Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating the move is necessary to strategically align the state with federal governance and accelerate its development. The announcement was made during a large rally at Kano’s Sani Abacha Stadium on Monday, attended by numerous national political figures.
Governor Yusuf explained that Kano’s size and strategic importance make political disconnection from the federal government untenable. “It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens,” he said, framing the decision as a matter of responsibility rather than personal ambition. He emphasized the need for the state to actively engage with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing its reforms require diligent implementation to benefit the nation. “With the support of our great party and the cooperation of the Federal Government, Kano State is better positioned to move forward with confidence and stability,” he added.
The governor thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and the governors of seven neighboring states for their presence and support. He also commended former Kano Governor and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, state party chairman Abdullahi Abbas, and legislative leaders for their solidarity, describing it as a sign of unity and shared resolve for political stability and sustainable development.
APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda used the platform to urge party stakeholders to support Governor Yusuf, praising the high turnout as evidence of unity and enthusiasm. “The turnout today demonstrates that Kano APC members are united, enthusiastic, and committed to advancing the party’s agenda and supporting President Tinubu’s vision,” he stated.
In separate remarks, Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Abbas, and other prominent party figures pledged “100 percent loyalty and cooperation” to the governor and the party. The massive rally, drawing thousands of members and supporters, was interpreted by analysts as a decisive step to integrate Kano more effectively into national governance structures.
Governor Yusuf highlighted that cohesive leadership and strategic alignment with the federal centre are critical for his administration’s success. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to ensuring Kano fully benefits from federal programmes.
This defection follows Yusuf’s January resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He cited “deepening internal crises” and “prolonged leadership disputes” within that party as his reason for leaving, shortly after a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House.
Governor Yusuf’s switch is part of a broader trend of opposition governors moving to the APC. Recent months have seen governors from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Enugu, Bayelsa, Taraba, Rivers, and Plateau states—all originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—defect to the ruling party. This realignment significantly strengthens the APC’s numerical presence and could influence the political dynamics in key states ahead of future elections, while shaping the implementation of federal policies across the country.
