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Yusuf Defends APC Defection, Says Move Will Reposition Kano at National Centre

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Abba Yusuf (left) and Vice-President Kashim Shettima (right) in white flowing robes at the rally
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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.

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2027: Obi Unsure of ADC Presidential Ticket, Emphasises Commitment to ‘Cause’

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Peter Obi
Peter Obi
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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is uncertain about securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Obi told supporters that his focus remains on a broader political mission rather than personal ambition, noting that there is no guarantee he will emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

“I cannot be certain that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. What matters is that we are committed to a cause,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor reflected on Nigeria’s current political climate, questioning how the situation evolved and the potential consequences if ongoing reform efforts are abandoned.

“I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project,” he added.
Obi also reaffirmed his commitment to his ideals despite reported threats, while expressing appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty.

“It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncertainty of political alliances, warning about the possibility of shifting loyalties among stakeholders.
“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Ogun Lawmakers Back Tinubu’s 2027 Bid, Endorse Adeola for Governor

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Senator Solomon Adeola and President Bola Tinubu
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No fewer than 20 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have declared support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing his administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure development as key achievements.

The endorsement, announced on Wednesday in Abeokuta, aligns with an earlier position taken by the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sherrif Yusuf, said the decision reflects confidence in the President’s efforts to stabilise the economy and expand critical infrastructure nationwide.

According to Yusuf, the administration has made notable progress in fiscal reforms and road development connecting key economic corridors, adding that continuity would help consolidate ongoing gains.

The lawmakers also unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, describing him as an experienced legislator with a strong record of performance and commitment to public service.

Yusuf highlighted Adeola’s contributions in the National Assembly, including leadership roles in strategic committees and advocacy for development projects and empowerment initiatives across Ogun State.

In addition, the Assembly members expressed support for Governor Abiodun’s future political aspirations beyond his current tenure, noting that his administrative experience and governance record position him for higher responsibilities.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, pledging continued support for leaders whose policies and vision align with the aspirations of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Aduda Defects to APC, Pledges Abuja Win for Tinubu in 2027

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Senator Philip Aduda at that APC National Secretariat Abuja
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Former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Tanimu Aduda, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 2027 general elections.

Aduda was formally received into the APC on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, handed him the party’s insignia in the presence of key members of the National Working Committee and supporters.

Welcoming the former lawmaker, Yilwatda described the APC as Nigeria’s leading progressive platform, highlighting ongoing economic reforms and major infrastructure projects under Tinubu’s administration. He pointed to the Sokoto–Badagry road project as a strategic corridor expected to boost agriculture, commerce, and national connectivity, adding that recent policies have strengthened the non-oil sector and improved the country’s trade balance.

Explaining his decision, Aduda said his defection was informed by “alignment and realignment,” citing what he described as visible development strides in the FCT. He commended Tinubu for granting the territory autonomy from the Treasury Single Account and establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, moves he said have enhanced career progression for civil servants.

“I was in the minority for nearly seven years and couldn’t secure a ministerial slot for the FCT. This President has recognised us and given us representation in the Federal Executive Council,” Aduda stated.

He dismissed opposition parties in the territory as weak, expressing confidence that the APC would dominate the FCT in 2027. He also referenced the party’s performance in recent area council elections, where it secured five out of six councils, as evidence of its growing political strength.

Also speaking, FCT APC Chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, described Aduda as a political heavyweight whose defection would significantly boost the party’s electoral prospects. He noted that the APC is well-positioned to mobilise over 1.7 million registered voters in the FCT ahead of the next general elections.

The high-profile defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Abuja, as parties begin early strategic positioning for the 2027 polls.

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