Ex–Deputy Governors, Former Speakers, Ganduje, Barau, Doguwa, Kano Ministers Back Yusuf for Second Term as He Joins APC
…Unprecedented convergence of Kano’s past and present power blocs
All living former Deputy Governors of Kano State, former Speakers of the Kano State House of Assembly, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, fifth-term member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Northern Region Caucus, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and the two serving ministers from Kano State have endorsed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a second term in office, following his official defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today.
The endorsement marks one of the most far-reaching political realignments in Kano State’s history, bringing together former and current holders of key executive and legislative offices across party lines.
The former Deputy Governors who declared support for Governor Yusuf include Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, and Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.
Similarly, the surviving former Speakers of the Kano State House of Assembly who endorsed the governor are Abdullahi Ata, Gambo Sallau, and Kabiru Rurum.
Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who also served as National Chairman of the APC, publicly welcomed Yusuf into the ruling party, describing the move as a major boost for party unity and governance stability in Kano State.
In the same vein, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, one of the most influential APC leaders from the state, endorsed Yusuf’s re-election ambition, noting that his entry into the APC strengthens the party’s electoral prospects and deepens cooperation between state and federal leadership.
The endorsement was further reinforced by Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a ranking federal lawmaker and Chairman of the Northern Region Caucus in the House of Representatives, who described Governor Yusuf’s defection as a strategic step that would enhance coordination between Kano State and the National Assembly.
Support from the two serving ministers from Kano State also underscored strong federal-level backing for the governor’s political realignment and continuity agenda.
According to a joint communiqué issued by the political leaders, the decision to endorse Governor Yusuf followed a collective assessment of his administration’s performance and leadership style.
“We are convinced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated the capacity, inclusiveness, and commitment required to lead Kano State into its next phase of development. His decision to join the APC provides a broader platform for unity and effective governance,” the communiqué stated.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf expressed profound gratitude to the former Deputy Governors, ex-Speakers, former Governor Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and the serving ministers for their support.
“This endorsement from leaders who have carried the responsibility of governance at state and national levels is deeply humbling. It strengthens our resolve to consolidate on the progress achieved and to serve the people of Kano with renewed commitment,” Yusuf said.
Political observers say the convergence of Kano’s political elders, current federal office holders, and APC power brokers around Yusuf signals a rare elite consensus that could significantly reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
With executive experience, legislative authority, and national influence now aligned behind him, analysts believe Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection and immediate consolidation of support position him as a dominant force within the APC and a strong contender for a second term in office.