“Why I Left NNPP and Joined the APC” — Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Reveals

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Yusuf defected to the ruling party on Monday during a formal ceremony held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House.

He was received into the APC by top party leaders, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; alongside other senior party officials.

Speaking at the event, the governor said his decision to return to the APC was driven by the need to work more closely with the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to accelerate development in Kano State.

Yusuf was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He later resigned from the party along with several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, paving the way for his return to the APC.

Yusuf added that aligning with the central government would end what he described as isolation politics and accelerate development in the state.

He expressed confidence that the move would create a calmer political atmosphere in Kano, noting that it did not diminish the contributions of those who supported his emergence.

“My decision does not erode the value of those who helped bring us to power. I remain grateful to them,” he said.

The governor also urged the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to view the decision as a developmental and well-intentioned move in the interest of Kano State.

“My loyalty is unwavering and belongs to Kano. Kano comes first before anyone,” Yusuf declared.

He assured residents that his government would remain inclusive, adding that no group or individual would be excluded.

“This decision is meant to stabilise the polity and create a single focus for Kano to move forward in unity. The government remains inclusive, and everyone will be carried along,” he said.

Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described the governor’s decision as being in the best interest of Kano State, pledging the party’s full support and loyalty to Yusuf’s administration.

He added that Kano was ready to work closely with President Tinubu and the Federal Government to deliver meaningful development.

Recall that Yusuf was elected governor on the platform of the NNPP in 2023 before defecting alongside several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.