Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has pledged full backing for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's second-term bid, assuring him of victory in the 2027 governorship election following his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) back to the ruling party. Ganduje gave the assurance on Monday at a ceremony welcoming Yusuf into the APC at the Coronation Hall of the Government House in Kano, describing the governor's return as a "historic homecoming" that significantly strengthens the party's fortunes in the state.
"You will win your second term in 2027. We have spoken to all aspirants, and they have agreed to support you," Ganduje said, adding that "in APC, all serving governors are leaders of the party in their respective states. Therefore, you are the leader of the APC in Kano State."
Recalling Yusuf's political journey, Ganduje said the governor was part of the APC's formation but left due to political differences, expressing satisfaction over his return. He described Yusuf as a progressive whose policies and governance style align with the APC's ideology.
Ganduje further assured Yusuf of equal treatment within the party and voiced confidence that the APC would record sweeping victories in future elections, including President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Governor Yusuf formally rejoined the APC on Monday, days after resigning from the NNPP on January 23. In his resignation letter, he cited persistent internal crises, legal battles and the need to protect Kano State’s developmental interests as reasons for his decision.
“Leadership must rise above comfort, sentiment or personal selfishness. That is why, after careful reflection and consultation, I relinquish my membership of NNPP and joined the party that is better for Kano,” Yusuf said, stressing that “our loyalty is to Kano first.”
The defection was accompanied by a major political realignment, with 22 state lawmakers, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in Kano also switching allegiance to the APC.
However, the move triggered the resignation of Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso, Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, and son of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Announcing his exit from the State Executive Council, he said, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation… I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the people of Kano State.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, welcomed Yusuf to the APC, saying his return strengthened the party in northern Nigeria and reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “I welcome His Excellency… to our great party, the APC, the largest political party in Africa,” he said.
The NNPP, however, condemned Yusuf’s defection, with its Deputy National Chairman, Prince Nweze Onu, describing it as a betrayal of voters. “Even if the APC controls all 36 state governorships, it would not prevent the party from suffering an embarrassing defeat at the polls in 2027,” he said, dismissing claims of internal crises within the NNPP and insisting the party remained united ahead of the next general elections.
