Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision was aimed at ending what he described as decades of opposition-driven and isolationist politics that have hindered the state’s development.
Speaking during his official defection ceremony at the Kano Government House, Yusuf said leadership demands difficult but necessary choices in the collective interest of the people.
“Leadership must rise above comfort, sentiment or personal interest. After wide consultations and careful reflection on the future of Kano State, I have relinquished my membership of the NNPP and joined a party that is better positioned for Kano,” the governor said.
Yusuf announced that his defection was not a solitary move, revealing that his cabinet, 22 out of the 24 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state have agreed to align with the APC.
“I, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, together with my cabinet, the majority of our lawmakers and all local government chairmen, have resolved to join the ruling party, the APC,” he declared.
The governor explained that his return to the APC was anchored on the need to align Kano State with the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in order to fully tap into national development opportunities.
“This decision is not driven by personal ambition or negative motives, but by the collective good of Kano and the transformational vision we have for the state,” Yusuf said. “Kano is richly endowed, and we must put an end to confrontational politics.”
He stressed that governance should be people-centred, not personal.
“Government is a responsibility to the people, not a personal affair. We are choosing development over personal interests, progress over emotions, and rejecting retrogressive politics in favour of purposeful governance,” he added.
Yusuf expressed optimism that the move would usher in a calmer and more cooperative political climate in the state, while acknowledging the contributions of those who supported him in the past.
“I remain grateful to everyone who stood by me. My loyalty is to Kano above all else—Kano comes first,” he said.
In a bid to further stabilise the political landscape, the governor announced the establishment of a Kano Elders Council, a non-partisan body of respected leaders tasked with advising, reconciling differences and fostering unity across the state.
“The council will serve as a moral compass and stabilising force to ensure that Kano continues to move forward in unity. Our government will remain inclusive—no one will be left behind,” Yusuf said.
The ceremony marking the governor’s return to the APC was held at the State Coronation Hall and attracted prominent political figures, including former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, federal and state lawmakers, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Inuwa Waya, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and other senior APC leaders at state and national levels.
The event was marked by chants and songs in praise of President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf, reflecting a celebratory atmosphere.
State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described Yusuf’s decision as a major boost for Kano’s development, assuring the governor of the party’s full support.
He pledged that the APC in Kano would work closely with President Tinubu’s administration to deliver meaningful development to the state.
