Abba Yusuf Defends Switch To APC, Says Move Will Position Kano For Greater Development
Governor Abba Yusuf has said his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was aimed at positioning Kano State closer to the centre of national power in order to drive faster development.
He spoke on Monday at the 2026 Grand Rally held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. His comments were conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.
According to Yusuf, Kano cannot afford to remain politically isolated from the Federal Government, describing the state as too important to stay disconnected from national decision-making.
“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, noting that the move was guided by his duty to the people of the state.
The governor added that Kano must actively align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that federal reforms need cooperation from states to achieve meaningful impact.
“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 stated.
Yusuf had formally resigned from the NNPP in January before joining the APC. In a letter dated January 25 and addressed to the chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, he pointed to internal disagreements and ongoing court cases within the party as reasons for his departure.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” the letter read.
He further explained that persistent leadership crises and legal battles had created deep divisions.
“After careful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” he added.
Following his exit, 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 resigned from the party.
At the rally, Yusuf thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors from Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe and Plateau states for attending. He also acknowledged former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas and members of the National and State Assemblies for their support.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged party members to stand firmly 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 their full backing.
“We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano,” they declared.
