Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally ending his association with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The defection took place on Monday, January 26, at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House, in a ceremony attended by senior party officials.
Yusuf was received into the ruling party by former APC National Chairman and ex-Kano Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Deputy Senate President and Kano South Senator, Barau Jibrin; Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata; and other top APC leaders.
Addressing the gathering, the governor said his decision was driven by the need to work more closely with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu and to advance development in Kano State.
“Leadership must rise above comfort, sentiment and personal selfishness. That is why, after wide consultations and careful reflection on the future of Kano State and present realities, I have relinquished my membership of the NNPP and joined the party that I believe is better for Kano,” Yusuf said.
He emphasised that the move was taken collectively with key political stakeholders in the state.
“I, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, alongside my cabinet, 22 out of 24 members of the State House of Assembly and all 44 local government chairmen, have agreed to align ourselves with the ruling party, the APC,” he added.
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The governor stressed that his return was not motivated by personal gain but by the broader goal of promoting peace, unity, and progress in the state.
“Kano is blessed with enormous potential. We must put an end to confrontational politics. Governance is not a personal contest but a responsibility entrusted to leaders, and we must move forward with that understanding,” Yusuf said.
He assured residents that the government would remain inclusive, noting that the defection would foster political stability and strengthen cooperation with the federal administration.
“My decision does not erode the value of those who helped bring us to power. I remain grateful to them,” he said, urging NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso to view the move as a developmental step for Kano.
“My loyalty is unwavering and belongs to Kano. Kano comes first before anyone,” Yusuf declared.
APC State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described the governor’s return as being in the best interest of Kano State, pledging the party’s full support and cooperation.
Yusuf was originally elected governor in 2023 on the NNPP platform, before defecting with several state assembly members and federal lawmakers.