Kano: The Way The Governor Defected, Leaving Kwankwaso Behind, Is Going To Be A Big Problem –Oloja

Former Managing Director and Editor of The Guardian newspaper, Martins Oloja, has expressed concern over the political implications of the Kano State governor’s defection, warning that the move could create fresh challenges for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election.

Oloja made the observation during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, October 17, 2026, while analysing the evolving political situation in Kano State and the potential consequences of shifting alliances among influential political figures in Northern Nigeria.

The former newspaper editor focused on the governor’s decision to leave his previous political camp without Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure whose influence remains significant in Kano State. He suggested that the decision could complicate efforts to build political unity and strengthen support ahead of the next general election.

“The way the governor defected, leaving Kwankwaso behind, is going to be a big problem,” Oloja said during the discussion.

His remarks centred on the possible effects of the governor’s move on the political strategies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties seeking to consolidate their positions in Kano and the wider northern region.

Kano occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s electoral politics because of its large voting population and its longstanding importance in presidential elections. Consequently, developments involving influential politicians in the state often attract national attention, particularly as political parties begin positioning themselves for future electoral contests.

Kwankwaso, who is closely associated with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), remains an important figure in Kano’s political landscape. His relationship with the state governor and the broader implications of the governor’s defection could therefore influence how political alliances develop in the months leading up to the 2027 polls.

Oloja’s analysis also drew attention to the wider consequences of political defections in Nigeria. Such moves can affect party organisation, alter existing loyalties and force political leaders to reconsider their strategies. They may also create uncertainty among supporters, especially when prominent figures who previously worked within the same political structure find themselves on different sides.

For the APC, the governor’s defection could present an opportunity to strengthen its political presence in Kano. However, the extent to which the party can translate the development into electoral gains may depend on its ability to manage relationships with other influential figures and attract voters who remain loyal to competing political movements.

Similarly, opposition parties may need to reassess their strategies in response to the changing political environment. The ability of their leaders to maintain established support bases, preserve internal cohesion and negotiate new alliances could prove crucial as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.

The unfolding situation also raises questions about the role of established political leaders in determining electoral outcomes. In states such as Kano, where political loyalties and grassroots mobilisation can significantly influence voting patterns, the decisions of prominent figures may have consequences that extend beyond individual party affiliations.

Oloja’s comments came amid broader discussions about the challenges confronting the APC and opposition parties as they seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the next election. The discussion highlighted the importance of political strategy, leadership relationships and voter mobilisation in a period marked by shifting party alignments.

Click on the link to watch the video from 25:15 – 25:25

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