APC Leaders Gather in Kano for Governor Yusuf’s Defection

The Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano has turned into a major political gathering point as top figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) converge for the formal defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the ruling party.

By early Monday, the stadium was already filled with supporters, party loyalists, and organisers, creating an atmosphere more typical of a national convention than a routine political event.

Hundreds of supporters arrived hours before the ceremony, while workers hurriedly erected tents, mounted party banners, and installed sound systems across the venue. Security presence was visibly heightened around the stadium, reflecting the scale and sensitivity of the event.

The mobilization underscores the political weight attached to Yusuf’s expected move, which is widely seen as a significant shift in Kano’s political landscape.

APC leadership signals strength with high-profile presence

The defection ceremony is expected to draw some of the APC’s most influential leaders, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who is leading a delegation from the party’s national leadership. Governors elected under the party’s platform, operating through the Progressive Governors Forum, are also expected in Kano, highlighting the importance the APC attaches to Yusuf’s entry into its ranks.

Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is also billed to attend the event. His presence carries symbolic meaning, given his political roots in Kano and his longstanding influence in the state’s political structure. Party insiders say the convergence of such high-ranking figures reflects both a show of unity and a strategic effort to reinforce the party’s dominance in the North-West region.

The scale of participation suggests that the APC views the defection not just as an individual political decision, but as a broader consolidation of power in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.

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Defection expected to reshape Kano’s political balance

Governor Yusuf is expected to defect alongside federal and state lawmakers, all 44 local government chairmen, and thousands of supporters, in what analysts describe as a major political realignment. The move could significantly strengthen the APC’s influence in Kano and reshape existing political alliances ahead of future elections.

The ceremony follows a series of closed-door meetings held on Sunday between party leaders and key stakeholders to finalise arrangements and align strategies ahead of the announcement. Party officials say the consultations reflect growing confidence among political actors in the APC’s leadership and direction, particularly at a time when political loyalties across the country remain fluid.

Beyond the political ceremony, APC leaders also visited the site of the recent fire incident at Singer Market, where they commiserated with affected traders and pledged support for rebuilding efforts. The visit served both as a gesture of solidarity and a reminder of the broader governance issues facing the state.

Political observers say Yusuf’s defection represents more than a symbolic political switch. Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political strongholds, and any shift in its leadership alignment has national implications. By securing the governor’s entry into its ranks, the APC could significantly reinforce its electoral strength in the region and position itself more firmly ahead of upcoming political contests.