The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to formally register Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a member on Monday, marking a major political realignment in the state. Yusuf, who resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last week, is expected to pick up his APC membership card at a brief ceremony at the Kano Government House, alongside dozens of elected officials defecting with him.
Party sources said at least 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen will also be registered. Yusuf will automatically assume the position of APC leader in Kano State and is expected to launch the party’s electronic registration drive. In a statement issued by his media aide, Sunusi Bature, the governor said his decision was driven by the need for stronger cooperation with the Federal Government to enhance security, accelerate infrastructure development, and improve service delivery.
The defection has triggered mixed reactions across the state. While APC chieftain Ahmed Dankabo described it as a turning point that would reposition Kano at the centre of national politics, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo reaffirmed his loyalty to former NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The development also led to the resignation of the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Yusuf Kofarmata, who cited concerns about political pressure and the need to preserve the integrity of his office.
Kwankwaso, Yusuf’s former political ally, condemned the defection, describing it as a betrayal and accusing the state government of coercing officials to join the APC—an allegation the government has not addressed. The move comes amid ongoing tensions within the NNPP in Kano, as the APC prepares to consolidate its growing influence ahead of future political contests.
