Why we’re interested in Kano – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Kano as a politically strategic and cosmopolitan state whose influence transcends geography and party and is too important to remain on the sidelines.

The Vice President stated this when top leaders of the APC on Monday welcomed the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, into the party at a grand rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

He said Kano has consistently played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, stressing that no serious political actor could afford to ignore the state.

“Kano is an elegant expression of Nigeria’s cosmopolitan soul. 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.

The Vice President also conveyed President Tinubu’s sympathy over the recent fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano, announcing that the Federal Government had approved N5 billion as support for victims of the disaster. He added that the APC Governors’ Forum had also pledged additional financial assistance to affected traders.

Governor Yusuf explained that his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by the need to ensure political stability and accelerate development in Kano State.

He said over time it became evident that the platform on which he was elected was no longer providing the cohesion and stability required for effective governance.

“Internal disagreements, uncertainties and distractions began to affect the real work of governance. As leaders, there comes a time when you must take a clear decision in the overriding public interest,” he said.

Yusuf emphasised that Kano, given its size, population and economic significance, could not afford to be politically disconnected from the centre.

“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 stated.

The governor said aligning with the APC-led Federal Government would enable the state to better attract investments, infrastructure projects and other developmental benefits under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“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,” he added.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that the defection was a collective decision, revealing that a majority of Kano’s federal and state lawmakers had moved with him to the APC.

In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Also present were the governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto and Imo states, among other party leaders and federal lawmakers.

‘Welcome back home’ – APC Chairman

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, described the party as the largest political family in Africa and welcomed Yusuf back to what he termed his “natural political home.”

He said the governor’s return to the APC symbolised unity and progress, urging party members in Kano to close ranks and work together for the development of the state.

“Unite Kano, unite your people and build a progressive state. Take this as a sign of coming back home. You are welcome,” Yilwatda declared.

From NNPP to APC

Governor Yusuf’s defection from the NNPP to the APC has reshaped the political landscape of Kano State and strained his relationship with his former political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso publicly dismissed claims that he approved the governor’s departure from the NNPP, insisting he neither encouraged nor endorsed Yusuf’s move to the APC.

In a dramatic reaction, he declared January 23 as “betrayal day,” describing the governor’s defection as a breach of trust and a departure from the party and movement that brought him to power in 2023.

The NNPP leadership also accused Yusuf of betraying the “sacred trust” reposed in him by party faithful and voters, warning that his exit could weaken the party’s structure and influence in the state.

The political realignment has triggered internal tensions within the state executive. Kano’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, chose to remain in the NNPP, a decision that places him at variance with the governor’s new political alignment.

The development has generated mixed reactions among political analysts and stakeholders. Supporters of the defection argue that aligning with the ruling APC at the federal level could enhance cooperation with the central government and accelerate development in Kano.

Critics, however, contend that the move may weaken opposition politics in the state and dilute the ideological foundation of party loyalty.

Following Yusuf’s defection, 31 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, federal lawmakers, and all 44 local government chairmen reportedly registered with the APC alongside the governor.

At a recent APC gathering, party leaders endorsed Yusuf as their preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, with other aspirants said to have stepped down in his favour.

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