Kano Governor Fixes Fresh Date to Defect to APC After Meeting Tinubu

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has fixed a fresh date for his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has faced repeated delays in recent weeks.

Fresh arrangements were, however, concluded after consultations with key political actors at the national level.

Yusuf disclosed the new plan during a late-night meeting with members of the Kano State House of Assembly in Kano on Thursday. The session was held behind closed doors and focused on the political direction of the state.

During the meeting, the governor presented a clear three-day schedule for his exit from the NNPP and entry into the APC. Lawmakers were informed that he would formally resign from the NNPP on Saturday. His public declaration to join the APC is expected on Sunday. Monday has been set aside for the collection of his APC membership card.

The governor also briefed the legislators on negotiations with the APC leadership. He stated that an agreement had been reached which grants him a “60 per cent stake” in the party’s structure within the state.

He further explained that a committee would soon be set up to define how the arrangement would be implemented. The committee is expected to work ahead of the party’s next congress.

Yusuf also addressed concerns surrounding his long-standing political ally, Rabiu Kwankwaso. He said his engagement with President Tinubu was influenced by appeals from lawmakers who wanted efforts made to bring Kwankwaso into the fold.

Discussions were reportedly initiated for a possible meeting between the President and Kwankwaso. Nevertheless, the proposed engagement did not eventually hold.

However, reports from Abuja suggest that Kwankwaso remains unwilling to join the APC. He is said to be exploring alternative political alliances especially with opposition camps ahead of 2027 elections.