Manny Ita –
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment in one of Nigeria’s most influential northern states. The announcement was made on Tuesday during a high-profile visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kano, where the governor was officially received into the ruling party.
Speaking at the event, Yusuf described his decision as one driven by the need to align the state with the federal government for accelerated development. “This move is in the best interest of Kano State and its people. We are joining forces to deliver greater dividends of democracy,” he said.
Vice President Shettima welcomed the governor into the APC, describing the defection as a major boost for the party and a step toward deeper national unity. “Governor Yusuf’s decision demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and progress. Kano remains central to Nigeria’s political and economic stability,” he stated.
During the same visit, the Federal Government announced an ₦8 billion relief package for traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at Singer Market, one of the state’s busiest commercial hubs. The inferno had destroyed hundreds of shops and goods, leaving many traders in financial distress.
A federal official said the intervention was intended to help victims rebuild their businesses and restore economic activity in the area. “The President has approved immediate support to cushion the losses suffered by traders. No hardworking Nigerian should be left behind after such a disaster,” the official said.
Market leaders expressed relief at the announcement, noting that many traders had lost their entire capital in the fire. One representative of the traders’ association said, “This support will help us stand again. Many families depend on this market for survival.”
Security, emergency response, and reconstruction efforts are also expected to be strengthened as part of the federal intervention. Authorities indicated that mechanisms would be put in place to ensure transparent distribution of the funds to verified victims.
Political analysts say the governor’s defection could reshape party dynamics ahead of future elections, given Kano’s large voting population and strategic importance. They also note that the simultaneous relief announcement underscores efforts to reinforce federal presence and goodwill in the state following the devastating market fire.
The development is likely to trigger reactions across the political spectrum, particularly among opposition parties, as stakeholders assess the implications for governance and electoral alignments in the North.
