‘Kano Is Too Strategic To Remain Disconnected From The Centre’, Governor Yusuf Declares

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday, reaffirmed his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying Kano State’s political and economic weight makes it imperative for the state to align with the Federal Government in the interest of accelerated development.

The governor said this after he was formally received into the ruling party at a grand rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, attended by top national leaders and thousands of party supporters.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the event. Also present were Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin; APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and former Kano State governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto and Imo States.

In his address, Yusuf stressed that Kano State could not afford to operate at a distance from the centre of national decision-making.

“Kano is too strategic and too important to remain disconnected from the centre of national governance. Development today is driven by alignment, cooperation and access to national opportunities. This decision is not about personal ambition; it is about repositioning Kano for greater progress,” he said.

He explained that internal disagreements and political uncertainties within his former party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had started to affect governance, prompting what he described as a decision taken in the overriding public interest.

“Our people are not interested in endless political battles. They want better roads, infrastructure, jobs for our youths, security for our communities and a government focused on delivery,” the governor added.

Speaking at the rally, Vice President Shettima described Kano as a politically strategic and cosmopolitan state whose influence extends beyond its borders.

“Whenever Kano speaks, the nation listens not just because of its population, but because of its historic role in shaping political thought, commerce and culture in this country,” he said.

He congratulated Governor Yusuf and his supporters for what he termed a courageous and forward-looking move, assuring them of the party’s support.