Kano Rally: Yusuf, Defectors Rally Thousands for APC, Back Tinubu Ahead of 2027

By Ladan Muhammad Garko

Kano State on Saturday witnessed a major show of political strength as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, political defectors and thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters gathered at a rally to consolidate the party’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defectors were accompanied by their supporters, who joined thousands of APC loyalists at the venue to formally welcome the new entrants into the ruling party.

The rally followed Governor Yusuf’s recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC, alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly and nine members of the House of Representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Yusuf said his decision was driven by the need to strengthen cooperation between Kano and the Federal Government and attract greater development opportunities to the state.

“We are choosing partnership rather than polarisation.
Political parties are vehicles; the destination is to bring positive change to the people of Kano,” the governor said.

Yusuf urged his supporters and residents of the state to embrace the new political direction, promising greater attention to infrastructure, economic opportunities and good governance.

He said Kano could not afford to remain isolated from the centre of national decision-making, given its population, commercial importance and strategic position in the North-West.

“Our decision is about Kano. It is about the future of our people. It is about ensuring that Kano has a strong voice where national decisions are made,” he said.

Several of the defectors also addressed the rally, describing their movement to the APC as a decision aimed at promoting political stability, strengthening Kano’s relationship with the Federal Government and creating more opportunities for the state.

They called on their supporters to put political differences aside and unite for Kano’s development.

APC leaders welcomed the defectors and urged them to begin mobilising their supporters for the party ahead of 2027.

The political realignment has significantly altered Kano’s political landscape. With the governor, a large number of state lawmakers and several federal lawmakers now in the APC, the party has strengthened its position in one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states.

Saturday’s rally underscored the APC’s ambition to make Kano a major pillar of its campaign as the 2027 elections approach.