By Mary Onyia
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has explained that his decision to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by the need to work more closely with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State, and not by personal ambition.
Speaking on Monday during his defection ceremony at the Government House in Kano, Yusuf stated that the move followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the prevailing political realities in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
“Our return to the APC is firmly anchored on the necessity of working in closer alliance with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said. “It is a conscious decision aimed at more effective service delivery across critical sectors, including social welfare, infrastructure, security, and inclusive economic development.”
Yusuf noted that while Kano State is endowed with a large population, vibrant enterprise, and remarkable resilience, prolonged political tensions and confrontations have at times hindered progress.
“Our people are asking for results, not rivalries; solutions, not slogans,” he said. “By aligning with the centre, we choose stability over stagnation, partnership over polarity, and progress over pride.”
According to the governor, the decision to return to the APC would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government in key areas such as infrastructure development, security coordination, industrial growth, and investment attraction.
Yusuf defected alongside 22 of the 24 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, nine of the state’s 14 federal lawmakers, all 44 local government chairmen, and several other political office holders.
Addressing party leaders, supporters, and invited guests at the event, the governor described the moment as one that required leadership to rise above partisan sentiments.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility, clarity of purpose, and abiding faith in our shared destiny as a people,” he said. “There are moments in the life of a society when leadership must rise above sentiment and politics to make decisions guided by responsibility, history, and the future. Today is one of such moments.”
Yusuf also dismissed claims that he would be unable to secure a second term without the backing of a political godfather, stressing that power ultimately resides with the electorate, who would judge based on performance.
His defection to the APC automatically qualifies him to seek a second term on the platform of his new party.
Party leaders and supporters described the governor’s defection as timely and beneficial to the state, expressing confidence that he would secure re-election.
Kano State Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Abbas, hailed the move as bold and patriotic, saying it was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and sustainable development in Kano State.
Governor Abba Yusuf was elected in 2023 on the platform of the NNPP, riding on strong grassroots support and a reform-focused campaign. His administration has since navigated a politically charged environment marked by tensions between the state government and the Federal Government. The defection to the APC comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the next general elections, with Yusuf positioning his administration for closer collaboration with the centre to accelerate development and governance outcomes in Kano State.