Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has defected to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a major political realignment involving dozens of elected officials and party appointees.
Mr Yusuf announced his decision on Monday, saying he was joining the APC alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight federal lawmakers, 44 local government chairmen and 484 councillors.
The governor said the move followed extensive consultations and a reassessment of Kano State’s political and development priorities.
He said aligning with the APC-led Federal Government would help accelerate development, strengthen security and improve service delivery in the state.
“I am entering the APC together with 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local government chairmen and 484 councillors,” Mr Yusuf said. “We will work collectively to advance the party’s noble ideals for the overall political development of Kano State.”
Mr Yusuf described his defection as “a choice for progress over pride”, adding that cooperation with President Bola Tinubu’s administration was necessary to deliver the benefits of democracy to residents of Kano.
He praised the APC’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, saying it was already having a positive impact across the country.
The governor also announced plans to establish a Kano Elders Council, which he said would promote political stability, unity and good governance in the state.
The governor commended senior APC figures, including former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for their roles in facilitating his return to the party.
Mr Yusuf was formally received into the APC at a gathering attended by Mr Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Kawu Sumaila and several members of the House of Representatives.
This is not Mr Yusuf’s first time in the APC. He joined the party in 2014 and won its primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat. Explaining his return, he cited what he described as “governance realities”, the need for national cohesion and Kano State’s development aspirations.
“Our mission is to advance the Kano agenda, which remains our primary concern, not personal interest,” he said.
