The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a mass political realignment involving 34 lawmakers, 44 local government chairmen, and several political appointees.

The defection followed consultations and what the governor described as a careful assessment of Kano State’s future aspirations.

Mr. Yusuf said his decision was driven by the need to work closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate development and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He described the move as a deliberate choice of progress over pride, while commending the positive impact of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the country.

The governor also announced plans to establish a Kano Elders Council, which he said would promote political stability, unity, and good governance in the state.

He commended leaders of the APC, including the former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, for their support and roles in facilitating the defection.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Yusuf was formally received into the APC alongside Dr. Ganduje, a former National Chairman of the party; the Deputy Senate President; Sen. Kawu Sumaila; and several members of the House of Representatives.

The governor recalled that he had previously joined the APC in 2014, when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat.

Explaining his return to the party, Mr. Yusuf cited governance realities, the need for national cohesion, and accelerated development, describing the APC as a familiar platform with a clear structure for progressive governance.

He said rejoining the party would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate development, enhance security, and improve service delivery across Kano State.

“I am entering the APC together with 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local government chairmen, and 484 councillors,” the governor said.

“We will work collectively to advance the party’s noble ideals for the overall political development of Kano State.

“Our mission is to advance the Kano agenda, which remains our primary concern, not personal interest.”