Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has assured Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the ruling party’s full support for his re‑election bid and the governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

The assurances followed Yusuf’s formal defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Government House, Kano.

Governor Yusuf’s defection from the NNPP to the APC marks a major political realignment in Kano State. His resignation from the NNPP, after a period of internal disputes and legal challenges, has drawn several elected officials and party members to the APC alongside him.

The switch comes less than a year before the 2027 general elections and is expected to strengthen APC’s influence in northern Nigeria.

The APC leadership held a reception in Kano where party stakeholders, including Ganduje, welcomed Yusuf back into the fold. The event underscored efforts to unify party ranks ahead of upcoming elections.

Ganduje described Yusuf’s return to the APC as “historic” and a major boost for the party in Kano State. He said discussions had taken place with all prospective APC governorship aspirants, and they had agreed to step aside in favour of Yusuf’s candidacy for 2027.

“You will win your second term in 2027. We have spoken to all aspirants, and they have agreed to support you,” Ganduje said.

The former national chairman also emphasised that in APC tradition, all serving governors are recognised as party leaders in their respective states. He confirmed that Yusuf would automatically assume that role in Kano, reinforcing internal unity within the party.

Ganduje said: “This is a memorable and historic occasion. Your Excellency, you are welcome back home to the APC. When the party was formed, you were with us, but later political differences and misconceptions led you away. Now you are back.”

In highlighting party unity, he added: “In APC, all serving governors are leaders of the party in their respective states. Therefore, you are the leader of the APC in Kano State.”

National implications

The assurances by Ganduje signal strong support for Governor Yusuf within the APC and signal an effort to consolidate political strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

The move is likely to influence political dynamics in Kano State and beyond, reinforcing the ruling party’s dominance and positioning Yusuf as a key figure in northern Nigerian politics.

Governor Yusuf’s defection and the subsequent endorsement by Dr Ganduje reflect a concerted push by the APC to consolidate power and unify its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s support for Yusuf’s candidature and confidence in his victory underscore the broader political realignment underway in Kano.