Gov Yusuf Defects To APC With 22 State, Nine Federal Lawmakers

Governor Abba Yusuf’s Defection to APC with 22 State and Nine Federal Lawmakers

In a dramatic political realignment that has reshaped Kano State’s political landscape, Governor Abba Yusuf has officially defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made on January 26, 2026, during a high-profile event at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano. The defection was not a solitary move; it was accompanied by 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly and nine members of the House of Representatives, signaling a mass shift of political allegiance within the state.

Governor Yusuf explained that the decision was the outcome of extensive consultations with elected representatives and stakeholders across Kano. He emphasized that the move was aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating development, framing the defection as a strategic choice for unity and progress rather than division. In his words, political parties are “vehicles” and the ultimate destination is to bring positive change to the people of Kano.

The event was attended by prominent APC figures, including former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Kabiru Bichi. Ganduje, who once stood as a rival figure to Yusuf, welcomed him warmly, declaring that Yusuf was now the leader of the APC in Kano State. He described the governor as a progressive politician deserving of a place in the party, while pledging full loyalty from APC members to Yusuf’s leadership.

The Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, hailed the defection as bold and historic, assuring that party members would remain steadfastly loyal to the governor. Senator Barau Jibrin also urged his supporters to rally behind Yusuf, stressing the importance of collective effort for the progress of the state.

This mass defection is expected to significantly alter the political dynamics in Kano. With Yusuf and a majority of lawmakers now aligned with the APC, the party consolidates its influence in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.

The development also raises questions about the future of the NNPP in Kano, especially given the deep ties the party had established under the influence of Rabiu Kwankwaso and his political movement.

Governor Yusuf’s defection marks a turning point in Kano’s political narrative. It underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances shift rapidly, and where the pursuit of governance and development often drives leaders to recalibrate their political affiliations.

The coming months will reveal how this decision impacts governance, party structures, and the broader political balance in Kano State and beyond.