Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf formally defected to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 26, 2026. He announced this major political shift at an event in the Kano State Government House. Moreover this move dramatically altered the landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Defection for Unity and Development
Governor Yusuf stated that his decision was driven by the need to foster unity and fast-track development in Kano State. He had resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) just days before, citing deepening internal crises and leadership disputes.
The governor emphasized that his foremost priority remained delivering good governance to the people of Kano.
Meanwhile several prominent APC figures witnessed his defection. They included former national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Furthermore, this event occurred just hours after 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly also defected from the NNPP to the APC.
The Promise of an Automatic Ticket
In reaction at the event, former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje made a significant announcement. He declared that the party resolved to grant Governor Yusuf an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election. Ganduje explained that the party’s 2023 governorship candidate and his running mate had agreed to step down.
“Similarly, those who show interest have also assured me that they have stepped down for you,” Ganduje stated to the governor. He expressed strong optimism that Governor Yusuf would contest and win the 2027 election under the APC banner. Ganduje also declared that the governor would automatically assume the position of party leader in Kano State.
Political Context and Broader Implications
This defection formed part of a wider realignment of political forces. Just two days prior, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also defected to the APC, pledging support for President Bola Tinubu. Governor Mutfwang similarly framed his move as a step toward unifying his state’s political landscape.
However these moves contradicted earlier statements from national APC officials. Previously the party had ruled out giving automatic tickets to governors who defected ahead of the 2027 elections.
APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim had reinforced that all members would have equal opportunity to contest for positions. This official position suggested a potential internal party disagreement over the handling of high-profile defectors.
Reactions and Electoral Consequences
Governor Yusuf’s departure was a severe blow to the NNPP, which is considered a one-state party heavily reliant on Kano. Analysts noted that with the governor’s defection, it was doubtful the NNPP could maintain its grip on Kano in 2027.
This development also placed NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso in a difficult political position, narrowing his options for future alliances.
In conclusion, the defection promised to reshape the upcoming electoral battle in Nigeria’s most populous state. It strengthened the APC’s position in the Northwest region significantly.
The coming months were expected to reveal whether the promised automatic ticket would materialize and how the electorate would respond to this major political shift.
