Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Announces Return to APC on January 26, 2026
In a significant political development, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has confirmed his intention to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The formal registration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, marking a pivotal shift in the state's political landscape.
Strengthening Federal Cooperation Through Party Realignment
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his decision to return to the APC is strategically aimed at enhancing cooperation with the Federal Government. This move is expected to foster better alignment between state and federal policies, potentially benefiting Kano's development initiatives and governance structures.
According to a statement issued by the governor's spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Yusuf initially joined the APC in 2014 before his subsequent political journey. This return represents a homecoming to his original political base, signaling a consolidation of support within the ruling party's framework.
Mass Registration Event with Key Political Figures
The registration event will not be an isolated occurrence. Governor Yusuf will be joined by a substantial contingent of political officeholders from across Kano State, including:
- 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly
- 8 members of the House of Representatives representing Kano constituencies
- All 44 Local Government Chairmen from across the state
This collective registration underscores a coordinated political realignment at multiple levels of governance within Kano State.
Launch of APC E-Registration Platform in Kano
Beyond the personal political move, Governor Yusuf is expected to officially launch the APC's electronic registration exercise in Kano State during the same event. This initiative represents a technological advancement in party membership management, potentially streamlining the process for thousands of prospective members across the state.
The e-registration launch aligns with broader digital transformation trends in Nigerian political administration, offering a more efficient method for party enrollment and data management.
Political Implications and Historical Context
Governor Yusuf's return to the APC carries significant weight given Kano's status as Nigeria's most populous state and a crucial political battleground. His initial departure from the APC and subsequent governorship victory under the NNPP banner in 2023 represented a notable shift in the state's political dynamics.
This planned return suggests a strategic recalibration ahead of future electoral cycles, potentially strengthening the APC's position in Northern Nigeria while reshaping opposition politics in the region. The mass defection of state assembly members and local government chairmen indicates a broader realignment beyond just the governor's personal political affiliation.
As January 26, 2026 approaches, political observers will be monitoring how this development influences governance, party politics, and intergovernmental relations between Kano State and federal authorities in Abuja.