APC Takes Crucial Step as Party Welcomes Kano Governor
- Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) after resigning from NNPP
- APC expresses hope for Governor Yusuf's alignment and welcomes his supporters
- The ruling party reserves registration number 001 for the governor's anticipated defection
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Kano State - The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Kano State has welcomed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the ruling party.
This comes days after Governor Yusuf announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Source: Facebook
Yusuf leaves with 73 elected officials, including State Assembly members and local government chairmen.
The APC State Secretary, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, said the party was hopeful that Governor Yusuf would soon align with it.
Sarina said the APC’s doors were fully open to the governor and his supporters.
As reported by Daily Trust, Sarina made this known while responding to questions on the governor’s next move.
“He is welcome. That is all we are going to say for now.
“Even though he didn’t specifically declare for APC, hopefully, he will soon come to APC. Our doors are open, and we welcome him.”
He described the development as a welcome boost for the APC.
The APC chieftain said the party has reserved the No.001 card in anticipation of Governor Yusuf’s defection to the party.
He said that Governor Yusuf was reportedly moving with a large number of elected officials and political appointees.
“We have started e-registration and have reserved the 001 registration number for the governor. Yes, it is true. We reserved that number for him at his Chiranci-Diso ward.”
He further stated that the APC is prepared to accommodate the governor’s cabinet members, supporters, and political associates.
Source: Facebook
Kano govt removes NNPP flag from state house.
Recall that as Nigerians look forward to the 2027 elections, the NNPP flag was removed from the Kano State Government House on Friday, January 23, 2026.
In a video sighted by Legit.ng, a man, apparently a state official, was seen removing the flag.
Yusuf is widely expected to join the ruling APC in a major political alignment. The 63-year-old is a protégé of NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Governors' defections strengthen APC - Obidike
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC, Chukwuebuka Obidike, has commented on the defections of some opposition governors to the ruling party.
In an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, Obidike said the defections by governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) significantly strengthen the ruling party’s chances going into the 2027 general elections.
He said:
"Governors aren’t just figureheads; they are powerful political mobilisers with deep grassroots networks, financial resources, and influence over local party structures across their states. The fact that about 29 governors now align with the APC gives us unparalleled reach into regions that were previously strongholds of the opposition.
"Remember, many of these governors cited improved state revenues and developmental projects enabled by federal reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership as reasons for their allegiance switch. This reflects confidence in the APC’s governance model and strengthens the message that our leadership delivers results, a key selling point to voters."
Read more stories on Governor Yusuf and Kano politics:
- Top Kano Commissioner Resigns, Announces Major Backing
- Kano Governor Yusuf Set to Rejoin APC, Date Announced
- Governor Yusuf Issues Fresh Warning on Attacking Kwankwaso
- Kwankwaso's Ally Buba Galadima Mentions What Will Happen To Kano Gov in APC, "He'll Fall."
- Kano: Will Gov Yusuf Get an Automatic Ticket in 2027? APC Chairman Finally Opens Up
NNPP's Kano governor told to resign immediately
Legit.ng also reported that NNPP factional chairman Mas’ud Eljibril demanded the governor's formal resignation before defecting to the APC.
Court rulings reportedly affirmed Eljibril's faction as the legitimate NNPP in Nigeria.
Internal conflict within the NNPP deepened as factions clashed over leadership positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: Legit.ng
Nurudeen Lawal (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) Nurudeen Lawal is an AFP-certified journalist with a wealth of experience spanning over 8 years. He received his B/Arts degree in Literature in English from OAU. Lawal is the Head of the Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng, where he applies his expertise to provide incisive coverage of events. He was named the Political Desk Head of the Year (Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award 2023). Lawal is a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network. He is also a certified fact-checker (Dubawa fellowship, 2020). Contact him at lawal.nurudeen@corp.legit.ng or +2348054399455.
Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 8 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria, where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.
