Kano Governor Calls for Alignment with Federal Government, Cites Political Unity
KANO, Nigeria – The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has asserted that any individual or group with genuine interest in the state’s development must align with Nigeria’s Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu. He made the statement during a courtesy visit by the Ward and Local Government Area (LGA) Congress Committee on Monday.
Governor Yusuf, who recently defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reinforced his position. “Anyone who means well for the people of Kano should align with the Federal Government, because we have missed a lot,” he stated, according to a press release from his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.
The governor highlighted a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics, claiming an unprecedented level of unity among political figures. “Since I and many others moved to the APC, more people keep reuniting. Even divided families are also reuniting,” he noted, framing the defections as part of a broader reconciliation process.
The meeting, held at the Government House, involved the committee responsible for overseeing the recent APC ward and LGA congresses across Kano. Governor Yusuf commended the committee for what he described as a well-executed congress exercise.
In response, the Chairman of the Ward/LGA Congress Committee, Lantep Dabang, thanked the governor for his leadership during the allocation of party positions. Dabang praised Yusuf, stating, “Governor Abba Yusuf is the man of integrity and justice,” a sentiment reflecting the committee’s appreciation for the process.
This development underscores a major realignment in Kano’s politics, a critical state in Nigeria’s northwest. Governor Yusuf’s explicit call to align with President Tinubu’s administration signals a strategic pivot, moving away from the opposition NNPP. Analysts suggest this could strengthen the APC’s structure in the state ahead of future elections and may influence the allocation of federal projects and appointments.
The governor’s assertion of “missed” opportunities implies that previous opposition to the Federal Government may have hindered Kano’s access to central resources. His emphasis on political unity and family reunifications presents the defections not as mere political opportunism but as a corrective measure for collective benefit.
The visit by the congress committee, which formally reported its activities to the state governor, provides a formal backdrop for these declarations. It highlights the APC’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its internal structure in Kano following a period of intense political rivalry.
The long-term impact of this alignment will be watched closely, particularly regarding governance priorities and Kano’s relationship with Abuja. The state’s significant population and economic weight make its political alignment a notable factor in the national landscape.
