2027: Kano APC adopts Gov Yusuf as consensus candidate

Governor Abba Yusuf

•Kwankwaso’s son resigns as commissioner

From Desmond Mgboh Kano

Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship elections.

The adoption followed his defection from the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), an exercise concluded yesterday with his registration as the number one member of the APC in the state

The adoption was announced by the immediate past national chairman of the APC and former governor of the state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during the flag off of the E-registration exercise of the party held at the Government House.

“I want to formally announce to you that all the contenders of the governorship candidacy in Kano have relinquished their ambitions in support of your second term in office” Ganduje stated.

He also declared that the loyalty of the members of the party in the state will henceforth be with the governor as the leader of the APC in the state.

“We in APC have a policy and by this policy all governors are the leaders of the party in their states just as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the leader of the party in the country.

“You are now the leader of the APC in Kano and our loyalty is to you and we will support you.

“Governor, you are most welcome to the APC, you are welcome back to your home. APC was formed with you as a member of the party. We are so happy you are back to our party as the Executive Governor of the state.

“You are a progressive politician. From your political perception, disposition and good policies to the people of Kano state, you are indeed a progressive governor.”

Ganduje lauded Governor Yusuf for his policies and programs, stressing that the administration has discharged itself in the implementation of quality and life changing programmes.

Ganduje described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised leader who has respect and love for every Nigerians irrespective of faith, region and tribe.

Ganduje said by the grace of Allah, both President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf would both win their second tenure in office in 2027.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who was previously speculated to be interested in the position of the governor endorsed the second tenure of Governor Yusuf, stressing that the APC will give him one hundred percent support during the 2027 elections.

Governor Yusuf defected to the APC, leading a mass realignment involving 34 lawmakers, 44 Local Governments Chairmen, and political appointees.

The move followed consultations and an assessment of Kano’s future aspirations.

Yusuf cited the need to work with President Bola Tinubu to accelerate development and deliver democracy dividends.

He described the defection as a choice for progress over pride, emphasising the Renewed Hope Agenda’s positive impact nationwide.

The governor announced plans for a Kano Elders Council to promote stability, unity, and good governance.

He commended APC leaders, including Ganduje and Barau Jibrin, for their support.

Yusuf was received into the party alongside former National Chairman, Ganduje, deputy senate president, Senator Kawu  Sumaila, and several members of the House of Representatives. The governor previously joined the APC in 2014, winning the party’s primary election for Kano Central Senatorial seat.

Yusuf cited governance realities, national cohesion, and development as reasons for returning to the APC, a platform he described as familiar and structured for progressive governance.

He stated that rejoining the APC would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate development, enhance security, and improve service delivery in Kano State.

Yusuf said, “I am entering the APC together with 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local‑government chairmen and 484 councillors.

“We will work collectively to advance the party’s noble ideals for the overall political development of Kano State.

“Our mission is to advance the Kano agenda, which remains our primary concern, not personal interest.”

Meanwhile, Mustapha Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, has resigned his appointment and membership of the Kano State Executive Council.

Kwankwaso, a son of the National Leader of NNPP who is still loyal to his father, said  his resignation followed his father’s disapproval of  Yusuf’s defection to APC.

The Kwankwaso junior announced his resignation in a letter yesterday, stating that the decision to bring to an end his tenure in the cabinet of Gov. Abba Yusuf was with a “heavy heart.”

He expressed deep appreciation to Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as “rewarding and impactful.”

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Gov.  Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the great people of Kano State.

I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving, and I appreciate the trust placed in me,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also offered prayers for the continued welfare of young people in the state, urging sustained attention to youth empowerment and sports development programmes.

He wrote: “As I resign, I pray that the youths of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve.

“I hope for the best for our sports development programmes and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come.”

Kwankwaso further prayed for continued peace and progress in the state, asking God to bless Kano State and its people, while wishing the Yusuf government success in its efforts.

Meanwhile, Mustapha Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, has resigned his appointment and membership of the Kano State Executive Council.

Kwankwaso, a son of the National Leader of NNPP who is still loyal to his father, said  his resignation followed his father’s disapproval of  Yusuf’s defection to APC.

The Kwankwaso junior announced his resignation in a letter yesterday, stating that the decision to bring to an end his tenure in the cabinet of Gov. Abba Yusuf was with a “heavy heart.”

He expressed deep appreciation to Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as “rewarding and impactful.”

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Gov.  Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the great people of Kano State.

I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving, and I appreciate the trust placed in me,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also offered prayers for the continued welfare of young people in the state, urging sustained attention to youth empowerment and sports development programmes.

He wrote: “As I resign, I pray that the youths of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve.

“I hope for the best for our sports development programmes and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come.”

Kwankwaso further prayed for continued peace and progress in the state, asking God to bless Kano State and its people, while wishing the Yusuf government success in its efforts.

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