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As the 2027 general elections approach, political activities throughout Nigeria are intensifying. Defections from parties, internal conflicts within major parties such as the PDP, LP, NNPP, ADC, and others, along with emerging divisions even within the ruling APC, now dominate the political scene.

However, beyond these defections and disputes, one issue has increasingly captured public attention: the gradual decline of political godfatherism.

From 2023 to the present, Nigeria has observed a familiar yet increasingly bold trend where governors, initially propelled into power by influential benefactors, are now choosing to break away from their former godfathers.

Once loyal protégés are now asserting their independence, often at significant political risk.

In Nigerian political terminology, a godfather is a powerful figure who elevates a candidate to office through influence, resources, and political machinery, with voters typically aligning out of loyalty or fear rather than genuine policy support.

While this practice has historically influenced electoral outcomes, recent events indicate that its stronghold is weakening.

Kano: Kwankwaso vs Abba Yusuf

One of the most notable examples is taking place in Kano State, where the relationship between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his political mentor, former governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has sharply deteriorated.

The conflict centers around reports that Governor Yusuf is contemplating a defection from the NNPP to the APC. Kwankwaso has publicly opposed such a move, stating that Yusuf will not join forces with APC leader Abdullahi Ganduje with his approval.

Despite this opposition, political insiders indicate that plans to welcome the governor into the APC are already well underway, with January 12 set as the "deal" date.

Observers have expressed astonishment at the rapidity and intensity of the fallout, particularly given Yusuf’s previous loyalty to Kwankwaso.

The divide has spilled over into social media, where supporters from both sides engage in daily exchanges.

This division has also permeated the state's political framework, with commissioners, local government chairpersons, and lawmakers at both state and federal levels openly taking sides.

The crisis has already resulted in a casualty within the NNPP. The party’s state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, who was thought to be loyal to Kwankwaso, was ousted and replaced by Abdullahi Abiya, a known ally of Governor Yusuf.

Speaking with DAILY POST on Tuesday, Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described a potential defection by Yusuf to the APC as “a blessing” for the state.

“Kano has suffered greatly because we are not part of the ruling party. Many federal projects that should benefit the state are not forthcoming due to party differences. If the governor decides to move, it will be for the benefit of Kano, and we can only hope that Allah reconciles Governor Abba Yusuf and his political leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso,” Waiya said.

Currently, Governor Yusuf remains with the NNPP, but analysts believe it is only a matter of time before he makes a final decision.

Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s faction is reportedly gearing up for a significant political confrontation in the lead-up to 2027.

Kaduna: El-Rufai and Uba Sani’s Fallout

A similar struggle for power has emerged in Kaduna State between former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

The tension became public in early 2024 when Uba Sani accused El-Rufai, his political benefactor, of leaving the state in dire financial straits, asserting that Kaduna was struggling to pay its workers’ salaries. El-Rufai vehemently denied these claims.

The situation escalated when the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused El-Rufai’s administration of financial misconduct related to contract funds.

The lawmakers directed anti-corruption agencies to investigate the former governor’s ex-chief of staff and former commissioner for finance. While El-Rufai has since transitioned to the ADC, Sani remains with the APC. A true leadership test is anticipated in 2027.

Jigawa: Quiet but Growing Tension

In Jigawa State, political observers are also noting a growing rift between Governor Umar Namadi and his predecessor, former governor Badaru Abubakar. Although the disagreement has remained relatively subdued, insiders report that relations between both factions are increasingly strained.

Yusuf Ahmed, a political analyst from the state, told DAILY POST that it will be a “clash of the titans as preparations for 2027 begin. All is not well between the governor and the former governor.”

Rivers: Wike–Fubara Showdown

The political crisis between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his protégé-turned-rival, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalated into a full-blown confrontation that affected the State House of Assembly and local government councils.

Although the crisis seemed to diminish after Governor Fubara sought reconciliation, following his six-month suspension from office and the appointment of an acting administrator, the underlying tensions have persisted.

In an effort to resolve the conflict, Governor Fubara defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, recent actions from both leaders indicate that the dispute is far from settled, as political undercurrents continue to signal ongoing instability in the state.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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