January 26, (THEWILL) — Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress, ending weeks of intense political speculation and marking a seismic shift in the state’s power structure.
The Governor’s formal entry into the APC took place on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
The event followed his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party just three days prior, a move he attributed to irreconcilable internal crises within his former party.
Amidst a heavy security presence and cheers from a massive crowd of supporters, Governor Yusuf completed his membership registration and immediately launched the state’s APC E-registration exercise.
The registration drive had been strategically delayed by the party’s national leadership in anticipation of the Governor’s defection.
In his address following the registration, Yusuf clarified that his decision was not rooted in personal ambition but in the strategic interest of Kano State.
He emphasised the need for the state to align with the Federal Government to attract significant developmental projects and ensure long-term stability.
“My decision to join the APC is driven by a desire for the unity, peace, and progress of our dear state,” the Governor said.
“This alignment provides a golden opportunity to work directly with the center and bring the true dividends of democracy to our people.”
The ceremony was a rare display of political unity, featuring prominent APC figures who were once the Governor’s fiercest rivals.
In attendance were the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
Other notable attendees included the Senator for Kano South, Kawu Sumaila—who also recently exited the NNPP—former Deputy Governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, and the Kano APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas.
Governor Yusuf’s transition to the ruling party effectively consolidates the APC’s control over Nigeria’s most populous northern state and leaves the NNPP without a sitting governor.
The Governor urged all Kano citizens to join him in this “new journey” toward a more prosperous and politically integrated state.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
