Why I Rejoined APC — Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Defects to Ruling Party

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for political stability, accelerated development, and improved welfare for residents of the state. The move, announced on Monday and confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in Kano’s political landscape as the governor aligns the state with the ruling party at the federal level.

According to the statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, the governor said the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful evaluation of Kano State’s current realities and future development needs. Yusuf stressed that his return to the APC was guided by the collective interest of the state rather than personal political considerations.

Decision Rooted in Stability and Development

Governor Yusuf explained that his defection was the outcome of wide consultations with political stakeholders and community leaders across the state. He said the assessment revealed that closer alignment with the Federal Government would better position Kano to access opportunities necessary for sustained development.

He emphasised that the move was not driven by political excitement or personal ambition. Instead, he described it as a strategic decision anchored on the stability, progress, and wellbeing of Kano State and its people. According to him, residents are more concerned with tangible outcomes than partisan rivalries.

The governor further noted that aligning with the APC would enhance cooperation with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He expressed confidence that such collaboration would improve service delivery and unlock critical development opportunities in infrastructure, social services, and economic growth.

Reassurance to Supporters and Call for Unity

Yusuf sought to reassure his former political associates and supporters that his defection would not undermine existing relationships or diminish their contributions to Kano’s development. He stressed that inclusiveness and continuity would remain central to his administration.

He appealed to citizens across political, ethnic, and generational lines to support the new alignment, urging them to work together for a stronger and more united Kano State. According to the governor, collective effort remains essential to achieving long-term prosperity and social cohesion.

The governor also reiterated that the interests of Kano residents would remain paramount, assuring that the political shift would translate into concrete improvements in infrastructure, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life.

APC Reception and 2027 Political Signals

At a formal reception ceremony, former Kano State Governor and ex-national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, welcomed Yusuf into the party and declared him the APC leader in Kano State. Ganduje announced that party members who had earlier shown interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election had agreed to step down in support of Yusuf’s re-election bid.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, also addressed party members, urging them to begin mobilisation ahead of the next general elections and to offer total support for Yusuf’s second-term ambition. He described unity within the party as essential for electoral success.

Earlier, the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, assured party faithful that the party’s structure in the state would fully support the governor to ensure cohesion and victory in future elections. The event attracted federal and state lawmakers, former deputy governors, ministers, and other key APC stakeholders from across Kano State.