Yusuf returns to rousing welcome in Kano after engagements with APC leaders

By Aminu Garko

Thousands of Kano residents on Saturday welcomed back Gov. Abba Yusuf after his engagement with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Abuja.

Yusuf was also part of the APC delegation that traveled to Bauchi to woo Gov. Bala Mohammed into thee party from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mohammed is yet to declare his new party affiliation after falling out with PDP.

The crowd followed a similar one that witnessed the visit to Yusuf’s estranged political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso by Mr Peter Obi of African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso had dumped thee New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join forces with Obi and other opposition leaders in ADC.

These moves are expected to play a major role as top politicians battle for the soul of Kano state, a kep player in who wins Presidential election in the country.

Yusuf’s supporters lined the roads from Aminu Kano International Airport to Kofar Mata and to Government House, waving party flags and chanting solidarity songs, creating a carnival-like atmosphere as his convoy passed through.

Some Kano residents described the reception as one of the largest public mobilisations in recent months.

They said it underscored the governor’s grassroots appeal even as Kano’s political landscape undergoes a major realignment.

Kwankwaso, a towering political figure and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, had long been a central force in Kano’s political structure.

His exit from the NNPP and call for supporters to align with the ADC has deepened political divisions in the state.

The development followed earlier changes, including Yusuf’s own departure from the NNPP to the ruling APC which rules at the centre further intensifying the reshaping of alliances.
Alhaji Abubakar Umar of unguwar waibai described the reception by Kano residents as unprecedented.

“We are here to show that Kano people are with their governor. Politics will always change, but leadership is about service,” Umar said.

Hajiya Habiba Nasiru said the mammoth crowd would reflect in the voting pattern in 2027.

“The people of Kano have spoken. We will get our PVCs and vote massively for Yusuf in 2027 because he’s independent,” Nasiru said.

Hajiya Zainab Abu of Hotoro said: “The people of Kano have spoken. We’ll vote massively for Yusuf in 2027 because he is independent.”

“Kano is better of with Yusuf. Gov. Yusuf spent over N46 billion on 17 township roads in 8 LGAs.

We will support him in 2027 to continue his projects,” said Alhaji Mubarak Isa of Rijiyan Zaki area of Kano.

Traders, students, women groups, and party loyalists were seen cheering and waving as the convoy passed, while security personnel maintained order to ensure a peaceful procession.

Political observers say the development highlights a growing contest for influence between established political blocs in Kano.

“The defection of Kwankwaso to ADC has undoubtedly altered the political equation.

“But, today’s crowd shows that Yusuf still commands significant street-level support,” said Musa Isa of Gwale Local Government Area.

Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, with a large voter base and a history of shaping national electoral outcomes.( NAN)