Top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday formally received Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, into the party at a grand rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The event drew a large crowd of party supporters and political stakeholders from across the country, marking a significant shift in Kano’s political landscape.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and former Kano State Governor and Ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Also present were the governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto and Imo States, among other party leaders and federal lawmakers.
Speaking at the rally, Vice President Shettima described Kano as a politically strategic and cosmopolitan state whose influence transcends geography and party lines.
“Kano is an elegant expression of Nigeria’s cosmopolitan soul. Whenever Kano speaks, the nation listens — not just because of its population, but because of its historic role in shaping political thought, commerce and culture in this country,” he said.
He noted that Kano has consistently played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and stressed that no serious political actor could afford to ignore the state.
Shettima congratulated Governor Yusuf and members of his political family for what he described as a courageous and forward-looking decision to join the APC, assuring them of the party’s support.
The Vice President also conveyed President Tinubu’s sympathy over the recent fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano, announcing that the Federal Government had approved N5 billion as support for victims of the disaster.
He added that the APC Governors’ Forum had also pledged additional financial assistance to affected traders.
“Kano is too important to remain on the sidelines. Today’s alignment strengthens our collective resolve to build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria,” Shettima said.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, described the party as the largest political family in Africa and welcomed Yusuf back to what he termed his “natural political home.”
He said the governor’s return to the APC symbolised unity and progress, urging party members in Kano to close ranks and work together for the development of the state.
“Unite Kano, unite your people and build a progressive state. Take this as a sign of coming back home. You are welcome,” Yilwatda declared.
In his address, Governor Yusuf said his decision to defect was driven by the need to ensure political stability and accelerate development in Kano State.
He said over time it became evident that the platform on which he was elected was no longer providing the cohesion and stability required for effective governance.
“Internal disagreements, uncertainties and distractions began to affect the real work of governance. As leaders, there comes a time when you must take a clear decision in the overriding public interest,” he said.
Yusuf emphasised that Kano, given its size, population and economic significance, could not afford to be politically disconnected from the centre.
“Kano is too strategic and too important to remain disconnected from the centre of national governance. Development today is driven by alignment, cooperation and access to national opportunities. This decision is not about personal ambition; it is about repositioning Kano for greater progress,” he stated.
The governor said aligning with the APC-led Federal Government would enable the state to better attract investments, infrastructure projects and other developmental benefits under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“Our people are not interested in endless political battles. They want better roads, infrastructure, jobs for our youths, security for our communities and a government focused on delivery,” he added.
Governor Yusuf disclosed that the defection was a collective decision, revealing that a majority of Kano’s federal and state lawmakers had moved with him to the APC.
According to him, nine out of ten members of the House of Representatives from Kano, as well as a majority of members of the Kano State House of Assembly, had joined the party.
He also said the 44 local government chairmen and councillors in the state were part of the political realignment.
“This collective action reflects our shared commitment to the stability and progress of Kano State,” he said.
He assured residents that his administration’s “Kano First” philosophy would remain unchanged, stressing that governance under his watch would continue to prioritise fairness, inclusiveness and service delivery.
“As we move forward, our politics must strengthen Kano, not divide it. The task before us is good governance, and governance requires unity and focus,” Yusuf said.
The rally ended with party leaders symbolically presenting the APC flag to the governor amid cheers from supporters, signalling a new chapter in Kano’s political trajectory.
