Just In: Tinubu to Officially Welcome Top Gov to APC, Date Emerges
- President Bola Tinubu is set to officially welcome Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC in Kano
- The move would consolidate the ruling APC's influence in the north-west region of Nigeria
- The development comes days after Governor Yusuf and Rabiu Kwankwaso showcased their popularity at Kano's market
President Bola Tinubu is set to storm Kano and officially welcome Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event is scheduled to take place at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar, Meta, on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and many APC governors are reportedly billed to also attend the event. Party leaders have described the event as a major political gathering meant to consolidate the APC's hold in the north-west.
Source: Twitter
Daily Trust reported that Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the chairman of the APC in Kano, said that the reception was to formally and symbolically welcome the governor into the ruling party. He noted that the move was a significant milestone for Kano APC, which has long been regarded as a key political stronghold in Nigeria.
According to Abbas, extensive preparations had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event, and several committees have been inaugurated to coordinate logistics, security and mobilisation.
Abbas disclosed that Col. Umar Malami chaired the 15-member security committee, and the director general of special services is the secretary of the committee, which will oversee the security arrangements. Also, Hon. Bala Mohd Gwagwarwa, with Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje were made chairman and secretary of a 16-man venue committee which will manage facilities at the stadium.
Governor Yusuf, Kwankwaso test popularity
The event is coming one week after Yusuf and his estranged political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, tested their popularity at the Singer Market in Kano on Thursday, February 5. They both made separate visits to the market and sympathised with the traders following a devastating fire incident.
Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), first arrived at the market and received a cheering welcome from a crowd of supporters.
Governor Yusuf then visited the market hours after Kwankwaso left the scene, and the crowd similarly welcomed him. The governor immediately offered government intervention and promised financial support to the traders who were affected by the fire incident.
Premium Times reported that Kwankwaso's appearance and reception at the market were a reminder that the political godfather's influence in the state was still well recognised. The show of popularity between the governor and Kwankwaso came amid the tension in the state after Yusuf dumped the NNPP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Source: Twitter
Why APC halted discussion with Kwankwaso
Legit.ng earlier reported that Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's defection from the NNPP to the APC amid political tensions exposed Rabiu Kwankwaso's negotiation default.
Sources privy to the development disclosed that negotiations between the APC and Kwankwaso faltered over unrealistic demands by the NNPP leader.
However, Governor Yusuf's defection was criticised and described as a betrayal, as political actors make permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
