Kano Politics: Shettima Highlights State's Key Influence

Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored Kano State’s profound political and cosmopolitan significance, asserting that its influence transcends geographical boundaries and party lines, making it too crucial for any political faction to disregard in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. His remarks came as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf officially joined the APC.

The Vice President delivered this statement on Monday in Abuja, during a major rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, where senior leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally welcomed the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, into the party.

Shettima further elaborated that Kano has consistently played a central and indispensable role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He stressed that no serious political actor could realistically afford to overlook or ignore the state’s considerable clout.

“Kano is an elegant expression of Nigeria’s cosmopolitan soul. Whenever Kano speaks, the nation listens — not merely because of its population, but owing to its historic role in shaping political thought, commerce, and culture within this country,” he declared, highlighting the state's multifaceted importance to the nation's politics and identity.

The Vice President also extended President Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathy following the recent devastating fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano. He announced that the Federal Government had approved a substantial N5 billion as support for the victims of the disaster. Additionally, he confirmed that the APC Governors’ Forum had pledged further financial assistance to the affected traders, demonstrating a multi-tiered response to the tragedy.

Governor Yusuf Explains Defection to APC

Governor Yusuf explained that his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was primarily motivated by the pressing need to ensure political stability and to accelerate comprehensive development across Kano State. He revealed that over time, it became increasingly evident that the political platform on which he was initially elected was no longer providing the necessary cohesion and stability required for effective governance.

“Internal disagreements, uncertainties, and distractions began to significantly impede the actual work of governance. As leaders, there inevitably comes a time when one must make a clear and decisive choice in the overriding public interest,” he stated, justifying his monumental political shift.

Yusuf underscored that Kano, given its vast size, considerable population, and immense economic significance, simply could not afford to remain politically disconnected from the national centre of power. “Kano is too strategic and too important to remain disconnected from the centre of national governance. Development today is fundamentally driven by alignment, cooperation, and access to national opportunities. This decision is not about personal ambition; it is unequivocally about repositioning Kano for greater progress,” he affirmed.

The governor further asserted that aligning with the APC-led Federal Government would empower the state to more effectively attract vital investments, crucial infrastructure projects, and other developmental benefits under President Tinubu’s ambitious Renewed Hope agenda.

“Our people are not interested in endless political battles. They unequivocally desire better roads, improved infrastructure, meaningful jobs for our youths, enhanced security for our communities, and a government resolutely focused on delivery,” he added, articulating the aspirations of his constituents.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that his defection was a collective decision, revealing that a significant majority of Kano’s federal and state lawmakers had also made the move to the APC alongside him.

Distinguished attendees at the rally included Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Also present were the governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Imo states, among other prominent party leaders and federal lawmakers.

"Welcome Back Home" – APC Chairman

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, described the party as the largest political family in Africa and extended a warm welcome to Governor Yusuf, describing his return as coming back to his “natural political home.” He stated that the governor’s rejoining the APC symbolised unity and progress, earnestly urging all party members in Kano to set aside differences, close ranks, and collaborate harmoniously for the accelerated development of the state. “Unite Kano, unite your people, and build a progressive state. Take this as a sign of coming back home. You are welcome,” Yilwatda declared, reinforcing the sentiment of reconciliation.

From NNPP to APC: A Political Reshuffle

Governor Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC has fundamentally reshaped the political landscape of Kano State. This move has, however, undeniably strained his relationship with his former political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso publicly dismissed any claims that he had approved the governor’s departure from the NNPP, emphatically insisting that he neither encouraged nor endorsed Yusuf’s transition to the APC. In a dramatic response, Kwankwaso controversially declared January 23 as “betrayal day,” characterising the governor’s defection as a profound breach of trust and a stark departure from the party and movement that had propelled him to power in the 2023 elections.

The NNPP leadership also accused Yusuf of betraying the “sacred trust” placed in him by loyal party faithful and voters. They warned that his exit could significantly weaken the party’s structure and influence within the state. This political realignment has, predictably, ignited internal tensions within the state executive. Notably, Kano’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has chosen to remain with the NNPP, a decision that places him at clear variance with the governor’s new political alignment, suggesting potential friction ahead.

This significant development has generated mixed reactions among both political analysts and stakeholders. Supporters of the defection argue that aligning with the ruling APC at the federal level could substantially enhance cooperation with the central government and accelerate development in Kano. Critics, however, contend that the move may inadvertently weaken opposition politics in the state and dilute the fundamental ideological foundation of party loyalty.

Following Governor Yusuf’s defection, it was reported that 31 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, federal lawmakers, and all 44 local government chairmen also registered with the APC alongside the governor, indicating a mass exodus. At a recent APC gathering, party leaders formally endorsed Yusuf as their preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, with other aspirants reportedly stepping down in his favour, solidifying his position within the new party.

(SOURCE: News Report)