Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has justified his decision to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the move was necessary to strategically position Kano State for accelerated development through closer collaboration with the Federal Government.
Speaking before thousands of supporters at the 2026 Grand Rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday, Yusuf argued that the state’s population and political weight make it impractical to remain detached from the central government.
“Kano is too large and strategically important to remain politically disconnected from the federal government,” Yusuf 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.”
He maintained that his defection was not driven by personal political ambition but by what he described as a responsibility to safeguard Kano’s interests. According to him, aligning with the ruling party would enable the state to effectively key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and attract greater federal collaboration.
“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 added.
The governor expressed appreciation to several prominent political figures who attended the rally, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors from Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Plateau states, as well as former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. He also acknowledged the presence and backing of Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, ALGON Chairperson Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa, and other lawmakers.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda commended the large turnout at the rally, describing it as evidence of unity and renewed enthusiasm within the party in Kano State.
“The turnout today demonstrates that Kano APC members are united, enthusiastic, and committed to advancing the party’s agenda and supporting President Tinubu’s vision,” he said.
Ganduje, Barau Jibrin, Abdullahi Abbas, and other party leaders publicly affirmed their loyalty, declaring, “We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano.”
The rally, which attracted thousands of supporters, was widely interpreted as a strong display of cohesion within the state chapter of the APC and a signal of a new political direction for Kano as it seeks deeper integration into national governance structures.
It will be recalled that Governor Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP in January 2026, citing “deepening internal crises” and “prolonged leadership disputes” shortly after meeting President Tinubu in Abuja.
His defection forms part of a broader political realignment trend, with several governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—including Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)—having also joined the APC in recent months.
What you should know
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has defended his defection from the NNPP to the APC, saying the move was aimed at aligning Kano with the Federal Government to accelerate development.
Speaking at a massive rally in Kano, he stressed that the decision was driven by responsibility, not personal ambition.
His switch follows internal party disputes and reflects a wider trend of opposition governors joining the ruling APC.
