Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday described Kano State as central to the All Progressives Congress, saying the state “cannot continue to be on the sidelines.”
He made the remarks at the official reception of Governor Abba Yusuf into the APC, stressing that Kano “can’t be on the sidelines” in national political decisions.
The event took place at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, and also marked the defection of 22 state House of Assembly members, eight federal lawmakers, and 44 local government chairmen to the APC.
Prominent attendees included APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, former National Chairman Dr Umar Ganduje, as well as the governors of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Imo states.
Other notable figures at the event were Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Shettima told supporters that Kano is a “pivotal state” and that its full support for the ruling party is key to winning elections both in the state and nationally.
The APC lost Kano in both the presidential and governorship elections to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in 2023. President Bola Tinubu, however, is focused on Kano as part of efforts to secure his second-term mandate.
Previous attempts to bring back the NNPP national leader, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, along with the governor, into the APC were unsuccessful.
Governor Yusuf finally left the NNPP on January 26, 2026, alongside 22 state lawmakers, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen, joining the APC.
At the stadium, Shettima said Kano was too important to remain on the periphery and praised Yusuf for the move, noting that it would boost inclusivity and development in the state.
“Kano is so important that we cannot afford for it to be on the sidelines,” he said, congratulating the governor, state lawmakers, National Assembly members, and local government chairmen who defected.
Governor Yusuf explained that his defection was motivated by his desire to focus on the development of Kano State.
“Our people are not interested in endless political struggles; rather, they are interested in good roads, hospitals, schools, and other initiatives that will improve their socio-economic conditions,” he said, thanking Vice President Shettima and party leaders for their support.
APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda also welcomed Yusuf, saying: “You have made the right move at the right time, and APC will give you the progressive platform to move ahead.”
