Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Friday sparked heated reactions after making a public appearance without his signature red cap, days after defecting from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the All Progressives Congress.

The governor was seen without the traditional red cap at the Paris International Agricultural Show in France, where he is attending engagements aimed at strengthening agricultural partnerships and attracting investment to Kano State.

His appearance quickly generated intense debate across social media platforms, with supporters and political observers questioning whether the governor had symbolically abandoned the red cap — long associated with his political identity and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Yusuf rose through the political ranks under the mentorship of his former political leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, becoming a prominent figure within the Kwankwasiyya movement, known for its distinct red cap and strong grassroots base in Kano.

His election as governor under the NNPP platform was widely regarded as a consolidation of the movement’s influence in the state. However, his recent defection to the APC marked a significant political shift, triggering realignments within party structures and across support groups.

The defection drew mixed reactions, with some loyalists pledging to follow the governor into the APC, while others reaffirmed allegiance to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya fold. Political analysts described the move as one of the most consequential developments in Kano’s political landscape in recent years.

Against this backdrop, Friday’s appearance without the red cap was interpreted by some commentators as a subtle political signal, while others argued that it was merely a matter of personal choice.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mustapha Muhammad, dismissed suggestions that the governor had abandoned his signature style.

“It is just casual dressing. The governor often removes the red cap when he is outside the country,” Muhammad said.

He cited a previous instance when the governor travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, noting that he was also seen without the red cap during the pilgrimage.

Muhammad insisted that there was no political undertone to the governor’s attire in Paris, stressing that dress choices during foreign engagements are often influenced by setting and protocol.

Nevertheless, given the strong symbolism attached to the red cap in Kano’s political culture, the governor’s appearance has continued to fuel debate among supporters and observers. (The PUNCH)