Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday formally defected to the All Progressives Congress, citing the need for political stability, accelerated development and improved welfare for residents of the state.
The governor’s defection was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Yusuf said the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the political and developmental realities facing Kano State.
“After wide consultations, careful reflection and a sober assessment of the present realities and future needs of Kano State, I have taken the decision to align Kano State politically with the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party at the federal level,” the governor was quoted as saying.
He stressed that the move was not driven by personal ambition, but by what he described as the overriding interest of the state.
“This decision is not driven by personal ambition nor political excitement. It is anchored on one overriding consideration: the stability, progress and wellbeing of Kano State and its people,” Yusuf said.
The governor added that closer alignment with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would enhance cooperation, improve service delivery and unlock more development opportunities for the state.
“My return to the APC is firmly anchored on the necessity of working in closer alignment with the Federal Government under the able and visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
Yusuf noted that residents of Kano were more interested in tangible results than political rivalries, assuring that the move to the ruling party would translate into increased infrastructural development and economic prosperity.
He also sought to reassure his former political associates, saying his defection would not weaken existing relationships or undermine their contributions to the state’s development.
“I therefore call on all well-meaning citizens of Kano State, across political affiliations, communities and generations, to join hands with us in this alignment and work together to build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Kano State,” he appealed.
At the reception ceremony, a former Kano State governor and ex-national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, formally welcomed Yusuf into the party and declared him the leader of the APC in Kano State.
Ganduje further announced that party members who had indicated interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election had agreed to step down in support of Yusuf’s re-election bid.
Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, urged party members and supporters to mobilise ahead of the next general elections, calling for total support for Yusuf’s second-term ambition.
