APC Reserves Prestigious Membership Card 001 For Kano Governor Abba Yusuf
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has made a significant political gesture by reserving its coveted membership card number 001 for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. This announcement came as the party formally launched its electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise across the north-western state, signaling a major development in Nigeria's political landscape.
Strategic Delay In E-Registration For Governor's Entry
Ahmad Aruwa, the spokesperson for the APC in Kano State, revealed in an interview on Thursday, January 22, that the ruling party deliberately postponed the commencement of the e-registration exercise. This strategic delay was implemented to facilitate what Aruwa described as a proper and organised entry for Governor Yusuf into the APC fold. The move demonstrates the party's anticipation of the governor's imminent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Aruwa stated clearly: We have flagged off the e-registration exercise across the 44 local government areas of the state. Anyone interested can go to their ward to register. We are also expecting the governor to defect into the party any time soon, and we have reserved card number 001 for him in his ward.
Governor Yusuf's Meeting With President Tinubu
The political developments gained momentum following Governor Yusuf's meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. The meeting, which lasted approximately one hour, was attended by several high-profile figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Professor Yilwatda Nentawe, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that Governor Yusuf presented President Tinubu with the terms and conditions set by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, for joining the APC. The governor reportedly requested that President Tinubu personally meet with Kwankwaso to persuade him to join the ruling party, as all previous efforts by Governor Yusuf had proven unsuccessful.
APC's Preparations For The Defection
Abdullahi Abbas, the APC chairman in Kano State, had earlier indicated that Governor Yusuf might officially register with the party and collect his membership card on either Tuesday or Wednesday, January 20 or 21. This timeline followed the governor's Abuja meeting with President Tinubu and former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who now serves as APC national chairman.
The APC has established a 14-man committee tasked with implementing the e-registration exercise throughout Kano State. Chairman Abbas addressed 1,500 ad-hoc staff engaged for the registration process, explaining that the party delayed the exercise due to ongoing political developments. He emphasized that the APC wanted to ensure proper accommodation for the governor's potential defection before commencing the registration drive.
Political Implications And Broader Context
This development represents a significant shift in Kano State's political dynamics, traditionally a stronghold for opposition parties. The reservation of membership card 001 for Governor Yusuf symbolizes the APC's recognition of his political stature and the importance of his potential defection to the ruling party's strategy in northern Nigeria.
The move occurs against the backdrop of the APC's broader efforts to strengthen its position ahead of future elections, while the NNPP faces the potential loss of one of its most prominent governors. The e-registration exercise itself marks a modernization of party membership processes, though its timing has been strategically aligned with these high-level political negotiations.
