Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a strategic move to reposition Kano State at the centre of national governance and accelerate development.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Grand Rally held at Sani Abacha Stadium, the governor said Kano cannot afford to remain politically detached from the Federal Government.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, Yusuf explained that the decision was driven by responsibility to the people of the state rather than personal ambition.
“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 said.
Aligning With Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Governor Yusuf stressed that Kano must actively engage with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Tinubu, noting that federal reforms require state-level governance and implementation to yield tangible benefits.
“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.
He maintained that aligning with the ruling party at the centre would attract federal programmes, investments, and policy support to Kano.
Resignation From NNPP
Yusuf had formally resigned from the NNPP in January ahead of his defection. In a letter dated January 25 and addressed to the chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, he cited internal disputes and prolonged legal battles within the party.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the NNPP of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” the letter read.
He noted that persistent leadership disagreements and court cases had created divisions that undermined the party’s stability.
“After careful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” he stated.
Lawmakers, Party Stakeholders Follow Suit
Following his resignation, 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly — including Speaker Ismail Falgore — also left the NNPP.
Additionally, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen in the state stepped down from the party.
At the rally, the governor expressed appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima and several governors who attended the event. He also acknowledged former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, and members of both the National and State Assemblies for their support.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, called on party members to rally behind the governor.
“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 separate remarks, Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Abdullahi Abbas, ALGON Chairperson Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Alasan Ado Doguwa, and other lawmakers pledged full backing for the governor.
“We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano,” they stated.
The rally concluded with party members reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the APC’s structure in Kano and positioning the state to benefit from federal initiatives and development programmes.
