By Tgnews Reporter
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared himself the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, asserting that former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, cannot issue instructions to him.
The governor made the remarks on Friday while addressing his political supporters amid growing criticisms over his recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC.
Yusuf, who was elected under the NNPP platform in 2023, insisted that his move to the ruling party was not an act of betrayal against the Kwankwasiyya Movement but a necessary step taken in the face of internal crisis within the NNPP.
“I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” he said.
The governor added that acting early prevented a larger calamity for millions of Kano residents.
“By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see,” Yusuf stated.
Responding to accusations of betrayal, the governor turned the question back on his critics: “They accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?”
He further challenged claims that he had “handed over” the state to Ganduje, asking rhetorically: “Who is the leader of APC in Kano today?”
His supporters roared in response: “Abba is the leader!”
Yusuf continued: “Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?”
The governor however maintained that he holds mutual respect for Ganduje but would not accept directives from him on state affairs.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf declared emphatically.
The development comes as political realignments continue across Nigeria ahead of future electoral cycles, with Yusuf’s defection sparking intense debate within Kano’s political circles, particularly among loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Yusuf’s assertion of leadership in the Kano APC is expected to reshape power dynamics in the state, as stakeholders position themselves within the ruling party.
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