In a significant political shift, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially declared his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the move is essential to bring Kano back into the mainstream of national governance. Speaking before a massive crowd at the 2026 Grand Rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Monday, the Governor emphasized that Kano’s strategic position in Nigeria makes it too vital to remain on the political sidelines.
Details of the event, show that the Governor’s decision was rooted in a desire to accelerate development through a closer partnership with the Federal Government. According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor insisted that this was not a move born out of personal ambition, but rather a calculated effort to ensure the people of Kano benefit directly from national opportunities and federal interventions.
During his address, Governor Yusuf noted that aligning with the ruling party is the most effective way to integrate Kano into President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. He remarked that the state must be at the table where decisions are made to secure a more prosperous future for its citizens. With the support of the APC and the Federal Government, he expressed confidence that the state would experience a new era of stability and progress.
The rally was a high-profile affair, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and several northern governors, including those from Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Plateau. Governor Yusuf extended his gratitude to these leaders for their solidarity, as well as to prominent APC figures like the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, for the warm reception into the party fold.
As Reports observed, the atmosphere at the stadium was one of unity, with key stakeholders including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and various national and state lawmakers pledging their full loyalty and cooperation to the Governor. The APC National Chairman, while formally handing over the party flag, urged all members to rally behind the Governor to ensure that the vision for a more developed Kano State is fully realized.
