By Usman Usman Garba
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress was driven by the need to strategically align Kano State with the centre of national governance for accelerated development.
This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.
Yusuf made the disclosure while addressing a mammoth crowd at the 2026 Grand Rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
According to him, Kano is too large and strategically important to remain politically 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,” the governor said.
He stressed that his decision was not influenced by personal ambition or political excitement, but by the responsibility to reposition the state for greater opportunities and tangible benefits.
The governor added that Kano must be an integral part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms require serious governance and diligent implementation.
“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 expressed appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima and the governors of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe and Plateau states for honouring the occasion.
He also commended former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas; and members of the National and State Assemblies for their solidarity and commitment to the party’s progress in the state.
The governor noted that their presence at the rally underscored unity, strength and a shared resolve to ensure political stability and sustainable development in Kano.
While formally receiving Yusuf into the party, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged party stakeholders to rally round the governor in the interest of progress and cohesion.
In separate remarks, Ganduje; the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin; Abdullahi Abbas; ALGON Chairperson, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushau Soja; Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa; and other lawmakers pledged their loyalty, support and cooperation to the governor.