Ganduje Assures Yusuf of APC Ticket, 2027 Victory After Defection

The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has assured Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, of full party support and victory in the 2027 governorship election following his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling APC.

Ganduje gave the assurance on Monday during a ceremony welcoming Yusuf back to the APC at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, describing the governor’s return as a “historic homecoming” and a major boost for the party in the state.

“You will win your second term in 2027. We have spoken to all aspirants, and they have agreed to support you,” Ganduje said.
“In the APC, all serving governors are leaders of the party in their respective states. Therefore, you are the leader of the APC in Kano State.”

‘You Have Returned Home’

Ganduje recalled Yusuf’s political journey within the APC, noting that his return marked the resolution of past differences.

“We were in APC together. The party was formed with you. But due to political differences and redirection, you left for the NNPP. Today, we are thankful that you are back to your party and your home,” he said.

He described Yusuf as a progressive leader whose policies and governance style align with the APC’s ideology.

“As our brother and governor, you are a progressive politician. Your utterances, policies, and implementation clearly reflect progressive ideals,” Ganduje added.

The former party chairman also assured Yusuf of fairness and inclusion within the APC, expressing confidence that the party would record sweeping victories in future elections, including President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Yusuf Explains Defection

Governor Yusuf formally rejoined the APC on Monday after resigning from the NNPP on January 23, citing persistent internal crises, ongoing legal battles, and the need to protect Kano State’s developmental interests.

In his resignation letter addressed to the chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf said the decision followed wide consultations and careful reflection.

“Leadership must rise above comfort, sentiment, or personal interest. After deep reflection and consultations, I have relinquished my membership of the NNPP and joined the party that is better for Kano,” he said.

The governor stressed that aligning Kano State with the Federal Government would foster unity, development, and political stability.

“We are choosing progress over personal desires. Our loyalty is to Kano first,” Yusuf stated, urging former political allies, including Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, not to view the move as personal but as a strategic decision for the state’s future.

Mass Defection, Political Realignment

Yusuf’s return to the APC was accompanied by 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen, signalling a major political realignment in the state.

The defection also led to the resignation of Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso, the Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and son of former governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a statement released on Monday, Mustapha Kwankwaso described his resignation as a difficult decision.

He thanked Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve and called for sustained focus on youth empowerment and sports development programmes in the state.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and as a member of the Kano State Executive Council,” he said.

Barau Welcomes Yusuf

Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, welcomed Yusuf to the APC, pledging collaboration for Kano State’s development.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Barau said the governor’s return strengthened the APC in northern Nigeria and reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I welcome His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to our great party, the APC—the largest political party in Africa,” Barau said.
“I also reaffirm my unalloyed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

NNPP Condemns Defection

Reacting, the Deputy National Chairman of the NNPP, Prince Nweze Onu, described Yusuf’s defection as a betrayal of the electorate.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Onu dismissed claims that controlling all state governorships would guarantee APC victory in 2027.

“Even if the APC controls all 36 states, it would not stop Nigerians from voting against the party in 2027,” he said.

Onu insisted that the NNPP remains united and grassroots-driven, dismissing claims of internal crises as attempts to discredit the party.

APC: Tinubu Did Not Lure Yusuf

The APC also dismissed claims that President Tinubu or the party induced opposition governors to defect.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the defections were voluntary decisions by leaders seeking alignment with the administration’s agenda.

“Nobody is baiting anyone. These leaders are joining the APC of their own free will,” Morka said.
“They want to identify with the success story of President Tinubu and the promise of a resurgent Nigeria.”

On whether Yusuf automatically becomes APC leader in Kano, Morka reaffirmed the party’s structure.

“As a matter of principle, governors are leaders of the party in their states, but leadership in the APC is collegiate and inclusive,” he explained.