Governor Abba Yusuf has defended his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the move is aimed at repositioning Kano State at the centre of national decision-making and accelerating development for its residents.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 APC ‘grand rally’ held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Yusuf addressed thousands of party faithful and supporters, framing his defection as a strategic choice driven by responsibility rather than personal ambition.
“Kano can no longer afford to be sidelined from the centre,” the governor said. “It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens.”
Aligning with the Centre
Yusuf argued that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level would enable Kano to actively engage with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and unlock accelerated development through stronger ties with Abuja.
“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 told the crowd.
The governor’s defection follows his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in January, citing internal crises and leadership disputes within the party. His exit from the NNPP marked a significant political shift in Kano, a state that has long been central to Nigeria’s electoral arithmetic.
High-Profile Reception
Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who formally received him into the APC fold at the rally, describing the gesture as symbolic of unity and national cohesion.
The event drew an array of prominent political figures, including governors from Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Plateau states. Also in attendance were Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC national chairman and ex-governor of Kano, as well as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
National chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, described the large turnout as a strong signal of unity and commitment to the party’s agenda and Tinubu’s broader political vision.
Political Implications
Analysts say Yusuf’s defection could significantly reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of future electoral cycles, potentially consolidating APC’s influence in the North-West. The move also underscores the continuing realignments within Nigeria’s party system, where strategic alliances with the federal ruling party often carry substantial developmental and political implications.
For Yusuf, however, the message was clear: the decision, he said, is about ensuring Kano’s voice is heard at the highest levels of governance — and about securing tangible benefits for the people he was elected to serve.