decision was linked to a broader restructuring following Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP.
In his resignation letter to party leaders in his ward, the governor cited prolonged internal crises, leadership disputes, and legal battles within the NNPP as reasons for his departure.
He said the instability had weakened the party’s cohesion and distracted it from serving the public interest.
Yusuf’s defection has triggered widespread political movement in Kano, with dozens of local government chairmen, state lawmakers, and federal legislators reportedly declaring their support for him.
However, the development has also exposed deep divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
A senior political source disclosed that the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, has chosen to remain loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and would not follow the governor into his new political alignment.
Observers have noted the deputy governor’s absence from recent official engagements, alongside reports of his frequent meetings at Kwankwaso’s residence.
Meanwhile, several commissioners and senior government officials have publicly distanced themselves from the governor’s move and pledged continued loyalty to the NNPP.
Among them are commissioners overseeing science and technology, sports, internal security, humanitarian affairs, women affairs, and special duties.
Addressing supporters in Kano, Senator Kwankwaso urged his followers to remain steadfast ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned against abandoning ideological principles for personal gain and described the unfolding defections as a test of commitment to the movement’s ideals.
The dismissal of Surajo and the unfolding defections underscore a deepening political divide in Kano State, as alliances shift and rival camps brace for an intense contest ahead of the next election cycle.
