Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has explained that his decision to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was aimed at aligning the state with the Federal Government to speed up development.
Yusuf spoke at the 2026 Grand Rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where supporters gathered to receive him into the ruling party.
Addressing the crowd, the governor said Kano was too important politically and economically to remain 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.
He said the move was not about personal ambition but about responsibility to the people of the state.
According to him, Kano needs to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to benefit from federal reforms.
“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 thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and the governors of Jigawa State, Sokoto State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Borno State, Yobe State, and Plateau State for attending the rally.
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, saying their presence reflected unity and a shared commitment to Kano’s stability and progress.
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APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda urged party members to back 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, Abbas, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Chairperson Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Alasan Ado Doguwa, and other lawmakers pledged their support.
“We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano,” they said.
Yusuf said the success of his administration depends on unity, cooperation across party lines, and working closely with the Federal Government.
The rally ended with party members reaffirming their commitment to support the APC and ensure Kano benefits from federal programmes and investments.
Yusuf formally resigned from the NNPP in January after visiting President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. He cited “deepening internal crises” and “prolonged leadership disputes” within the party as reasons for his departure.