Governor Abba Yusuf Breaks Silence on Why He Dumped NNPP to Join Tinubu’s APC

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has finally revealed the “real reasons” behind his high-profile exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Addressing the public just 24 hours after formally rejoining the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Governor made it clear: it was time to put the progress of Kano ahead of political drama.

For many, the sight of Yusuf being embraced by his former arch-rival, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, was the “political photo of the year.” But for the Governor, the decision was purely practical. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Yusuf explained that his return to the APC a party he first joined in 2014 is all about “strategic alignment.”

“After wide consultations and a sober assessment of our future needs, I have decided to align Kano State with the ruling party at the federal level,” Yusuf stated. He argued that being in the opposition was slowing down the state’s access to federal support, particularly in areas like infrastructure, security coordination, and economic growth.

By joining forces with President Bola Tinubu, Yusuf believes he can “un-lock” the full potential of federal-state cooperation. “This isn’t about personal ambition,” he insisted. “It is anchored on the stability and wellbeing of the people of Kano. Our citizens want roads, schools, and safety, not constant political warfare.”

The defection has completely redrawn the 2027 election map. In a surprising show of “unity,” Ganduje announced that the APC has already cleared the path for Yusuf, with other aspirants agreeing to step aside so the Governor can run for a second term unopposed within the party.

However, the “Kano Earthquake” has left behind a trail of broken relationships. The Governor’s mentor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has reportedly taken the news as a personal betrayal. The rift was made even more official when Kwankwaso’s own son resigned his position in the Governor’s cabinet immediately following the announcement.

As Yusuf officially launches the APC’s e-registration exercise in the state, one thing is certain: the “red cap” era in Kano’s Government House is officially over. With almost the entire state legislature and all 44 local government chairmen following him into the APC, Yusuf has effectively turned Kano into a “one-party powerhouse” overnight.