The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has stated that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was influenced by the need to strategically align Kano State with the center of national governance to accelerate development.
Yusu stated this while addressing a mammoth crowd at the 2026 Grand Rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday.
This was revealed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.
The governor said Kano State is too large and strategically important to remain politically disconnected from the federal government.
“It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens,” Yusuf said, adding that the move is not about personal ambition but about responsibility to the people of the state.
He stressed that Kano State must actively engage in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms require serious governance and diligent implementation to benefit the nation.
“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.
Yusuf also thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and the governors of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Plateau states for attending the event and supporting his administration.
The Kano governor also commended the former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas; and members of the National and State Assemblies for their solidarity, noting that their presence reflected unity, strength, and a shared resolve to ensure political stability and sustainable development in Kano.
During the rally, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, charged all party stakeholders to support the governor, praising the impressive turnout of leaders and supporters.
“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.
In their separate remarks, Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, ALGON Chairperson Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Alasan Ado Doguwa, and several lawmakers assured Yusuf of their full support.
“We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano,” they said.
The rally, which attracted thousands of APC members and well-wishers, signaled a new chapter for Kano politics, with many analysts describing it as a decisive move to integrate the state more effectively into national governance and accelerate development.
Yusuf highlighted that the success of his administration and, indeed, the state depends on cohesive leadership, strategic alignment with the center, and the active participation of political leaders across party lines.
The event ended with a reaffirmation of Kano APC members’ commitment to work together to advance the party’s agenda and ensure that the state benefits fully from federal programs and investments.
In January, Yusuf formally resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party after his recent visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
He stated that his decision was driven by what he described as “deepening internal crises” and “prolonged leadership disputes” within the party.
In recent months, several governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the APC, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State.
