Wike, Kwankwaso battle govs over APC defections ahead 2027

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Kano Governor Abba Yusuf face impeachment threats and political sabotage from their godfathers after defecting to APC ahead of 2027 elections. The moves pit Fubara against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Yusuf against NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, both of whom helped them win 2023 elections and now vow to block their re-election. Wike spent 17 days touring Rivers' 23 LGAs to reclaim political structure, while his loyalists in the State Assembly served Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu impeachment notices Thursday alleging gross misconduct and illegal spending. The impeachment bid centers on claims that Fubara refused to present the 2026 budget to the assembly, though PDP's Sydney Gbara argues the 2025 budget passed by National Assembly during emergency rule remains valid until July 2026. In Kano, Kwankwaso's withdrawal of support has triggered mass resignations from Yusuf's cabinet. Mustapha Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Youth and Sport, and at least seven other Kwankwaso loyalists will quit immediately upon the governor's formal APC defection. NNPP has reportedly begun searching for Yusuf's replacement for 2027. Both governors won 2023 elections through their godfathers' movements—Fubara with Wike's PDP machinery and Yusuf with Kwankwaso's Kwankwassiyya Movement. Their defections have activated powerful retaliation. Will Wike and Kwankwaso successfully block re-election bids, or will APC backing prove decisive?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/12/godfatherism-rivers-kano-in-political-turmoil-as-kwankwaso-wike-battle-govs/