Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a significant political realignment as the countdown to the 2027 general elections intensifies.
The governor’s return to the APC was officially announced on Sunday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. He was formally received by senior APC leaders on Monday during an event held at the Kano Government House, where party flags were hoisted to mark his homecoming.
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According to the governor’s camp, the decision was driven by “prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development,” which the governor believes make the APC a more suitable platform for advancing the interests of Kano State and its people.
Governor Yusuf, who first joined the APC in 2014 and contested the party’s primary for the Kano Central Senatorial seat before stepping aside, stated that his return would strengthen collaboration with the federal government. He emphasized that rejoining the APC would accelerate infrastructural development, improve security coordination, and enhance service delivery across the state.
As part of the formalities, Governor Yusuf is expected to register as an APC member alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen. The event will also launch the APC’s electronic registration exercise in Kano State to boost membership and grassroots mobilization.
Political analysts have described the defection as a major strategic victory for the APC, especially in northern Nigeria, where Kano’s political weight is considered pivotal. The move is expected to significantly strengthen the party’s structure and influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
The development has elicited mixed reactions. While APC supporters have welcomed the governor’s return as a boost to party unity, opposition leaders have criticized it as politically motivated and driven by self-interest rather than genuine ideological alignment.
In a related development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, son of NNPP presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned his position as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook account on Monday, Mustapha Kwankwaso announced his resignation from the State Executive Council. He expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Yusuf for the opportunity to serve and wished the youth and sports sectors continued progress under the present administration.
