Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has assured Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of victory in the 2027 governorship election. Ganduje said the ruling party in the state is fully united behind Yusuf’s second-term ambition.
Ganduje gave the assurance on Monday in Kano while officially welcoming Governor Yusuf back to the APC. The event followed Yusuf’s resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and his formal return to the APC, a party he had previously belonged to.
According to Ganduje, all governorship aspirants within the APC in Kano State have agreed to step aside and support Yusuf’s re-election bid in 2027. He described Yusuf’s return as a major boost for the party and a sign of stronger unity ahead of future elections.
“You will win your second term in 2027,” Ganduje told the governor. “We have spoken to all aspirants in the party, and they have all agreed to support you.”
Governor Yusuf resigned from the NNPP last week after months of speculation about his political future. He officially rejoined the APC on Monday, marking a major shift in Kano State’s political landscape.
In his resignation letter addressed to the chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf said his decision took effect from January 23, 2026. He explained that persistent internal crises within the NNPP made it difficult for him to continue in the party.
The governor said he decided to leave the NNPP in order to protect the overall interests of the people of Kano State. He noted that his priority remained good governance, stability, and development, which he believed would be better achieved within the APC.
Yusuf’s return to the APC is not entirely new to Kano politics. He was a member of the party between 2014 and 2018 before leaving due to political disagreements. Over the years, he has moved across different political platforms before eventually winning the governorship election.
Welcoming him back, Ganduje described Yusuf’s defection as a “homecoming.” He recalled that the governor was part of the APC during its early days and played a role in building the party before political differences caused him to leave.
“This is a memorable and historic occasion,” Ganduje said. “Your Excellency, you are welcome back home to the APC. When the party was formed, you were with us, but later political differences and misconceptions led you away. Now you are back.”
Ganduje, who governed Kano State for eight years, described Yusuf as a progressive politician whose leadership style aligns with the ideals and principles of the APC. He said the party was better positioned with Yusuf’s return.
“We know you as a progressive politician from your perception, your utterances, and your disposition,” Ganduje said. “APC is perfect with you.”
He further announced that Yusuf has automatically become the leader of the APC in Kano State, in line with the party’s tradition. According to him, all serving governors under the APC serve as party leaders in their respective states.
“In APC, all serving governors are leaders of the party in their states,” Ganduje said. “Therefore, you are the leader of the APC in Kano State.”
The former APC national chairman also assured Yusuf of fairness and equal treatment within the party. He said the governor would enjoy the full backing of party leaders at both the state and national levels.
Ganduje expressed confidence that the APC would record sweeping victories in Kano State in future elections. He also predicted victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying the party remains strong across the country.
“As you are coming in, we assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will also win the 2027 election,” Ganduje said. “APC will stand solidly with you.”
Governor Yusuf’s defection was not a personal move alone. He returned to the APC alongside a large number of political office holders from Kano State. These include 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.
The defection has also weakened the NNPP in the state, a party that gained prominence in Kano in recent election cycles. Internal disputes and leadership struggles within the NNPP have reportedly caused divisions among its members, leading to the exit of key figures.
Governor Yusuf, while addressing supporters at the event, thanked party leaders and members for welcoming him back. He said his decision to return to the APC was based on consultations and careful consideration of the future of Kano State.
He pledged to work with all stakeholders within the party to deliver good governance and ensure peace and development across the state. He also called on party members to remain united and focused on the needs of the people.
Kano State has long been a stronghold of major political parties, and shifts in party loyalty often have national implications. With the governor now firmly in the APC and enjoying the backing of key political actors, attention is already turning to preparations for the 2027 elections.