Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for political stability, accelerated development, and improved welfare for residents.
The move, announced on Monday, January 26, 2026, marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
Yusuf stated that his decision is driven by the desire to align Kano with the federal government and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The defection ceremony, attended by top APC leaders, including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, saw Yusuf formally received into the party.
Ganduje declared Yusuf the APC leader in Kano State, with several party members stepping down to support his re-election bid in 2027.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a strategic move to secure development opportunities for Kano, while others see it as a betrayal of his former party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Yusuf’s former mentor, has expressed disappointment, predicting that the governor will regret his decision. The APC has welcomed Yusuf, with the party’s North-West caucus describing his defection as “the best political move” of his career.
Buba Galadima, Secretary of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees, has strongly criticized Yusuf’s defection, calling it the “worst betrayal in the world” and comparing it to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and Brutus’ betrayal of Caesar. Galadima stated that Yusuf’s decision was driven by personal interest and a desire for self-preservation, rather than the interests of Kano people
The move is expected to strengthen the APC’s grip on Kano State, with Yusuf now controlling 22 out of 24 members of the State House of Assembly and all 44 local government chairmen.
