We’re Ready To Receive Gov Yusuf – All Progressives Congress

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has restated its preparedness to welcome Governor Abba Yusuf into the party, ahead of his anticipated defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Speculations are rife that the Kano governor would make his position known in the first week of next year.

Already the rumours of his defection has caused uncertainty within the NNPP in Kano State.

The APC State chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, in a statement yesterday, described the expected move as one anchored on unity, reconciliation and the overall interest of Kano State.

Abbas said the invitation to Governor Yusuf was conveyed on behalf of the party’s national leader and former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, noting that the gesture was aimed at fostering political harmony and accelerating development across the state.

According to him, the APC leadership believes that broad-based cooperation among key political actors remains critical to building a more stable, united and prosperous Kano.

“The APC is ready to receive Governor Yusuf with open arms so that, together, we can harness our collective strengths for the progress and development of Kano State,” Abbas stated.

He further explained that the party’s disposition reflects its commitment to inclusiveness and shared responsibility, stressing that politics should ultimately serve the people rather than deepen divisions.

Abbas added that upon his formal entry into the APC, Governor Yusuf, alongside other NNPP stalwarts who may choose to join him, would be received under the leadership of Dr Ganduje in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and collective purpose.

The APC chairman expressed confidence that the anticipated realignment would strengthen the party’s base in the state and enhance cooperation between political leaders, with positive implications for governance and socio-economic development in Kano.

Speculation over the alleged defection had gained momentum on Sunday, following a viral video in which the governor’s director of Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, openly declared support for Yusuf’s alleged move to the APC.

Speaking alongside party leaders in Rogo Local Government Area, Rogo said influential figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement in the area had resolved that both Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf should defect to the APC.

He argued that the decision was in the best interest of the people and would better position Kwankwaso to realise his long-standing presidential ambition.

“We have resolved that Kwankwaso is our leader, and that he and Governor Yusuf should take us to APC,” Rogo said, while urging supporters to shun abusive politics and remain loyal to the Kwankwasiyya ideology despite the planned move.

Similarly, the director-general, Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature, also endorsed the alleged defection in another video, aligning himself with the decision of his Dawakin Tofa Local Government caucus to follow the governor to APC.

At a meeting of NNPP caucuses in Dawakin Tofa, the council chairman, Anas Danmaliki, claimed the Kwankwasiyya movement had split into “pro-masses and anti-masses,” declaring his full support for Governor Yusuf. Sanusi Bature echoed the stance, saying he was “1,000 percent” in agreement.