By Cross Udo, Abuja
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday formally received Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, into its fold, in a move seen as a major political boost for the party ahead of future elections.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at a grand reception at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, assured the Governor of full recognition and influence within the party.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made it abundantly clear that your place in this party is second to none and that your presence strengthens our collective resolve to build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria,” Shettima said.
He described Kano as a critical political force in Nigeria and said Yusuf’s entry into the APC would further consolidate the party’s national strength.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said the Governor’s defection had brought Kano into the mainstream of national politics, adding that the state stood to benefit more from federal presence and development.
“What this means is that Kano will begin to benefit more from the national government. We will have more infrastructure, healthcare delivery and development. Kano will become an Eldorado,” he said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the Governor’s move as strategic, noting that Kano remained central to Nigeria’s democratic future.
Similarly, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said Yusuf had made the right political decision and assured him of the party’s support in delivering more dividends of democracy.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described Yusuf as an APC member who had returned home, urging party faithful to strengthen the party’s hold on the state.
Explaining his decision, Governor Yusuf said his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) was informed by the need to align Kano with the Federal Government for greater development.
“Kano is too large and too important to be disconnected from the government at the centre,” he said, pledging loyalty to President Tinubu.
Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the Governor’s entry had further strengthened the party’s political structure and unity in Kano State.
