Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State governor, has said his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by the need to reconnect the state to the centre of national power and unlock faster development.
The governor, who spoke at the 2026 Grand Rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, said Kano’s size, population and economic relevance make it impractical for the state to remain politically detached from the Federal Government.
Governor Yusuf described the move as a strategic decision aimed at attracting opportunities, strengthening governance and delivering tangible benefits to the people rather than pursuing personal political interests.
“It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens,” he said.
The governor stressed that aligning with the ruling party would enable Kano to key into the reform programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the policies require coordinated implementation across all tiers of government to yield results.
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“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,” Yusuf added.
He expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe and Plateau states for attending the rally, describing their presence as a sign of unity and shared commitment to the state’s progress.
The governor also commended former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, and members of the National and State Assemblies for their support.
Receiving Yusuf into the party, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, called on party stakeholders to close ranks and give the governor the needed cooperation to succeed.
In separate remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Ganduje, Abbas, the ALGON chairperson in Kano, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and other lawmakers pledged total loyalty and support to the governor, assuring him of a united political front for stability and development in the state.
