What Tinubu told APC leaders before Gov Yusuf’s defection – Barau

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State to fully support Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of his defection to the party.

Barau disclosed this on Tuesday in Kano while speaking with journalists, stressing that the President emphasised unity, cooperation and focus on governance.

According to him, Tinubu adviced APC stakeholders in Kano to work closely with Governor Yusuf and avoid actions capable of distracting him from delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

“He told us clearly to support the governor and allow him to concentrate on governance. President Tinubu is a seasoned leader who understands the complexity of politics,” Barau said.

Expressing satisfaction over the development, the Deputy Senate President said the APC had gained politically by receiving a sitting governor into its fold.

“It is a day I will sleep happily because our party has gained a governor. For over a year, we have received decampees from different parties, including the NNPP. Now, by God’s mercy, we have received a sitting governor of Kano State,” he stated.

Barau said the priority of the APC in Kano must now be to support Governor Yusuf to succeed, noting that internal unity was critical for development.

“What is important now is to support him and also advise him, including with prayers. Kano requires collective effort. We must come together democratically to help him succeed,” he added.

He further disclosed that following the governor’s defection, all political rivalries and personal ambitions within the APC should be dropped in the interest of stability and progress.

“That is why we said issues of aspirations and contests should be shelved. I have dropped mine. If we are truly for the people, then we must support him,” Barau said.

The lawmaker warned that denying the governor the opportunity to secure a second term would disrupt ongoing efforts and negatively affect governance in the state.

Drawing from past experiences, Barau recalled making sacrifices for party unity during previous contests, including leadership positions in the National Assembly and governorship races in Kano.

“I believe in sacrifice for the collective good. If the governor had been in the APC from the beginning, I would not have talked about contesting. Now that he is in our party, we must support him fully,” he said.

Barau added that Governor Yusuf now has full freedom to run the government, including appointing commissioners, without pressure from party leaders.

“The governor is at liberty to appoint commissioners. We will not push him. If he asks me to nominate, I will, but we will not distract him,” he stated.

He also noted that President Tinubu encouraged APC leaders in Kano to embrace Governor Yusuf as one family, describing his defection as voluntary.

“We did not force anyone to join us. They came willingly because of the good policies of the APC,” Barau said.