Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf formally defected from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in a high-profile ceremony at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Addressing thousands of supporters at the grand welcome rally organized by the APC, Governor Yusuf explained that his decision was driven by a desire to position Kano State more advantageously at the national level and accelerate development for its citizens.
The governor emphasized that remaining in the opposition had limited the state's access to critical federal resources, policies, and decision-making processes. By joining the APC, he said, Kano would be better placed to influence and benefit from national initiatives under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is about placing Kano in a position where it can fully participate in national development and secure a better future for its citizens,” Yusuf declared. “With the support of our great party and the cooperation of the Federal Government, Kano State is better positioned to move forward with confidence and stability.”
He further stated that he could no longer allow the state to be sidelined from the centre, stressing his responsibility as governor to secure active engagement and stronger federal ties for accelerated progress. “Being in the ruling party allows Kano State the opportunity to be at the heart of every decision taken at the national level,” he added.
Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima for personally leading efforts to welcome him into the APC fold. He also thanked President Tinubu and the APC leadership for their openness and support.
The rally attracted a constellation of high-profile APC figures, underscoring the significance of the defection in Nigeria's political landscape. Dignitaries in attendance included:
- Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the APC
- Abdullahi Ganduje, immediate past National Chairman of the APC and former Governor of Kano State
- Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
- Governors from several northern states: Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
The defection marks a major political realignment in Kano, Nigeria's most populous state and a key electoral battleground. Yusuf, who won the 2023 governorship election on the NNPP platform with strong backing from Rabiu Kwankwaso, had maintained an uneasy relationship with the federal government despite occasional cooperation on security and infrastructure matters.
Analysts view the move as a strategic step to unlock federal support for Kano’s massive infrastructure needs, including road rehabilitation, water supply projects, education, healthcare, and security enhancements amid persistent banditry and economic challenges.
The governor's exit from the NNPP—once seen as a rising third force—further weakens the party’s national presence and strengthens the APC's dominance in the North-West region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Yusuf assured supporters that his priorities remain unchanged: delivering good governance, improving livelihoods, and ensuring Kano benefits maximally from national development programmes. He called for unity across party lines to focus on the state’s progress.
The APC leadership welcomed the governor warmly, describing his defection as a boost to the Renewed Hope Agenda and a reflection of growing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.
As Kano transitions politically, attention now turns to how the new alignment will translate into tangible gains for the state and its over 15 million residents.
