Kano Politics: Speculation Mounts After Governor Abba’s Late-Night Meeting with Rurum, Dan’agundi
Fresh political speculations have emerged in Kano State following a reported late-night, closed-door meeting between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and two prominent figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi.
Sources disclosed that the meeting, which took place at the Government House in Kano, lasted for about an hour and focused on evolving political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The discussions are believed to be connected to persistent rumours of Governor Yusuf’s possible defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC.
It was further gathered that the Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, was initially expected at the meeting but could not attend due to his trip to Mecca for the lesser Hajj.
The reported engagement has intensified speculation that Governor Yusuf may have concluded plans to join the APC, a move political analysts say could significantly alter Kano State’s political balance.
Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who represents Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is regarded as one of the most influential politicians in Kano South. His political influence and grassroots appeal were credited with reshaping voting patterns in the constituency and contributing to the NNPP’s electoral success in areas previously considered unfavourable to the party.
Rurum is also noted for his unique political trajectory, having served twice as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly within the same legislative tenure—an unprecedented feat in the state’s political history. After being removed by his colleagues, he later returned to the position, a development widely attributed to his political experience and ability to manage legislative dynamics.
Although he left the APC during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Rurum retained his political relevance and went on to win his current seat on the NNPP platform with a wide margin.
Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi, Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, is also a seasoned political actor in Kano. A former member of the Kano State House of Assembly, he served as Chief Whip and later as Majority Leader. He is widely known for his mobilisation capacity, particularly in Kano Central Senatorial District.
His influence was highlighted by the organisation of the One Million Man March in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an event described by observers as one of the largest political mobilisations in the state’s history.
Prior to the renewed rumours of Governor Yusuf’s planned defection, Dan’agundi had been mentioned as a possible deputy governorship candidate on the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political calculations at the time reportedly involved potential governorship aspirants such as Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibril and Hon. Abba Kabir Bichi, the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency.
However, insiders suggest that the dynamics may have shifted following the governor’s anticipated move to the APC. Sources claim that discussions during the meeting also touched on the possibility of selecting a deputy governor from Kano South Senatorial District, a zone that has never produced a deputy governor in the state. With the growing political rapport between Governor Yusuf and Hon. Rurum, speculation has increased that Rurum could emerge as a strong contender, should the current deputy governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, decline to join the APC.
Attempts to reach Hon. Rurum for comments were unsuccessful, as his mobile phones were switched off at the time of filing this report. Dr. Dan’agundi, when contacted, neither confirmed nor denied the meeting, but remarked, “Is it wrong or unlawful if my governor invites me for a discussion?”
As political realignments continue to unfold, observers say Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s possible defection from the NNPP to the APC could happen at any time, a development expected to redefine Kano State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
