Gov Yusuf Defects to APC, Secures Automatic 2027 Governorship Ticket

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has officially defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to promote unity, stability, and accelerated development in the state.

Yusuf announced his defection on Monday at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House, following his resignation from the NNPP on Friday. He attributed his departure to internal crises and prolonged leadership disputes within the party.

Several senior APC figures attended the event, including former national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and party stalwart Kawu Sumaila, along with members of the Kano State Executive Council and other stakeholders.

Governor Yusuf’s move came shortly after 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly also defected from the NNPP to the APC.

Reacting to Yusuf’s defection, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje confirmed that the governor would automatically receive the party’s ticket for the 2027 governorship election. Ganduje explained that all other aspirants, including the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate and his running mate, had agreed to step aside in favour of Yusuf.

“We are delighted to welcome Governor Yusuf and his followers into APC. There is no crisis in our Kano State chapter. Our arrangement is that the governor automatically assumes the role of party leader in the state,” Ganduje said.

He expressed confidence that Yusuf’s entry into APC would strengthen the party’s dominance in the state and pave the way for a successful 2027 election.

Ganduje urged all party members to unite behind the governor, assuring that APC’s elders and stakeholders remain committed to maintaining cohesion and ensuring victory in upcoming polls.