Governor Abba Yusuf has said his decision to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was to align Kano State with the federal government and accelerate development.
Governor Yusuf spoke on Monday at the 2026 Grand Rally held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.
The governor said Kano is too large to remain politically disconnected from the centre of national governance.
“It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens,” he said, adding that the move was about responsibility to the people of the state.
Yusuf said Kano must engage in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms require governance and implementation to benefit the country.
“With the support of our great party and the cooperation of the Federal Government, Kano State is better positioned to move forward with confidence and stability,” he added.
In January, Yusuf resigned from the NNPP ahead of his defection to the APC.
In a letter dated January 25 and addressed to the chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area, he cited internal disputes and legal cases within the party.
“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” the letter read.
He said persistent leadership disagreements and court cases had created divisions within the party.
“After careful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State,” he stated.
Following his resignation, 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, including Speaker Ismail Falgore, also left the NNPP.
Eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen in the state resigned from the party.
At the rally, Abba Yusuf thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors of Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yobe and Plateau states for attending.
He also acknowledged former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas and members of the National and State Assemblies for their support.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged party members to support the governor.
“The turnout today demonstrates that Kano APC members are united, enthusiastic, and committed to advancing the party’s agenda and supporting President Tinubu’s vision,” he said.
In separate remarks, Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Abdullahi Abbas, ALGON Chairperson Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, Alasan Ado Doguwa and other lawmakers pledged support for the governor.
“We pledge 100 percent loyalty and cooperation to the governor and the APC in Kano,” they said.
The rally concluded with party members reaffirming their commitment to work together to advance the APC’s agenda and position Kano to benefit from federal programmes and investments.
