Shettima welcomes Yusuf to APC in emotional speech in Kano
… Yilwatda reaffirms APC’s 60/40 leadership sharing formula, urges Kano party leaders to work as a team … Defection in Kano’s interest – Governor Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday
… Yilwatda reaffirms APC's 60/40 leadership sharing formula, urges Kano party leaders to work as a team
… Defection in Kano's interest - Governor
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday hailed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a leader of cosmopolitans, saying "whenever Kano talks, the nation walks with him," as he welcomed the governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a grand ceremony on Monday.
In an emotional speech, Shettima described Kano as "an elegant expression of Nigeria's cosmopolitan soul," a state that "welcomes every Nigerian, absorbs every accent, accommodates every ambition, and turns diversity into destiny".
Shettima highlighted Kano's influence on Nigeria, citing its rich history, scholarship, politics, culture, and faith, saying "Kano has consistently welcomed Nigeria more than it has ever demanded in return."
He commended Governor Yusuf's leadership, citing transformation and commitment to governance.
"Kano is too big to play in the periphery," Shettima said, emphasising the state's importance to Nigeria's future.
Yilwatda urges Kano APC leaders to work as a team ahead of 2027 polls:
National APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda also welcomed Governor Yusuf back to the party, describing it as a "natural political home".
He said Yusuf's return symbolised unity and progress, urging party members in Kano to work together for the state's development.
Yilwatda reaffirmed the party's 60/40 leadership-sharing formula between new decampees and existing APC members in the state.
He praised the unity and support shown by APC members in Kano, describing the turnout as impressive and indicative of the party's strength in the state.
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He commended key party leaders, including Alhaji Yusuf Gawuna and Sen. Barau Jibrin, for supporting the governor's vision, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his contributions to the party's growth.
Kano first, says Governor Yusuf
Governor Abba Yusuf emphasised that politics should serve the people, and every decision he makes is guided by what is best for Kano state, not what is convenient.
He explained that the state's previous political platform of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) was not working, causing distractions and uncertainty.
"So, they joined the APC to align with the federal government and access national opportunities, driven by a desire to deliver results for Kano people.
"We're not interested in endless political battles. Our people want better roads, infrastructure, jobs, security, and a government focused on delivery," he said.
Yusuf thanked supporters, party members, and dignitaries, including the Vice President, for their presence and assured Kano people that the change would not affect his commitment to fair governance and service delivery.
"Kano First Government philosophy" is the way forward, Yusuf said, calling for unity and discipline among party members.
The governor said he believes with the APC support and federal cooperation, Kano State was poised to move forward confidently.
Yusuf said, "Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, the country is undergoing reforms that require states that are serious about governance, implementation and results to be part and parcel of the agenda of the president.
"I must therefore, said we have to be part of that process, not on the margins but on the table."
Shift in Kano's political landscape:
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State was formally received by the APC in a grand ceremony at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday.
The event drew many party chieftains and supporters, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, who received the governor and all the decampees.
Yusuf's defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC is a significant shift in Kano's political landscape.
He was elected governor in 2023 on the NNPP platform but has now joined the ruling party, citing a desire to work closely with the Federal Government to accelerate development in Kano State, a development that has separated him with his benefactor Rabiu Kwankwaso -a former Kano governor.
The APC had set up an 82-member committee to ensure the reception was held smoothly, with various sub-committees handling security, logistics, and mobilisation.
The ruling party sees the development as a major boost to its influence in the North-West region ahead of 2027 general polls.
