*Ganduje urges gubernatorial aspirants to step aside for him in 2027
*Kwankwaso’s son resigns as Sports Commissioner
WorldStage– Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a mass realignment involving 34 lawmakers, 44 Local Governments Chairmen, and political appointees.
The move followed consultations and an assessment of Kano’s future aspirations.
Yusuf cited the need to work with President Bola Tinubu to accelerate development and deliver democracy dividends.
He described the defection as a choice for progress over pride, emphasising the Renewed Hope Agenda’s positive impact nationwide.
The Governor announced plans for a Kano Elders Council to promote stability, unity, and good governance.
He commended APC leaders, including former Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for their support.
Yusuf was received into the party alongside former National Chairman, Ganduje, deputy senate president, Sen. Kawu Sumaila, and several members of the House of Representatives.
The governor previously joined the APC in 2014, winning the party’s primary election for Kano Central Senatorial seat.
Yusuf cited governance realities, national cohesion, and development as reasons for returning to the APC, a platform he described as familiar and structured for progressive governance.
He stated that rejoining the APC would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate development, enhance security, and improve service delivery in Kano State.
Yusuf said, “I am entering the APC together with 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local‑government chairmen and 484 councillors.
“We will work collectively to advance the party’s noble ideals for the overall political development of Kano State.
“Our mission is to advance the Kano agenda, which remains our primary concern, not personal interest.”
STEP ASIDE FOR YUSUF
Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Monday urged all governorship aspirants to step aside for Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf.
Ganduje made the call shortly after receiving Gov. Yusuf into the party at a colourful ceremony held at Government House, Kano.
He stated that anyone seeking to govern Kano should put his ambitions on hold to enable Gov. Yusuf complete his two tenure.
The former national chairman commended Gov. Yusuf for being bold enough to defect to the rulling party and for putting Kano first above all other things.
While formally receiving the governor back to APC, Ganduje said, “I can categorically tell you that you are going to win the 2027 election with a landslide margin because all those contesting for the same seat have agreed to step aside and let you go for it.
“To us the leaders of the APC, this is a memorable occasion we have all been waiting for. I strongly welcome Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf back to his home.
“We were in APC together with you; it was formed with you. But later, because of political differences and redirection, you left for the NNPP.
“Now, we are thankful to our creator, you are back to our party and your home.”
Ganduje described the governor as a progressive politician, “as evident in your utterances, policies, as well implementation of such policies.
“As the leader of APC in Kano today, you embody the party’s policies.”
This according to him, this has put to rest speculations about party leadership in Kano, declaring that, “Gov. Yusuf today stands as the leader of the party in the state.”
He also emphasised that, “President Tinubu is a true Nigerian and a politician who treats citizens not base on religion or ethnicity. I assure you Abba will win in 2027.”
The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, commended Gov. Yusuf for his courageous decision to return to APC, insisting that the decision remained a lasting one.
KWANKWASO’S SON RESIGNS
In another development, Mustapha Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, has resigned his appointment and membership of the Kano State Executive Council.
Kwankwaso, a son of the National Leader of NNPP who is still loyal to his father, said his resignation followed his father’s disapproval of Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Kwankwaso junior announced his resignation in a letter on Monday, stating that the decision to bring to an end his tenure in the cabinet of Gov. Abba Yusuf was with a “heavy heart.”
He expressed deep appreciation to Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as “rewarding and impactful.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Gov. Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the great people of Kano State.
I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving, and I appreciate the trust placed in me,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also offered prayers for the continued welfare of young people in the state, urging sustained attention to youth empowerment and sports development programmes.
He wrote: “As I resign, I pray that the youths of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve.
“I hope for the best for our sports development programmes and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come.”
Kwankwaso further prayed for continued peace and progress in the state, asking God to bless Kano State and its people, while wishing the Yusuf government success in its efforts.
